PART-TIME WORK IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

July 2, 2016

I don’t know who invented the 40 hour working week, but they obviously hadn’t read my book Meditation and Martini and my concepts on balance! There are many problems with 9-5 work from which the notion of work life balance has evolved. When that 8 hour block is fixed in stone with no flexibility, it leaves no time for you to do the simplest but most important tasks of life. Going to the bank, getting a haircut, or getting to the gym become so difficult that it sets up a cycle of resentment that it makes one see work as an enemy. It need not be like this.

rat race

If you are your own boss, then it’s much easier to schedule time off during the week, especially if it’s an established business. But most people work for an employer and then the rules are determined by the employer. Employees generally don’t want to do anything that jeopardises their job security, so even though they may prefer to work part time, they are reticent to broach the topic. It takes enlightened leadership to entertain the idea that having happy part time staff is actually much better than having unhappy full time staff. When people are happy, they are far more efficient.

work

Don’t be scared. If you are a full time employee, and willing to take a salary cut by going part time for the sake of freeing up more time, then don’t be scared of approaching your boss. And if you are an employer, it’s time to be open to new and more flexible work arrangements. You will have a much happier and more efficient team. And if you have full time staff, create a work place that is healthy. Offer your team assistance with gym memberships, yoga classes or even bring meditation and mindfulness to the workplace.

yoga

Never get stuck in a rut. If it’s on your mind then make the switch now.

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit