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This whole debate rests on the assumption that a 40-hour work week is somehow the golden measure. It's actually a relatively recent phenomenom and not a particularly helpful predictor of efficiency OR effective organizational managment. I've worked in places where 35 hours was standard, places where 37.5 was the wage base, places where it was 40 or 45. No matter where you are, some are going to focus on the hours worked, some will focus on the quality and some on the quantity of the work produced. The ability of the organization to balance the bottom line with worker and customer satisfaction should be the goal, but often is not.... that is how the working life goes... don't believe me, just ask Dilbert ;-)
Connie P. Giordano
The Right Words
Communications & Information Design
(704) 957-8450 (cell)
www.therightwords.com
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney
> -------Original Message-------
> From: richard -dot- melanson -at- us -dot- tel -dot- com
> Subject: RE: 40-hour weeks (was Re: FWD: Lack...)
> Sent: 02 Jul '07 15:19
>
> Tap, tap tap!!!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+richard -dot- melanson=us -dot- tel -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+richard -dot- melanson=us -dot- tel -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Mary Arrotti
> Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 3:21 PM
> To: Chris Borokowski; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: Re: 40-hour weeks (was Re: FWD: Lack...)
>
> I referred to people *rigidly holding* to 40-hour weeks. Again - in my experience - there are times when a job or project just can't get done in 40 hours - even by the most efficient & capable person. In that situation, if someone only works 40 hour weeks - something gets missed - either quality or the deadline.
>
> I've interviewed for more than one position where it's been stated that overtime *is required.* Having to work overtime is not uncommon for many people. This does not mean that those people are incapable or inefficient.
>
> The point is that very, very few people want to work more than 40 hours a week. The reality is that many of us have to - our jobs and workloads (and sometimes pride & self-respect) require it.
>
>
> Chris Borokowski <athloi -at- yahoo -dot- com> wrote:
> I resent the accusation that 40-hour diehards work less. There are many
> of us who want to work efficiently and get out of the office. There was
> never in my statement any slight toward those who like to work more,
> only the statement that working more than 40 hours a week, bar
> emergencies, is not necessary.
>
> ---------------------------------
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