Overcoming the Detrimental Culture of Overwork

It’s no secret or surprise that the average American worker is feeling the burn of overwork. If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you, like many others, are currently nursing an aching weariness from a burdensome work schedule. In fact, statistics behind the extent of this issue are staggering. A recent [Staples Advantage survey](http://go.staplesadvantage.com/workplaceindex) of over 2000 American workers reveals a jarring reality. More than half (specifically, 53%) of surveyed individuals in the United States feel overworked and burned out.

Disturbingly, when it comes to work-life balance, the United States fares poorly in global rankings. According to the [OSCD’s Better Life Index](http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/topics/work-life-balance/), out of 35 nations compared, the U.S. stands disappointingly 8th from the bottom. This culture of overwork is far from harmless; it’s detrimental to both the physical health of employees and to economic stability.

Over time, working conditions have certainly improved. Take for example the Ford Motor Company. Almost a century ago, this automotive giant led the way in the U.S. by instituting a 40-hour work week for their factory employees. This standard was quickly adopted by the majority of developed nations around the globe. However, recent [Gallup findings](http://www.gallup.com/poll/175286/hour-workweek-actually-longer-seven-hours.aspx) revealed that while the 40-hour workweek rule still stands in principle, many workers are clocking closer to 47 hours—nearly an entire day longer than the standard established 35 years ago.

Overwork doesn’t just infringe on personal time, it leads to significant health implications. Numerous studies have shown that extended work hours contribute to a myriad of health problems. A staggering study from the [American Journal of Epidemiology](http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/169/5/596) found that individuals who work more than fifty hours per week score lower on vocabulary and IQ tests than their counterparts working forty-hour weeks.

The physical toll of overwork is equally alarming. The same study shows that overwork can disturb sleep cycles and escalate the risk of obesity, stroke, and diabetes. Furthermore, this prevalent issue sparks adverse economic implications. Extended work hours often lead to employee disengagement which costs the United States economy between $450 and $550 billion annually, as outlined in the “ [State of The American Workplace](http://www.forbes.com/sites/victorlipman/2013/09/23/surprising-disturbing-facts-from-the-mother-of-all-employee-engagement-surveys/#7425a02b1218) ” survey.

Overworking has become so common that many workers find it hard to imagine a life where they aren’t constantly overwhelmed. Certain sectors, such as Silicon Valley startups and Wall Street banks, notoriously promote overwork. This problematic attitude not only props up overwork as a badge of honor, it also obscures the fact that [over 90% of startups fail](http://www.forbes.com/sites/neilpatel/2015/01/16/90-of-startups-will-fail-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-10/#480418ac55e1) in the first few years.

Technology, although celebrated as a productivity-booster, can also contribute to the culture of overwork. A startling report by [Think Money](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/11691728/Employees-waste-759-hours-each-year-due-to-workplace-distractions.html) claims that employees on average waste over 750 hours annually due to workplace distractions, many of which are tech-related.

However, all hope is not lost. Decision-makers in HR departments and management positions have chances to implement small but impactful changes in company policies to reduce overwork. Straightforward adjustments such as re-calibrating employees’ workloads to match their preferred working style can be made using user-friendly tools like [employee scheduling software](https://www.shiftplanning.com/).

Moreover, trivial-sounding distractions at work like water cooler conversations, trips to the break room, or even periodic internet browsing are not necessarily negative. A [recent study from BambooHR](http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_147273761787011&key=43a59949636e2ec4b588715c676d1993&libId=iskbseke010113aq000DAjxjz14w9&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cio.com%2Farticle%2F3019110%2Fcareers-staffing%2Fhow-workplace-distractions%20can%20actually%20boost%20productivity.html&v=1&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bamboohr.com%2Fblog%2Fworkplace-distractions-infographic&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.rs%2F&title=How%20workplace%20distractions%20can%20actually%20boost%20productivity%20%7C%20CIO&txt=recent%20study%20from%20human%20resources%20information%20systems%20company%20BambooHR) found that these so-called distractions actually foster a positive workplace culture that boosts productivity, encourages employee-management communication, and increases respect for company leadership.

Indisputably, fostering a culture that prioritizes not just productivity but also employee wellness is critical. As engagement levels wither, the fabric of positive company dynamics can entirely unravel. However, if individuals are allowed to take breaks, interact, and find balance in their work, they contribute to a more wholesome and efficient company culture.

While there is nothing wrong with occasional overtime to handle a crisis or catch up after a break, the culture of chronic overwork is undeniably harmful. Overcoming this detrimental practice requires conscious and collective efforts from companies, management, and workers alike in order to create a healthier and more productive workforce.