Working less can boost productivity

Summer is here, and those in the machining business have their hands full producing parts, managing deadlines and trying to be profitable in a hypercompetitive world. This has certainly been the case at our shop, as we have dealt with a market downturn for 2 years and are operating with fewer employees who handle more duties than in the past.

That combination leads to stress in the workplace—turmoil that can lower a shop’s overall productivity. I’m no psychologist, but I’ve discovered a simple yet effective way to work more productively: Work less.

Technology has made it possible to connect with our jobs from anywhere in the world, and our work subsequently follows us everywhere. This constant focus on work has a negative impact on people. It’s causing many problem-solvers to become exhausted and come into work drained of the creativity and enthusiasm they’re being paid to provide. What used to be an interesting career for them has turned into a tiresome task that never stops.

Even at home with the family, they’re still thinking about their jobs and contemplating how to resolve the latest fire drill while answering emails and texts and making calls. As a result, ideas and solutions become stagnant. Instead of exceeding customer expectations, employees are satisfied to meet the minimum just to get the job out on time.

I’ve observed instances of this behavior among our shop’s staff members for the past couple of years. They wear many hats and are worn out many days. Also, employees don’t perform well when managers and owners have a stressed demeanor and lack optimism.