How do you judge your subordinates? According to a study published in Human Relations, by a group of researchers led by professor Kimberly Elsbach; one always judges his junior by the long hours he puts in his office job. The more he stays put in the safety of his chair the better he is.
During my career spanning over 15 years, I've seen bosses postulating the values of putting in beyond 8 hours. This old school of thought seems all right when we see it initially. However; in today's world of professionalism, such a view is completely out of place.
It is not the amount of hours one puts in but the quality of time given that will increase the efficency of workplace.
As soon as we start doing overtime we are typically restricting the free will of those working under us. The conduct rules of government of India, elucidates the role of a government employee viz a viz the family. A government employee is duty bound to take due care of his or her family. Those frequent long hours tear the very fabric of family and parental system. God forbid if both parents are working and under the same regime of overtime dictators. Arguments that follow are many and frequently disturbing the family sanctum.
Other than the heat faced by the employee at his office, he relationship at home and elsewhere becomes a becon of disaster. This obviously leads to raised blood pressure and other health problems. This has been validated in a research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
While the need of the nation seems to be inclined for an overtime culture, but a reality check on the concept in order.
It is a fact that, most employees won't dare to leave the office premises before the boss. Occasionally some junior may muster courage to say no, but that would be an aberration and not a thumb rule to follow.
All organisations, be it the military, central police organisations, the government and public or private sector, need iron-willed leaders who could reform their organisations to make radical changes. Let someone say that, no more overtime working. Compulsory physical fitness regimes or holidays and etc.
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