Workplace smart

By Tony Schwartz

Most of us respond to rising demands in the workplace by putting in longer hours, which inevitably take a toll on us physically, mentally and emotionally.

The core problem with working longer hours is that time is a finite resource. Energy is a different story. Defined in physics as the capacity to work, energy comes from four main wellsprings in human beings: the body, emotions, mind and spirit.

In each, energy can be systematically expanded and regularly renewed by establishing specific rituals — behaviours that are intentionally practised and precisely scheduled, with the goal of making them unconscious and automatic as quickly as possible. To effectively reenergise their workforces, organisations need to shift their emphasis from getting more out of people to investing more in them so that they are motivated — and able — to bring more of themselves to work every day.

To recharge themselves, individuals need to recognise the costs of energy-depleting behaviours and then take responsibility for changing them, regardless of the circumstances they are facing… Most large organisations invest in developing employees’ skills, knowledge and competence.

Very few help build and sustain their capacity — their energy — which is typically taken for granted. In fact, greater capacity makes it possible to get more done in less time at a higher level of engagement and with more sustainability.

From “Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time”