The world is rapidly changing around us, but for the most part, we’re still locked into an outdated work setup. It might be time to Wrework our work lives.
What is your workday really like? If you’re working in a traditional office environment, odds are it’s pretty counterproductive: clocking in at a set time every morning after a tedious commute, sitting in front of a computer for hours on end, having lunch at your desk and schlepping home through traffic just to check emails and finish up a few tasks, all while you try to have some semblance of a ‘normal’ home life… Does any of this sound familiar?
In a society that glorifies being busy, it’s easy to fall into the trap of letting your job take over your life. We’ve come to think of the ideal employee as the ‘face-time warrior’: first to arrive in the morning and last to leave, never taking time off, answering emails after hours and taking work home. But where is the balance? And does putting in long hours really result in peak performance?
The Hours
In 2007, a US software company called 37 signals (later renamed Basecamp) decided to launch an experiment: they cut their workweek down from five days to four. The result? No change in output. So they made the change permanent – for six months of the year, Basecamp employees work only from Monday to Thursday.
Not everyone took to the idea. Tara Weiss, a journalist working for Forbes, wrote a critical piece titled ‘Why a Four-Day Workweek Doesn’t Work’, arguing that ‘packing 40 hours into four days isn’t necessarily an efficient way to work. Many people find that eight hours are tough enough; requiring them to stay for an extra two could cause morale and productivity to decrease.’ Company co-founder Jason Fried was quick to respond, agreeing that 10-hour days would indeed be stressful – which is why they had stuck with eight-hour days. So how do his employees get just as much done, even after a 20% reduction in working hours?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2017-Ausgabe von Fairlady.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2017-Ausgabe von Fairlady.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.