Work to live, don’t live to work is a lovely sentiment, but is it an attainable? Prior to Covid some of us were over working. Covid restrictions that have required remote work have only reinforced these unhealthy work patterns. In December 2020 SHRM online reported that “…remote employees are working longer, spending time in more meetings and having more communication channels.” Remote workers worked double the overtime of non-remote workers. Why? We may be trying to prove our commitment. Covid caused fear of job loss. Many thought that demonstrating their investment would ensure job stability. The large numbers of employees that are part of the Great Resignation, put in extra time without reward or recognition, and now are leaving jobs in pursuit of…something. Gratification derived from a sense of accomplishment is an innate need in each of us. But it is up to us to recognize the value of intrinsic motivation over extrinsic motivation. Yes, many of us use our gifts and talents at work and we want recognition. If you have a boss who has the bandwidth to include praise and appreciation for your contributions in his/her daily communication then consider yourself blessed. If you don’t, intrinsic compensation is up to you to discover. Did you participate on a project that makes life better or easier for someone? Did you take time to explain a process to a co-worker who was struggling? Did you notice a teammate’s contribution and express appreciation? Learn to realize the reward in your behavior. This behavior of overworking can be especially true for people of color. Unfortunately, people of color feel that they are at a disadvantage because of stereotypes, and that their contributions will be overlooked, or ascribed lesser value than those of their white teammates. Even though this terrible unfairness exists, it is still the responsibility of the person of color to learn to contribute in ways that will be most impactful. More work is not required, but more strategic investment of energy is required, which is an approach all of us should adopt.
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