MAKING TIME FOR PLEASURE

For many people working in increasingly demanding jobs, the idea of spending time visiting friends, watching a film or taking a stroll in the park after work, does not seem like the best way to become more effective at work. When we’re under pressure we have the urge to work later and power through rather than pursuing pleasurable activities. But that doesn’t necessarily make us more productive.

Our energy is not infinite and we need to restore it through activities we enjoy outside work. When staying late becomes the norm it is unlikely to be sustainable and may undermine one’s performance.

Being mentally strong is about having the fortitude to seek out pleasurable activities in the evening that will allow you to be happier and more successful at what you do.

Our research challenges the traditional mind- set in many Asian workplaces, where employees are typically rewarded for working the longest hours. In Japan, for instance, office workers work for long hours. Last year, a Japanese woman died from overwork after clocking in 159 hours of overtime.

Fortunately, organizations have realized that there are diminishing productivity gains from employees working longer hours. For instance, nurses and health workers are now given shorter hours by the government.

Giving staff time to pursue enjoyable activities means they can return to work rejuvenated, and the resulting energy boost these employees gain is important in driving sustainable productivity.