Is It True That We Need to Work Longer Hours?

Republican Presidential Candidate Jeb Bush stirred national controversy in July 2015 when he claimed that "people need to work longer hours" in an interview with New Hampshire's The Union Leader. Employee hours have long been a topic for debate. The Bush campaign argues that the reference referred to the need to increase hours for underemployed part-time workers and produce more productive workforce participation to increase business productivity and income for employees.

Bush claims that low workforce participation is causing Americans to fall behind, decreasing the ability for people to make ends meet and degrading the value of work. He continued by claiming that incentives to work and rewards for employees who put in longer hours are dwindling. Managers often limit employee hours when profits are low to save money, but increase employee morale and work to enhance the skills of underachieving employees. This may benefit the company and encourage employees to put in more effort at the office to reach sales goals.

Employers must maximize employee performance and increase employee morale to maintain sufficient levels of productivity and profitability. Initiatives to cut employee hours can be detrimental to the success of a company. Strategies designed to embrace strong work ethic not only motivate employees to work smart and hard, but also offer inspiration. This enhances both the company culture and the bottom line.

Engage the workforce by focusing on motivational techniques that focus on rewards for increased employee hours as well as financial incentives for going above and beyond on the job. Inspire employees with mentoring programs that team veteran employees with newcomers. Employers who encourage questions and show commitment to developing skills through training programs can also encourage commitment to the job.

Focus on training initiatives that develop skills and offer professional development opportunities. Companies can offer weekly seminars to allow employees to gain proficiency in software and hardware programs. Sales seminars that teach techniques and customer service strategies may also be beneficial and encourage more employee hours. A customized training program for each individual shows that the company has an interest in the employee's professional and personal growth.

Managers who take a particular interest and invest time to build connections and relationships with employees often improve morale which inspires employee loyalty to the company. Provide honest feedback and consistent evaluations so employees are well aware of their performance records and contributions to the company's profits and productivity.

It may not be necessary to increase employee hours to the point that exhaustion sets in. Over-exertion can lead employees to feel burnt out and less motivated. Companies that achieve a balance with hours encourage employees to put forth their best effort and help establish a positive company culture that results in employee engagement increasing naturally.

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