I'm sorry, but I don't work after-hours (and other career-limiting moves for Edtech Entrepreneurs)
I recently lost a sizeable business opportunity.
Not because our agency didn't have the capacity or because we were outbid by a cheaper competitor, but rather because I responded to a request by the client to set up an automated funnel (complete with software integration, graphic design work, analytics and data cleanup and import) submitted just after 19h30 on a Friday, for review by Monday morning, with the following:
"I'm sorry, I do not work after hours or weekends"
Now, don't get me wrong.
If this were an emergency, I would be the first on the online.
If this was part of our scope of deliverables and according to our SLA, no problem.
But in reality, this was a request that transpired from an idea that was sparked in an earlier conversation.
Could it wait until Monday morning?
Absolutely.
Would there be any negative impact on the business. Nope (in fact, the client did not even have access to the marketing list at the time and would still require stakeholder input to finalise and agree to the offer for this campaign).
I asked if the client could please send the brief and that I will prioritise it for Monday morning, first thing.
Was this then a career-limiting move for me, an edtech entrepreneur and consultant? (Especially considering that all 41+ other deliverables for the week were delivered on time, as agreed).
Well, the client chose to internalise the project, and from a close-out with my direct-line report, the feedback was that I shouldn't take it personally, that it was just the expected norm and ongoing corporate culture to be "always on" and "always available". And thus, because of my boundary, one that I have been working hard on putting (and keeping in place) after two decades of working 50+ hours per week, had resulted in the foregone opportunity.
Here are my thoughts...
In today's fast-paced world, the lines between work and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred.
With technology enabling us to work from anywhere, anytime, it can be tempting to extend our office hours and take work home with us. However, sticking to scheduled office hours is vital for maintaining productivity, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, and avoiding burnout. This does not only apply to your own employees, but extends to partners and suppliers.
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At our agency, we have developed an engagement model that provides structure for work-hours delivery, as well as channels to manage after-hours requests (including AI-supported Help Desks and a Customer Portal that allows customers to queue work-requests, view the status of ALL project deliverables, accounts and statements).
The Dangers of Working After Hours
When employees work after hours, they are more likely to experience burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and lower levels of productivity. In fact, research shows that people who work more than 50 hours per week are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
For executives and managers, working after hours can be particularly dangerous. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, leaders who work more than 60 hours per week are more likely to make poor decisions, suffer from mental and physical health issues, and have less engaged employees.
Sending after-hours emails and other correspondence may also have a negative impact on how clients and staff perceive you. According to a study by the University of Sussex, sending work-related emails after hours can create a sense of pressure and obligation for the recipient, leading to increased stress levels and decreased job satisfaction.
The Benefits of Sticking to Scheduled Office Hours
Sticking to scheduled office hours offers a host of benefits for both employees and employers. When employees have a clear start and end time, they are more likely to be productive during the workday, leading to increased job satisfaction and work-life balance. It also allows employees to plan their personal lives and commitments around their work schedule, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and stress.
From an employer's perspective, sticking to scheduled office hours can improve employee retention and productivity. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, companies that offer flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home or to adjust work schedules, have lower turnover rates and increased employee satisfaction.
Sticking to scheduled office hours can also have a positive impact on mental wellness. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, people who have a fixed schedule and regular working hours are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
Working after hours may seem like a way to get ahead or impress your boss or consulting clients, but the dangers it poses to your mental and physical health, as well as your productivity and work-life balance, far outweigh any benefits.
Sticking to scheduled office hours is a much better approach, leading to increased job satisfaction, better mental wellness, and higher productivity levels.
As an employer or manager, creating a culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages employees to stick to scheduled office hours is vital for creating a happy, engaged, and productive workforce.
How would this affect your working relationship with partners or suppliers? Drop a line in the comments...
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