Narayana Murthy's views on staying late in the office
It's half past 8 in the office, but the lights are still on... PCs still running, coffee machines still buzzing... and who's at work? Most of them??? Take a closer look... All or most specimens are ??-something male species of the human race... Look closer... again all or most of them are bachelors... and why are they sitting late? Working hard? No way!!! Any guesses???
Let's ask one of them... Here's what he says.... "What's there to do after going home... here we get to surf, AC, phone, food, coffee.. that is why I am working late... importantly no bossssssss!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the scene in most research centers and software companies and other off-shore offices. Bachelors "time-passing" during late hours in the office just because they say they've nothing else to do... Now what are the consequences... read on...
"Working" (for the record only) late hours soon become part of the institute or company culture. With bosses more than eager to provide support to those "working" late in the form of taxi vouchers, food vouchers, and of course good feedback, (oh, he's a hard worker... goes home only to change..!!).
They aren't helping things too... To hell with bosses who don't understand the difference between "sitting" late and "working" late!!! Very soon, the boss starts expecting all employees to put in extra working hours.
So, My dear Bachelors let me tell you, life changes when you get married and start having a family... office is no longer a priority, family is... and that's when the problem starts... because you start having commitments at home too. For your boss, the earlier "hardworking" guy suddenly seems to become an "early leaver" even if you leave an hour after regular time... after doing the same amount of work.
People leaving on time after doing their tasks for the day are labeled as work-shirkers... Girls who thankfully always (it's changing nowadays... though) leave on time are labeled as "not up to it". All the while, the bachelors pat their own backs and carry on "working" not realizing that they are spoiling the work culture at their own place and never realize that they would have to regret at one point of time.
* So what's the moral of the story?? *
* Very clear, LEAVE ON TIME!!!
* Never put in extra time *unless really needed *
* Don't stay back unnecessarily and spoil your company work culture which will in turn cause inconvenience to you and your colleagues. There are a hundred other things to do in the evening... Learn music... Learn a foreign language... try a sport... TT, cricket... importantly Get a girlfriend or boyfriend, take him/her around town... And for heaven's sake net cafe rates have dropped to an all-time low (plus, no fire-walls) and try cooking for a change.
Take a tip from the Smirnoff ad: *"Life's calling, where are you??"* Please pass on this message to all those colleagues And please do it before leaving time, don't stay back till midnight to forward this!!!
IT'S A TYPICAL INDIAN MENTALITY THAT WORKING FOR LONG HOURS MEANS VERY HARD WORKING & 100% COMMITMENT ETC. PEOPLE WHO REGULARLY SIT LATE IN THE OFFICE DON'T KNOW HOW TO MANAGE THEIR TIME. SIMPLE !!!
... Rashi
From India, Ahmadabad
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It's half past 8 in the office, but the lights are still on... PCs still running, coffee machines still buzzing... and who's at work? Most of them??? Take a closer look... All or most specimens are ??-something male species of the human race... Look closer... again all or most of them are bachelors... and why are they sitting late? Working hard? No way!!! Any guesses???
Let's ask one of them... Here's what he says.... "What's there to do after going home... here we get to surf, AC, phone, food, coffee.. that is why I am working late... importantly no bossssssss!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the scene in most research centers and software companies and other off-shore offices. Bachelors "time-passing" during late hours in the office just because they say they've nothing else to do... Now what are the consequences... read on...
"Working" (for the record only) late hours soon become part of the institute or company culture. With bosses more than eager to provide support to those "working" late in the form of taxi vouchers, food vouchers, and of course good feedback, (oh, he's a hard worker... goes home only to change..!!).
They aren't helping things too... To hell with bosses who don't understand the difference between "sitting" late and "working" late!!! Very soon, the boss starts expecting all employees to put in extra working hours.
So, My dear Bachelors let me tell you, life changes when you get married and start having a family... office is no longer a priority, family is... and that's when the problem starts... because you start having commitments at home too. For your boss, the earlier "hardworking" guy suddenly seems to become an "early leaver" even if you leave an hour after regular time... after doing the same amount of work.
