I have to admit I have always fallen into the first category and mindset however, it doesn’t mean that I lack diligence in what I do, or indeed what I have done in the past. I’ve just never been able to adopt the ethos that drives some people who live, breath and sleep for their work. Often, to the almost total exclusion of many other important things in life, they put their family, friends and interests in second place to work. Surley its all about that modern-day expectation; the work-life balance.
Unfortunately, that balance is often skewed to favour one side of the equation or the other, dependant upon being an employer or employee. It shouldn’t be that way, neither does it mean you shouldn’t take pride in what you do, and do it to the best of your ability however, we should all get paid correctly for what we are employed to do. But it’s all about the values we actually display in the work we do…
Work ethic: a set of values based on hard work and diligence. It is also a belief in the moral benefit of work and its ability to enhance character. A work ethic may include being reliable, having initiative, or pursuing new skills. Workers exhibiting a good work ethic in theory (and ideally in practice) should be selected for better positions, more responsibility and ultimately promotion…(wikipedia)
Many of today’s work ethic problems stem from that old union mantra a fair days work for a fair days pay, as unfortunately, the commonly held belief now seems to be; just do half a day’s work for a full day’s pay, and even less if you can get away with it.
“Friday, from 3.30pm, you can’t find anybody in their office.” (Ratan Tata)
POET’S day (piss off early tomorrow’s Saturday) has unfortunately become something of a National expectation. It’s an all too common factor, one that is having a profoundly negative impact upon employment, job prospects and the ultimate recovery of our failing economy. It’s an issue that was highlighted recently by The Telegraph…
British work-ethic condemned by Indian tycoon: A key adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron has launched an attack on the work-ethic of British managers, accusing them of failing to “go the extra mile” and being too keen to clock off at 5pm…(telegraph.co.uk)
- With the government planning to gauge how happy we all are with their wellbeing index, should managers be stopping to ask their employees if they’re satisfied? Getting happy>>
- Managing absence isn’t just a job for HR. High absence levels in your team could reflect deeper problems like stress, bullying or disengagement… Absence management>>
How confident are you that you’re putting in a fair days work for the pay you demand and expect? In many respects, the magic of the ‘work/life balance’ is actually in your hands!
Related articles
- Ratan TATA Condemns UK’s “Lazy” Managers ! … & Sacks 1500 staff (ecademy.com)
- Work Ethic? (lostonthefloor.wordpress.com)
- How to Build a Reliable Work Ethic (lifehack.org)
- How Is Your Work Ethic? (intuitivegroup.wordpress.com)
Dave's Bankside Babble 
If you think a bit deeper about this one you have to wonder whether what seems to make sense in our value systems is right at all. Not many would disagree with you here and I have no time for shirking – but you are wrong at the root of this. What needs shaking is the world-view.
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