Why We Don't Work Overtime(bigbangtechnology.com)
bigbangtechnology.com
Why We Don't Work Overtime
http://bigbangtechnology.com/post/why_we_dont_work_overtime
7 comments
Agree with the last commenter who pointed out ur policy is, in itself, a compliance tactic. You've gone to the opposite extreme: some people, at different phases in their life, grow by working excessively. I did. Focus not on squelching the desire people have to do more for you and instead on ensuring that those who prefer a traditional work-life balance are not penalized in light of their more work-oriented co-workers.
Ok, I sort of see where you're coming from. But what am I trying to get them to comply to? I suppose I am trying to get them to comply when it comes to being disciplined in their approach to being productive at the office. I'm also trying to get them to comply in leading active, healthy, balanced lifestyles. But since the intent of this strategy is really in the best interest of the team member, I don't see it as a typical compliance tactic, which tends to promote the best interest of the employer at the expense of the staff member.
You do bring up an interesting point. One of the guys that we're hiring now brought this point up and said, 'what if I really want to work overtime for the following reasons..." And he brought up some good points. It was a great conversation and probably deserves its own blog post.
I'd be curious to ask you though: why did you have a desire to work excessively, and what did you get out of it?
You do bring up an interesting point. One of the guys that we're hiring now brought this point up and said, 'what if I really want to work overtime for the following reasons..." And he brought up some good points. It was a great conversation and probably deserves its own blog post.
I'd be curious to ask you though: why did you have a desire to work excessively, and what did you get out of it?
Great read! Opened my eyes and answered some questions for me that I didn't even know I needed to ask. Also explained why no matter where I end up, I feel burned out within six months; work hero syndrome to say the least though I was unaware given no definition. Good stuff.
Hey there,
Thanks so much for the kind words. It took us a long time (and a crisis) to articulate it properly. When you burned out, how did you get over it?
Max
Thanks so much for the kind words. It took us a long time (and a crisis) to articulate it properly. When you burned out, how did you get over it?
Max
I know of companies where working overtime is "expected" and where accumulating a certain amount of overtime hours per year is seen as "commitment" or "dedication". They also have several employees who are out of action for months due to burnout.
That's really unfortunate. Were the employees able to just take a few months off to relax?
Don't you think that demanding that your employees leave at 5 pm is a compliance tactic in and of itself? Also, what are your 'obvious' reasons for why founders are treated differently and 'allowed' to work overtime?
Hey milang,
I'm Max's business partner. We do things that only really make sense to to outside of business hours right now. For instance every Monday before work we review all the projects the company has on its plate so we can be prepared for any conversations with staff at 9:00am.
Another example is that once a month we review every financial expense the company has so that we can build cash flow projections etc. Even as we grow we intend to keep our eyes in the back end of the business.
Another example might be research for a new product or service that is not currently generating revenue. Until we are willing to make a cash investment in the idea, the founders typically do interviews and customer development activities outside of business hours.
I'm Max's business partner. We do things that only really make sense to to outside of business hours right now. For instance every Monday before work we review all the projects the company has on its plate so we can be prepared for any conversations with staff at 9:00am.
Another example is that once a month we review every financial expense the company has so that we can build cash flow projections etc. Even as we grow we intend to keep our eyes in the back end of the business.
Another example might be research for a new product or service that is not currently generating revenue. Until we are willing to make a cash investment in the idea, the founders typically do interviews and customer development activities outside of business hours.
Good post; What I think is important to point out (and what I've always told people) is that overtime is a result of failure: failure of planning, process, time/task/scope/resource management, estimation, etc.
I completely agree. As long as we can recognize that these types of failures are the failures of management and the owners, not the employees. They shouldn't have to work overtime for the poor management of their leaders.
Great points by both of you. Couldn't agree more.
Curious to know if this piece of company culture came about right from the get-go or if you started pushing this mentality once the company was stable and making steady revenue?
Hey Bijan,
We had this baked in from the get-go, although I don't see why a company couldn't start any time. We've always been protective of work-life balance, but it was hard to articulate why until recently.
We had this baked in from the get-go, although I don't see why a company couldn't start any time. We've always been protective of work-life balance, but it was hard to articulate why until recently.
It's a hard point to justify but you made a great case for it with the article.
I have lots to learn from you guys on culture!
I have lots to learn from you guys on culture!
Hi, I'm Max and I wrote this article. You should read it if you've ever been asked to work overtime by your boss or by a client.