You CAN Work Less - the Research Proves It!

Nice Mantra! Work Smarter, NOT Harder.

We have all heard about this idea that we need to be be smart about how we work. The only problem is that I consider myself pretty smart but I still find myself working ALL the time. That's not smart.

I recently read Matthew E. May's posting about How to Work Less and Do Better." He describes the same questions about what working smarter means. The great things is that he goes beyond wondering and cites a couple of studies that show working less can actually increase your productivity. One study tested the level of productivity for a Boston Consulting Group if their consultants took "predictable time off" every week. That is one uninterrupted evening free each week after 6 p.m. No work and no Blackberrys. Interestingly enough, their productivity increased and satisfaction improved.

Another study involved Lance Armstrong reorganizing his six hour workouts to well-planned four-hour workouts that achieved more. His 7-year record of wining the Tour de France is evidence of his success.

I must admit that lately I have been taking short breaks from my typical 15-hour work days. It doesn't mean that I don't still do 15-hour work days, but I do less of them. I tend to take all of Saturday off and sometimes don't even look at email. Believe it or not, I was at a conference where I went 4 days without checking email. Quite relieving, but I had 400 unanswered emails when I returned to the grid - It was worth it.

What about you? What is your work schedule? How do you give yourself a break? Do you give yourself a break?

You should.

Z


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