Much as we have in this country, we sometimes mistake quantity (of things) for quality (of life). Just spend some time in other countries (abovementioned) that have those nice, long, mandated holiday times. The entire "feel" is different. There is a sense that life and people are more important than things. There may not be a flat screen in every home but these people spend their evenings talking and visiting with neighbors and walking to visit them when the weather is nice.
MMof NJ9:41AM August 21, 2010
What is so important that we start damaging people's health en masse? Is making ourselves or our company a little more money such a force for good in the world? Do people really love their jobs that much?
No, indeed. All too often in America people are exploited into working too much out of fear. The 8+ hour work day is a cultural construct, in no way a necessity. The technology, abundance, and automation are there now that we could all have more free time.
The bottom line is that nothing will change until people start to value their free time and their health more, and change the culture.
Inof OH5:00PM August 20, 2010
How do you "not eat lunch at your desk" and also "exercise during your lunch break"?
S.of CA4:30PM August 20, 2010
Care enough to show up early
ID tasks, related facts
Gather tools, resources
Ask questions
Record time-line and progress
Start to finish
Jeanof FL12:14PM August 20, 2010
i believe it is really true. i'm not a employee but i think tv stress at night really bothers be cause i always have problem with my sleeping and waking up and if i want to apply for a job, i'll face with a big problem. i reaaly appreciate that and i'm about to change it.
zohre1:04PM August 19, 2010
There is ample empirical evidence that better educated workgroups tend to have people who engage in healthier habits (non-smokers, minimal drinking, which for women can raise breast cancer risk significantly, no heavy tanning, etcetera).
If peers are getting toxic doses of sunburns, downing 10 margaritas every weekend, and smoking a pack a day, where are the role models for others to follow?
Companies need to promote health (and it'll help keep their insurance premiums down if healthier employees aren't always maxing out the benefits, being sick with something preventable via better lifestyle habits).
Healthy workplaces are well-educated and INFORMED workplaces. Get the health info out there if you run a company, and if a worker, well, avoid like the plague those with unhealthy habits (you do not want them to rub off on you!).
(not avoid about work-type-stuff, obviously, but do not socialize with the weekend alcoholics and cigar smokers).
And check out http://www.okicent.org
Live more like the elders of Okinawa, Japan, and you may LIVE as long as the elders of Okinawa, Japan.
My 2 Centsof IL11:00PM May 27, 2010
I agree with the last point about developing your relationships with your boss. It's a critical one. My research shows that even a few impolite comments from a boss is enough to inspire emergency career planning. You're not simply on the receiving end of this relationship, but one of the people creating how it goes.
And it's not just the boss. Fulfilling working relationships with peers are essential to a low stress worklife.
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MM of NJ 9:41AM August 21, 2010
In of OH 5:00PM August 20, 2010
S. of CA 4:30PM August 20, 2010
Jean of FL 12:14PM August 20, 2010
zohre 1:04PM August 19, 2010
My 2 Cents of IL 11:00PM May 27, 2010
Michael Leiter of MA 7:51PM May 27, 2010