Are you the first one in and the last one out every day in your business? Do you work incredibly long hours, and foster that ethos in your team?
Whilst I am the first one to recognise that hard work and effort is needed to build a successful business, it may not always be the right message for your staff.
Staff may well feel under pressure to work long hours too, when it isn’t always convenient or right for them. This can then snowball with them feeling uncomfortable with taking lunch breaks, or recognising the need to stop for a quick chat in their working day. Worse still, they feel unable to be absent from work even when they are feeling ill.
There is plenty of evidence to reinforce that taking regular breaks away from your desk or a taxing piece of work makes you more productive. Taking time to stretch your legs and rotating your shoulders helps your posture and gives your eyes a much needed rest.
Taking a few minutes to chat with colleagues not only fosters good relationships but enhances the experience of working rather than being all work and no enjoyment. Note here, I’m not saying play – that’s not the same thing.
Of course, if staff come to work when they are ill the germs get shared around and can often create a bigger problem. They won’t be thanked, and neither will you, if they admit to feeling worried about job security.
You don’t want an unhealthy team – in physical health or mentally. By encouraging your people to take a break and work sensible hours, not only will they feel valued and motivated, but they are more willing to work the extra hours when you really need them.
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