People leaving on time after doing their tasks for the day are labeled as work-shirkers... Girls who thankfully always (it's changing nowadays... though) leave on time are labeled as "not up to it". All the while, the bachelors pat their own backs and carry on "working" not realizing that they are spoiling the work culture at their own place and never realize that they would have to regret at one point of time.
* So what's the moral of the story?? *
* Very clear, LEAVE ON TIME!!!
* Never put in extra time *unless really needed *
* Don't stay back unnecessarily and spoil your company work culture which will in turn cause inconvenience to you and your colleagues. There are a hundred other things to do in the evening... Learn music... Learn a foreign language... try a sport... TT, cricket... importantly Get a girlfriend or boyfriend, take him/her around town... And for heaven's sake net cafe rates have dropped to an all-time low (plus, no fire-walls) and try cooking for a change.
Take a tip from the Smirnoff ad: *"Life's calling, where are you??"* Please pass on this message to all those colleagues And please do it before leaving time, don't stay back till midnight to forward this!!!
IT'S A TYPICAL INDIAN MENTALITY THAT WORKING FOR LONG HOURS MEANS VERY HARD WORKING & 100% COMMITMENT ETC. PEOPLE WHO REGULARLY SIT LATE IN THE OFFICE DON'T KNOW HOW TO MANAGE THEIR TIME. SIMPLE !!!
... Rashi
From India, Ahmadabad
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Hi Rashi ! Good and valuable quote. Can u pl also cite where this article had appeared ? regards shilpa
From India
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From India
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Dear Roy Rashi,
It was nice to read because I too have worked in an IT company and experienced the same thing. After presenting my observation with supporting calculations on cost savings on infrastructure during late hours to the top management and seeking approval, I worked hard across the company to ensure that no more late sittings were allowed.
Employees were asked to turn off their lights, leave the workplace, and submit the keys (where applicable) within 15-20 minutes after the closing hours for the day. HR and security personnel conducted rounds across the company to check for any lights on and anyone staying behind.
If work required an employee to stay behind, they had to specify in writing:
1. The day's target set at the start of the day with their team leader.
2. What could not be accomplished from the target and why?
3. They were allowed to stay back only after obtaining advance approval from at least one top management personnel with a specified time limit for the stay.
Believe me, it really worked. Initially, it seemed as if the HR people were on a chase, but after some time, it became the culture to leave the office on time.
This practice is not only prevalent in the IT industry but also in other industries.
Thanks for highlighting the same as mentioned by Mr. Narayan Murthy.
Parwez
From India, Delhi
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7It was nice to read because I too have worked in an IT company and experienced the same thing. After presenting my observation with supporting calculations on cost savings on infrastructure during late hours to the top management and seeking approval, I worked hard across the company to ensure that no more late sittings were allowed.
Employees were asked to turn off their lights, leave the workplace, and submit the keys (where applicable) within 15-20 minutes after the closing hours for the day. HR and security personnel conducted rounds across the company to check for any lights on and anyone staying behind.
If work required an employee to stay behind, they had to specify in writing:
1. The day's target set at the start of the day with their team leader.
2. What could not be accomplished from the target and why?
3. They were allowed to stay back only after obtaining advance approval from at least one top management personnel with a specified time limit for the stay.
Believe me, it really worked. Initially, it seemed as if the HR people were on a chase, but after some time, it became the culture to leave the office on time.
This practice is not only prevalent in the IT industry but also in other industries.
Thanks for highlighting the same as mentioned by Mr. Narayan Murthy.
Parwez
From India, Delhi
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Hi Rashi,
These are my views also because in my company, people are working late hours just to complete their time period of the day. They used to come late in the morning and stay late hours to compensate for the time, but no productive work goes on in the office, just a time pass. I can't stop this as the boss also used to stay late hours. Some employees have objections to this.
