For the last 10 years or so business HR gurus, life coaches, talented business consultants and even gifted entrepreneurs have been banging on about “over working”, neglecting our personal life and being more kind to ourselves and our colleagues. We have become undoubtedly incredibly sensitive and understanding employers. Legislation has compounded this notion resulting in the fact that most business operators are terrified of their employees.
The fact is that most people work less hours than they did 10 years ago. You might argue that they are more productive when they do work, but I’m not so sure. I think that technology, as well as significantly improved working environments have a lot more to do with improved productivity than modern HR doctrines. Right through the mid 1990’s to 2008 we have all enjoyed unsurpassed prosperity, the slow down has been slow.
We all know the party has been over for a long time, but only now is the hangover kicking in. The problem is the paracetamol is not that effective, UK business is getting more challenging and it is going to become even more difficult over the next 5 years. It’s not simply down to the recession or the ripple / tidal wave from the Euro Zone, but the constantly evolving promiscuous buying behaviour of the public.
The bottom line is – to maintain the same standard of income, you and I are going to have work harder, longer and so are our teams. The sooner this unpleasant notion is accepted the sooner you and I can get on and grow our businesses. The HR guys will re-invent themselves shortly and start talking about the new doctrine of improved employee productivity plans – which will be a posh version of “work harder”.
Why Wait?
JJF
P.S If you need help getting your team to work harder and smarter, why not join our Leadership Workshop.
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