Article Search By: Pn. Marziati Md Din (Pegawai Kewangan)

Article By: Umi Fatehah

Source: RELEVAN.com.my

 

WE have all heard people say that we need to hustle or work hard to get good results.What this means is that anyone and anywhere can achieve their goals if they do just one thing and that is work hard to succeed. It is a mindset that is deeply embedded into the norms of today's society.

But we also know there are some real problems with burnout and stress. Among global workers, stress levels have reached an all-time high this year.

So how can employees thrive when today's hustle culture requires them to work harder, stay in a world of hustle and bustle and be expected to always give their best at work?

Originally, this thinking was widespread among entrepreneurs who were constantly urged by motivational speakers to work harder. Sarcastically, who needs free time when you've built a successful business empire?

The culture of working hard for results has also become a common practice among full-time workers, especially the younger generation.

Whether they work part-time, part-time or overtime. Work has become a priority which is actually difficult and tiring. 

 

The toxicity of the culture of hard work

In recent years, celebrities, influencers and company leaders have glorified a life of hard work that actually looks like a workaholic.

This culture may be going viral on social media, but the truth is it's nothing new.

From a young age, students are taught to prioritize their grades over social life. Then when they get a job, employers tend to reward workers who come in early and come home late for working overtime.

From childhood, we are told that if we work hard, we can become rich and successful.Some people may achieve happiness from their efforts. However, this culture of hard work actually creates a toxic cycle.

It tells us that even though we are already working hard, we actually need to work harder. Like, you've given 100 percent of your energy and ideas to a career, but it's not enough. So, you have to give more to succeed. 

 

Investigate whether or not this culture is celebrated in your company

Your company's work culture plays an important role in employee satisfaction, engagement and productivity. But a culture of hard work can have a negative impact on all three of these factors.

So how to identify if this culture has become the norm in your workplace? Here are some key signs.

• Employees are praised or rewarded for working overtime

• Need to work on weekends or holidays regardless of time

• Many brag about not getting enough sleep, not eating because they are too busy working and other unhealthy habits

• Employees are proud of not using annual leave (or employees are encouraged not to take leave)

• Work comes first and personal life is put aside

• When someone asks for help, they are told to find creative solutions and are not given additional help or support

 

If any of the above signs sound familiar, your work environment may be plagued by a serious culture of hard work.

In fact, employees who care about work-life balance show better performance and productivity than overworked employees. Want to know why? Read more explanation in part two related to this topic.

Date of Input: 27/09/2023 | Updated: 27/09/2023 | muhammad.isam