4 Reasons to Stop Working Long Hours
By Paul Rothbart
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, there were sweatshops in which people worked very long hours. For many, life consisted of working, sleeping, and eating. It wasn't much of a life. Then, labor laws were passed to protect workers and put an end to the sweatshop era. In recent times, we are beginning to cycle back to those days. Although conditions are generally much better, many are again working long hours. Certainly, with the responsibility of maintaining a home and supporting a family, a solid income is essential. The most basic way to make more money is to work more hours. Business owners grow those businesses with longer hours. But there is more to life than work and earning money. Long hours do considerable harm. Here are reasons to stop working long hours.
Reduction of Productivity
Though it's counterintuitive, working long hours has a negative impact on productivity. In the 1990s, the Ford Motor Company conducted a series of studies that employees who worked an additional 20 hours per week over the standard 40, only showed an increase in productivity for a period of 3-4 weeks. After that, productivity fell off significantly. Working long hours continuously burns out employees. They begin to fall behind and then must spend additional hours just trying to catch up.
More Fatigue
It just makes sense that working longer hours is going to make people much more tired. Fatigue requires more sleep. But it also lessens the quality of sleep. The result is lowered levels of concentration, irritability, and increased risk of illness. This is a detriment to both productivity on the job and quality of life. Without sufficient periods of rest, fatigue will eventually overwhelm the workers and cause major health issues.
Greater Risks of Accidents
Along with increased fatigue and lowered concentration comes higher accident risk. Work-related accidents tend to happen when insufficient attention is paid to the task at hand and safety procedures. In some work environments, this is very dangerous and can result in a life changing injury or even death. Safety is always of prime importance and this is perhaps the best reason to avoid working long hours for extended periods.
Neglect of Social Life
Human beings are social creatures and there is much scientific evidence to support the benefits of interacting with others. More hours spent working leave fewer to spend with family and friends in fun activities that help us bond. A life outside of work is crucial to health and quality of life.
Hard work and ambition are two excellent attributes. There is nothing wrong with driving for success. However, care should always be taken to not overdo it when it comes to working extra hours. Taking the time to rest, play, and socialize will improve the quality of work and life overall.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Nampa, Idaho.