Leading by example

Day 340 / 365

One of the most common phenomena in Indian offices is the workaholic boss. The boss who comes in before everyone and leaves after everyone as well. The boss who never takes sick leave. The boss that screws up their personal life for their work, and expect their employees to do the same.

We all have had bosses like this. I think the idea behind is that they want to set an example for others, by working as hard as they can. But is that the right example to set?

You can’t expect your employees to have a healthy work-life balance if you yourself are doing quite the opposite. If you put in unreasonable hours, your employees would just feel pressurized to so themselves. They would feel guilty of taking their ‘earned’ leaves. Or feel like everyone’s judging them if they decide to leave early on a Friday to spend time with their family.

Bosses and managers need to set the right example. Promote a healthy work culture by adopting one yourselves. Take leaves when you are not well. Go on a vacation with your family and talk to your employees about it. Don’t take your work home with you every day.

“Workaholism is a contagious disease. You can’t stop the spread if you are the one bringing it into the office”

This post is part of my 365 Day Project for 2019. Read about it here

Yesterday’s blog — The Commuting Paradox