Regards,
Fauzia
AISPL
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These are my views also because in my company, people are working late hours just to complete their time period of the day. They used to come late in the morning and stay late hours to compensate for the time, but no productive work goes on in the office, just a time pass. I can't stop this as the boss also used to stay late hours. Some employees have objections to this.
Regards,
Fauzia
AISPL
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Dear All,
If all that is mentioned is true, then Theory X of McGregor seems to be ruling the roost.
But actually, it is not so.
It is true that some of them may be staying late because they have nothing better to do. There are all kinds of people. My experience with creativity/contribution is that after goofing off for many hours but continuing to remain in the same environment, there comes a bright light of inspiration which possibly justifies idling. You see, he remains in the "mode" albeit hibernating, so to say. That is when he is rejuvenating for a more productive burst of activity.
Actually, people who have nothing better to do (chasing girls, fast food, etc.) belong to a different genre. They may be different but they have their own definition of a life of contribution. That is if they are acting out of their own deliberate conscious choice. If they are doing this out of some sort of compulsion because they have nothing better to do, then it is the task of HR to get ready for action.
Otherwise, such people who may appear to be sucking the blood out of the company resources and "changing the work culture" are the real contributors. The companies are not blind. They know the incremental value of performance which comes in sudden bursts. But, at this point, it becomes aspirational.
Such things are written/publicized by the company only to discourage idling for nothing. So, it all depends on one's intention who chooses to stay back late. This will depend on whether the person has an attitude issue or a "value" issue to resolve. When "attitude" and "value system" are in place, this becomes a "NON-ISSUE".
Regards,
Sunil Chandra
From India, Gurgaon
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If all that is mentioned is true, then Theory X of McGregor seems to be ruling the roost.
But actually, it is not so.
It is true that some of them may be staying late because they have nothing better to do. There are all kinds of people. My experience with creativity/contribution is that after goofing off for many hours but continuing to remain in the same environment, there comes a bright light of inspiration which possibly justifies idling. You see, he remains in the "mode" albeit hibernating, so to say. That is when he is rejuvenating for a more productive burst of activity.
Actually, people who have nothing better to do (chasing girls, fast food, etc.) belong to a different genre. They may be different but they have their own definition of a life of contribution. That is if they are acting out of their own deliberate conscious choice. If they are doing this out of some sort of compulsion because they have nothing better to do, then it is the task of HR to get ready for action.
Otherwise, such people who may appear to be sucking the blood out of the company resources and "changing the work culture" are the real contributors. The companies are not blind. They know the incremental value of performance which comes in sudden bursts. But, at this point, it becomes aspirational.
Such things are written/publicized by the company only to discourage idling for nothing. So, it all depends on one's intention who chooses to stay back late. This will depend on whether the person has an attitude issue or a "value" issue to resolve. When "attitude" and "value system" are in place, this becomes a "NON-ISSUE".
Regards,
Sunil Chandra
From India, Gurgaon
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It is fairly true that in many Indian companies, the staff stay beyond the prescribed timings and feel jealous of people leaving at the stroke of the ending time of the working hours. The following can be some reasons:
1. Boss has not left, should we leave.
2. Overstaying beyond office hours may speak about hard work.
3. Misleading others with a show of overstayal implying hard work.
4. Spending the earlier part of the day in gossips and working late.
5. Statements/Postings of the day were not complete. In fact, they would have been completed if time is properly managed.
6. Total lack of time management.
Subba Rao Bhagavatula.
From India, Hyderabad
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1. Boss has not left, should we leave.
2. Overstaying beyond office hours may speak about hard work.
3. Misleading others with a show of overstayal implying hard work.
4. Spending the earlier part of the day in gossips and working late.
5. Statements/Postings of the day were not complete. In fact, they would have been completed if time is properly managed.
6. Total lack of time management.
Subba Rao Bhagavatula.
From India, Hyderabad
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Hi Rashi,
I would like to add something to it. People who sit late at the office, even if they work, are those who mentally get started with the work late in the morning. They are basically night owls, who feel more satisfied working in the darker hours. This is true more with guys than with gals.
