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A recent study published by Slack’s Workplace Lab reveals a counterintuitive reality of productivity in the modern workforce.
The survey of approximately 10,000 desk-based employees reveals that those who resist the pressure to work after hours had a 20% higher productivity score than their counterparts who feel obligated to extend their workday.
The study challenges the traditional notion that more hours equate to greater productivity.
One critical issue that has been gaining attention lately is work-life balance; the balance between work and personal time. According to an analysis of the data published by Forbes, employees who felt compelled to work after hours experienced double the stress and burnout levels compared to those who disconnected after the workday.
Interestingly, those working late by choice, due to personal ambitions or scheduling needs, reported no negative effects, suggesting that the issue lies not in working extra hours per se, but in the feeling of an obligation to do so.
According to Forbes, the data is particularly relevant as many companies, in pursuit of greater productivity levels, have been advocating a “do-more-with-less mentality” and pushing for return-to-office mandates. These strategies, however, might be counterproductive, leading to increased stress and decreased efficiency among employees. The findings also underscore the importance of managerial roles in prioritizing tasks and preventing work overload.
The data suggests that productivity is not linearly related to the number of hours worked. Instead, what’s more important is effective time management, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
