Longer Hours ≠ Higher Productivity

How many days a week do you work longer than “regular” business hours? Many of us do this
routinely, and it may not be helping our productivity, well-being, or satisfaction.

According to a recent Slack survey of over 10,000 employees, those who feel obligated to work
after-hours register 20% lower productivity than those who log off at the end of the standard
workday. They experience more work-related stress, lower satisfaction with their overall
working environment, and greater burnout than their peers who clock out at the end of the
regular workday.

However, that is not the complete story. The same survey found that employees who work
outside the standard hours by choice report no adverse impacts and even have improved wellness
and productivity scores.

Why the difference?

Before answering that question, let’s look at some statistics from another survey. The recent
Gallup Survey discussed in the 2023 book Culture Shock by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter. This
survey shows that from 2015 – to 2022, the percentage of employees who rank a greater work-
life balance and better personal well-being as very important moved from 53% to 63%. A ten
percent increase, even higher than more income or better benefits! Gallup also cited well-being
and work-life balance as the number two reason employees leave their jobs. The only reason that
scored higher was engagement and culture.

Again, Why the Difference?

It comes down to two words: obligated versus choice. Are employees being forced to work
longer hours, or do they get to choose the hours they work? That is the difference. Sometimes,
we must work extra hours to meet a deadline or pull a team together for an important project, but
these are not the norm. Most days involve routine work that workers can do in various ways and
time frames. It is not always imperative that the work be done Monday through Friday from 9:00
– 5:00. Allowing for flexible time gives employees a choice in determining when they can be the
most focused and productive. For some, it may be in the morning; for others, it may be in the
afternoon or the evening. It doesn’t matter so much when or how, but what is the best
environment and time for each individual to work at their highest level of focus?
For example, take a parent with young children. If forced to work after hours, they miss
significant time with their family. But—if they choose- they can leave work at 5, go home, spend
quality time with their family, and work after dinner or after they put their children to bed.
Which scenario do you think will be the most focused time for them? 
 
Not all businesses can allow employees to work from home, but other ways exist to achieve
flexibility and well-being. Below are a few ideas and additional tips on incorporateing more
focus and productivity in your business.

1. Offer employees choices over the hours they work
a. Four-day work weeks
b. Flexible start and end times
c. Option on days worked
d. Increased paid time off or vacation
e. Relaxed dress code some days

2. Build Trust

a. Allow employees to feel safe enough to speak up about their needs. All
employees do not have the exact need for flexibility. As a leader, it is up to you to
have this discussion and offer a culture where employees can state what they need
without fear of judgment or retribution.

3. Model a culture of balance:
a. Are you always the last one to leave your office? Your employees are watching.
b. Do you take time off to relax and recharge? Even as entrepreneurs, we need to do
this and self-monitor to avoid burnout.

4. Have fewer meetings
a. More than two hours a day in meetings is the tipping point at which most workers
say they spend too much time in meetings.

5. Breaks
a. Get up from your desk and move. Even ten minutes is enough time to regain your
focus and energy.

The adage, “work smarter, not harder,” has never been truer than it is today. Maybe we should
add to that adage, “work less, work hard, and then go home!
The bottom line is that Employees and Entrepreneurs want flexibility. Managers and leaders take
note.

References:
 https://slack.com/blog/news/the-surprising-connection-between-after-hours-work-and-
decreased-productivity
Clifton, Jim, & Harter, Jim; 2023; Culture Shock; Gallup Press