What's your opinion?
Satyabrata Tripathy
From India, New Delhi
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I would like to add something to it. People who sit late at the office, even if they work, are those who mentally get started with the work late in the morning. They are basically night owls, who feel more satisfied working in the darker hours. This is true more with guys than with gals.
What's your opinion?
Satyabrata Tripathy
From India, New Delhi
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Rashi,
These words are hundred percent true for life, but it is also a fact that sycophants always use this tool to impress the bosses or directors. Unfortunately, our so-called Indian top bosses, even though they are from good families and good institutes, use this tool as a ladder to rise in the future.
But one thing is very clear: if you are confident in doing things on time, then there is not a single reason to sit after office hours. Work only when it is required; otherwise, please give time to yourself or at least to the family. Change the sedentary lifestyle that has transformed the so-called professional world.
Do your work. Respect others, and you will always feel at ease in your work. Others may see you differently, but this difference will never let you down like others.
With Regards, Om Prakash
From India, Vadodara
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These words are hundred percent true for life, but it is also a fact that sycophants always use this tool to impress the bosses or directors. Unfortunately, our so-called Indian top bosses, even though they are from good families and good institutes, use this tool as a ladder to rise in the future.
But one thing is very clear: if you are confident in doing things on time, then there is not a single reason to sit after office hours. Work only when it is required; otherwise, please give time to yourself or at least to the family. Change the sedentary lifestyle that has transformed the so-called professional world.
Do your work. Respect others, and you will always feel at ease in your work. Others may see you differently, but this difference will never let you down like others.
With Regards, Om Prakash
From India, Vadodara
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Hi Rashi,
Good presentation, a must-read for all HR professionals. I also agree that similar practices are followed in many companies. My workplace also has the same culture. I have experienced the situation where the boss brands HR people as hard workers if they extend hours and work late, assuming most people in HR are bachelors working late hours just because they don't have any commitments, unlike others.
Regards,
Pavithra
From India, Madras
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Good presentation, a must-read for all HR professionals. I also agree that similar practices are followed in many companies. My workplace also has the same culture. I have experienced the situation where the boss brands HR people as hard workers if they extend hours and work late, assuming most people in HR are bachelors working late hours just because they don't have any commitments, unlike others.
Regards,
Pavithra
From India, Madras
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Dear Rashi,
Excellent information. Wish all the so-called workaholics could take note. You have really hit the nail on the head by clearly differentiating between sitting late and working late in the office. Like you said, most people do the former but think it to be the latter. Who do you think they are fooling but themselves? I am sure you would agree, but the crux of the problem is who is going to make them understand the significance of leisure time and its impact on productivity. 😒 😕 😵
Regards, RGS.
From India, Bangalore
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Excellent information. Wish all the so-called workaholics could take note. You have really hit the nail on the head by clearly differentiating between sitting late and working late in the office. Like you said, most people do the former but think it to be the latter. Who do you think they are fooling but themselves? I am sure you would agree, but the crux of the problem is who is going to make them understand the significance of leisure time and its impact on productivity. 😒 😕 😵
Regards, RGS.
From India, Bangalore
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Absolutely correct thinking! There is a lot more to do in life. Work should be done with full hard work and concentration, but there are other things as well that one should give time to in order to enhance their personality, like singing, music, dancing, and many other activities. 😊
From India, Delhi
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From India, Delhi
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Hi Rashi,
Agreed, but if my boss insists on me coming late and working until late hours to complete 9 hours a day, can I accept it? Even then, would I be categorized as someone with a lack of time management skills? Kindly share your opinion.
Thanks & Regards,
Asif C
From India, Mumbai
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Agreed, but if my boss insists on me coming late and working until late hours to complete 9 hours a day, can I accept it? Even then, would I be categorized as someone with a lack of time management skills? Kindly share your opinion.
Thanks & Regards,
Asif C
From India, Mumbai
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