The glorification of "always-on" work cultures, such as China's demanding 996 schedule (9 am to 9 pm, six days a week), emphasises overworking as essential for success, ultimately harming employees. Young workers, in particular, experience significant stress and burnout due to the blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Research indicates that support from home and empathetic leadership can enhance job performance and creativity.
To counteract the negative effects of this relentless work culture, organisations should focus on fostering a healthy work-life balance. Family-supportive leadership, which acknowledges employees' needs beyond work, can create a culture of engagement, energy, and motivation, leading to greater productivity.
Minimising constant connectivity, such as reducing "phubbing"—frequently checking phones during personal time—can improve communication with partners and strengthen relationships. Employees who limit their phone use during off-hours are generally more focused and perform better at work.
Flexibility in work schedules is also crucial, especially for younger employees, who thrive when given the freedom to manage their time effectively. Such flexibility often leads them to exceed expectations, boosting performance levels.
Empathetic leaders who prioritise work-life balance help reduce conflicts between work and family responsibilities, leading to increased employee satisfaction and reduced burnout. A supportive work environment correlates with greater creativity, higher morale, and improved overall performance.
Ultimately, businesses must prioritise their employees’ well-being to break the cycle of overwork. By valuing personal time, promoting work-life balance, and investing in leadership that recognises the importance of family support, organisations can cultivate healthier, more productive workplaces.
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