It is not necessarily true that longer working hours will result in greater productivity among employees.
A recent experiment by Microsoft’s Japan confirmed something what likely we have suspected all along: Shorter working hours is great for employees and enterprise.
The month-long experiment found that employees became happier and their productivity was increased by 40%.Source
Longer working hours typically translates to an unwelcoming disruption to work-life balance. Evidently, it is unsurprising that employees will become unhappy, and slow but surely, less productive at work.
In the experiment, 92% of employees prefer shorter work week. In a nation where employees work themselves to death, also known as karoshi, it is perhaps unsurprising that Microsoft employees rejoiced over this shift in their workplace.
What About Malaysia?
We believe Malaysians will appreciate shorter working hours too. A recent survey by Jobstreet found that 42% of Malaysians are unhappy with their jobs. Coincidentally, Kuala Lumpur was ranked in 4th place as one of the most overworked city in the world whereas Tokyo ranked first. A separate survey also found that Malaysians are overworked and 51% of them face one dimensional work-related stress. Work stress and mental health are directly related and extreme impact can even lead to serious mental breakdown.
What Was Proven by The Discovery?
If it isn’t obvious by now, longer working hours do not equate higher productivity. Employers should understand the impact of work stress on employees’ performance at work. On the other hand, employees should value their well-being and closely monitor state of mental and physical health.
What Can You Do, Dear Employer?
A considerate employer (hopefully it’s you) should enforce effective health improvement policies at workplace. It can be as simple as discounted gym memberships and complimentary health screening. At the other end of the spectrum, employers can get even more creative by offering cash handouts like some Japanese companies? How about a drone that sings you a song to go home, or embarrassment cape?
Dear All Hardworking Employees….
There is no denying that health is wealth. If you are feeling overwhelmed, and Monday has become the most dreaded day of the week, we recommend you try some tips below:
- Create a balanced work schedule to prioritize tasks sensibly.
- Get enough sleep
- Talk to your loved ones (sometimes venting really helps)
- Don’t be a perfectionist
- Take a time off (hit the road for a holiday, yay!)
If all else fails, maybe it’s time to reconsider your job. Maybe the problem is your manager, workplace, or it could simply be you. Remember that while someone can replace you at work, no one can substitute you in life. Regardless of the cause of stress, it’s essential that you care for yourself before anything else.
Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.
Noam Shpancer, PhD
