Alex Soojung Kim-Pang, a technology forecaster and author, discusses the paradox of productivity and burnout in modern work culture. He shares his transformative experience during a sabbatical, discovering that working less can actually yield better results. Pang advocates for a four-day workweek, highlighting its potential to enhance creativity and job satisfaction. He emphasizes the importance of 'deliberate rest' and how rebalancing work and leisure can lead to a healthier, more productive life. His insights challenge conventional notions of hard work and promote innovative approaches to efficiency.
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Burnout and Sabbatical
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang felt burnt out working long hours in Silicon Valley.
On sabbatical at Microsoft Research, he realized he was more productive working less.
insights INSIGHT
Overwork Hinders Productivity
Overwork is ingrained in our work culture, hindering productivity.
Companies waste time on meetings and distractions, reducing actual work time.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Redesigning the Workday
Shorten meetings to 15 minutes and limit attendees.
Redesign workdays with focused work periods in the morning.
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In 'Shorter', Alex Soojung-Kim Pang explores the concept of reducing work hours without sacrificing productivity. He presents case studies of companies that have successfully implemented shorter workweeks, such as four-day weeks or six-hour days, and provides a step-by-step guide using design thinking to help businesses adopt these models. The book argues that shorter workweeks can improve work-life balance, boost recruitment and retention, and make companies more sustainable.
Rest
Why You Get More Done When You Work Less
Alex Soojung Kim-Pang
In 'Rest,' Alex Soojung-Kim Pang challenges the myth that harder work leads to better outcomes. He combines scientific research with historical examples of writers, painters, and thinkers to demonstrate the importance of 'deliberate rest' in enhancing productivity and creativity. The book emphasizes the need to treat rest as an active and essential part of a balanced life, highlighting practices such as daily naps, long walks, and deep play to achieve fulfillment and success.
Many of us can feel burnt out, tired or stretched too thin. It can be hard to balance everything on our plates, especially in work environments that require long hours and multi-tasking. But Alex Soojung-Kim Pang says that overworking can actually hinder productivity, and that working less can help you get more done. After struggling to deal with the pressure of numerous projects as a technology forecaster and consultant, Pang took a sabbatical at Microsoft Research in Cambridge. He realized that he had accomplished more in just a few short months than he typically did at work. Now, Pang challenges the relationship we have with work, claiming that cramming in all those overtime hours is not beneficial to the mind and body. He says working too hard blocks creative flow and has negative effects on quality. Pang discusses how he came to this realization and how it can be applied to your life. Plug Zone Website: http://www.askpang.com/ Website: http://www.strategy.rest/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Soojung-Kim-Pang/e/B001KHJ91I Twitter: https://twitter.com/askpang Yung Pueblo featured on ABC's Nightline https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/yung-pueblo-instagram-people-heal-happier-life-69352620 Full Show notes: www.tenpercent.com/podcast-episode/Alex-Soojung-Kim-Pang-230 Jeff Warren Retreats: https://jeffwarren.org/event/fidgetyskeptics-california/ https://jeffwarren.org/event/how-to-guide-meditation/ https://jeffwarren.org/event/omegaretreat/ Ten Percent Happier Podcast Insiders Feedback Group: https://10percenthappier.typeform.com/to/vHz4q4 Have a question for Dan? Leave us a voicemail: 646-883-8326
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