35 is the new 80

Remember the days when people bragged about the hours they logged at the office. It was a badge of honor to be the last person to leave the office. The tide is changing.\n\nI was reconnecting with a colleague recently and we were sharing stories as business owners about the constant pull to do just one more thing. Busy serving our clients, developing new business, keeping up with social media, and managing our own organizations the guilt to always be working on the business is intense. It’s hard to find time to eat and sleep. But something happens along the way, putting in more hours does not mean getting more done.\n\nAt a certain point, productivity drops off – drastically. He shared that after researching the topic, he decided to put the theory into practice. He implemented the 35 hour week with his entire staff. He asked that everyone contribute 35 productive hours. He didn’t care where or when. Something amazing happened. Despite being in a recession, his business had the best year ever. His team was engaged and they were executing on their strategy including launching a new division, while working less hours not more.\n\n\nPeople had time for self-care and to nurture personal relationships and pursue personal hobbies. They were fully engaged.\n\nI couldn’t help, but smile. I wasn’t surprised. For over 10 years I worked as an executive and squeezed all my responsibilities and duties in less than 40 hours a week. How was that possible? I was motivated. I had a new baby that needed me. I was disciplined and committed, and what seemed impossible became a reality. I was focused and more effective than ever.\n\nLeaders looking to improve effectiveness and achieve optimal performance should encourage employees to:\n

Plan to work in blocks of no more than 90 minutes.

Focus on one project at a time.

Get up and move. Stretch. Walk around.

Eat something nutritional. Hydrate.

\nPeople will find that they can accomplish more in less time. The results yielded will be significantly better…for everyone – the employees, the clients and the company.\n\nFor more on this topic check out the following resources:\n\nhttp://gorowe.com/\n\n\nhttp://hpinstitute.com/book_PFE.html\n