I HAVE been quite disturbed at the number of hours people put in
at their workplace. Normal work hours start from 8.30am and usually
end at 6pm. But more and more, people work till 7pm or 8pm before
going home.
I am not against people working late but do spare a thought for
the family. The reason people work hard is mainly because they want
to provide for their families, but what is the point if they are
not able to spend time with them?
Most companies stipulate that the official working hours are
from 8.30am to 6pm, so employees should have every right to go back
home after 6pm. Whatever work that cannot be finished should be
left till the next working day.
Some may argue that their bosses would be unhappy about them
leaving on time, but if that were the case, then why have official
working hours?
A person's ability to work effectively diminishes after so many
hours of work, and frustration at the thought of not being able to
spend time with the family will build up. All this can translate
into low productivity.
No one is indispensable in the workplace, but a person's family
cannot live without him.
Let us be fair to our family members and loved ones, and stick
to the official working hours and achieve a work-life balance. True
joy comes from knowing one has fulfilled the needs of one's family.
Only then will one be able to fully focus on one's work and
contribute more effectively at the workplace.
For the family and one's own well-being, let us work smart and
leave the workplace on time.
Alan Tan
