The idea of shining through constant availability and overtime is persistent in many companies. But studies show that those who stay longer often perform less. The best employees are those who use their time wisely and leave on time.
The overtime myth
In many companies, overtime is still seen as a sign of exceptional commitment. But this myth does not stand up to scientific scrutiny. Studies from Sweden on the shortened working day show that overtime does not increase productivity, but often has the opposite effect. Employees who regularly stay longer work more inefficiently, make more mistakes and become exhausted more quickly.
What’s particularly problematic is that many people don’t work longer hours out of genuine motivation, but rather because they feel like they’re being watched or put under pressure. The result is often burnout, inner resignation or silent performance evasion. It seems that those employees who go home on time use their time in the office effectively and purposefully.
Health, motivation and self-control
Not only does performance suffer from overwork, so does health. The consequences of excessive working hours can be lack of sleep, irritability, physical complaints and a permanently increased level of stress. Especially in the context of home office and constant availability, the boundaries between work and private life become blurred.
On the other hand, there are employees who can clearly separate things. Those who consciously switch off in the evening have more energy, greater ability to concentrate and are more creative the next day. The key lies in reflective time management and in companies that promote personal responsibility instead of constant availability. The best employees are those who manage themselves well and thus remain productive in the long term.
A cultural change
More and more companies are now realizing that productivity and overtime are not necessarily linked. Instead of rigid attendance times, flexible models are becoming more important – including trust-based working hours, home office regulations or annual working time accounts. The aim is not less work, but rather better distribution and a more sensible use of the available time for each individual.
Editorial team finanzen.net