Don't work longer, work smarter

The Canadian Labour Congress president is requesting that the federal government legislate more paid time off for workers. He states that Canadian work more hours than the majority of their European counterparts. (brief article) Although this may not seem like an option that businesses would want to consider, it would likely be a worthy investment in their most valuable asset: their employees. Employees who are well rested, happy with their work environment, and feel that their employer encourages a balance in their work and home life are more likely to be productive at work and less likely to be absent or to take stress leave. In addition to allowing for more time off, better time and task management also needs to be encouraged and taught. I agree strongly with the notion that to work more effectively requires more focus with fewer distractions, not longer hours or trying to do many things at once (article). These thoughts are echoed here, here, and here. It's unfortunate that the fear of being of the next to be downsized leads us to work longer hours and take on yet another task or project. This is largely because it's difficult to say 'no'. The next time you're honestly at your capacity, defer or decline that extra task that would remove focus from your existing projects. It'll help you handle your existing work more effectively and also let others know your reasonable limits. That's good task and time management. Try it.