Check out this quote from a recent CNBC article, "Employers and workers are at odds over work-life balance — here’s who is winning"
“Working long hours, being responsive, blending work and life, is not anything to shy away from,” Niraj Shah (Wayfair) wrote in an email to employees first obtained by Business Insider. “There is not a lot of history of laziness being rewarded with success,” Shah wrote."
Let's look at this frustrating point by frustrating point.
"Working long hours = success"
Does it? Objectively? What are the metrics? Where is the data?
Can't working long hours also mean: inefficiency, ineffectiveness, need for training/knowledge and yes, filling time just to "look busy?"
Can we not agree that delivering measurable results = success?
"Being responsive = success"
Yes...BUT!!! What must be in place first is a clear strategy and a well resourced plan. These need to be supported by ongoing communication and appropriate metrics to help guide, course correct, and drive toward success. The concept of responsiveness is not to be subjective, but rather in alignment with objective timelines/deadlines (NOT ASAP).
"Blending work and life = success"
Who decides the blend? Who controls the time wanted/needed for each?
What happens when people are judged for how their blending looks to others?
And on the topic of judging, “laziness” may not be an accurate label in all situations. Someone may actually be resting, recharging, recalibrating, focusing on wellbeing, or simply taking a break.