The 21st century has seen the introduction of the overly fast-paced lifestyle of the working class. Each minute is taken up by work and work-related activities so that many sacrifices are made on their part that eventually begin to affect their work output and produce disturbing health-related results. This is why shorter workweeks and avoiding overwork is of the utmost importance to modern man.
The reality of the situation is that all workers, be he a factory worker to a high-powered business executive, faces long work hours which, if left unchecked, leads to health complications. Some of these complications could include simple pains like headaches, body pain, and fatigue. Advanced cases of overwork show symptoms of extreme tiredness, regular sleepiness, continuous irritability, and panic attacks.
Even though busy people dislike being idle, this does not mean that they are not affected by complications of overworking. In reality, they only handle their symptoms better than those who openly complain about their jobs being too stressful and tiring. Their body is more capable of processing the amount of stress felt, as well as the reaction of the body to the physical symptoms.
Due to the highly complex results of overworking, not all commonly thought of solutions to overworking can affect the problem. The problem of overworking can only be resolved by developing a new state of mind and understanding of the problems involved in the issue.
One of the solutions to the problem that is being considered by many companies and employers is the possibility of shortening the workweek to afford employees more rest time. The reasoning behind this school thought is that by shortening the workweek, a person is allowed to have personal time in which he can develop other aspects of his personality that will eventually lead to better job output for him. After all, having all the financial results of working life but not being able to enjoy it leads a person to become unhappy and unfulfilled. This leading to more work-related stress for him.
In terms of offering a solution to overworking, most companies and work unions around the world have seen the positive effects of having shorter workweeks. Examples of these successful companies are Nokia Finland where a 6-hour workday was introduced to positive results. Employees sick leaves diminished and eventually, the employees stopped calling in sick altogether. Then there is this case of a Sarnia, Ontario union that won the right to an extra day off for every 3 weeks of work. This move resulted in a much happier workforce for the region and a closer development of family and community relationships as more time is spent getting to know each other’s co-employee and their families. The result was a much more harmonious relationship among employees and better and faster work results as the employees had more time to recharge their energy and view their work with a fresh set of eyes and a well-rested thinking process.
Therefore, all things considered, I think that our employees should have shorter workweeks to avoid overworking and stress that leads to underperformance on the job.
Work Cited
Anonymous Employee. (2008). Overworking Issues. Web.
The Jobs Letter. (1998). 35 Hour Work Week. The Jobs Letter No. 71. 2008. Web.