If you’re like most business owners and entrepreneurs, you probably believe that working more than 40 hours a week is the key to success. After all, the more time you spend working, the more productive you’ll be, right? Wrong. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that employees who work more than 50 hours a week don’t actually get more done than those who work 40 hours a week. In fact, the study found that after 50 hours, productivity actually goes down. The researchers theorized that this is because employees who work long hours are more likely to experience burnout and make mistakes.
So, what can you do to break the cycle of burnout?
The Negative Effects of Working Too Much
Working long hours has been linked to a number of negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, and depression. In fact, one study showed that people who work more than 55 hours a week have a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease than those who work 35-40 hours a week.
But it’s not just your physical health that suffers when you’re putting in too many hours at work. Working long hours also takes a toll on your mental health. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that employees who work more than 50 hours a week are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In addition, spending too much time at work can lead to problems in your personal life. If you’re constantly working late nights and weekends, you’re going to have less time for your family and friends. This can lead to strained relationships and even divorce. Not to mention, if you’re spending all of your time working, when are you going to have time for hobbies or other activities that make you happy and help you relax?
The Dangers of Burning Out
If you’re working long hours and not taking care of yourself, it’s only a matter of time until you burn out. And when you reach that point, it’ll be extremely difficult to get your business back on track. When you’re burned out, you’re less productive, less creative, and less able to make sound decisions. Your performance at work suffers—and so does your personal life.
What You Can Do About It
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to break the cycle of burnout before it’s too late. First, make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically by eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. It’s also important to take care of your mental health by carving out time for activities that bring you joy and connecting with loved ones on a regular basis. Finally, try to set realistic expectations for yourself and your team members—if someone tells you they need help meeting a deadline, don’t be afraid to give them an extra day or two.
If you’re working more than 40 hours a week and starting to feel burned out, it’s important to take action before it’s too late. By making time for self-care and setting realistic expectations, you can avoid burning out and keep your business running smoothly.
Are you on the verge of burnout? Schedule a free 1-hour strategy session with me to come up with your 3-year roadmap for your business and personal life. CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/GaryWilbers-HABC