Does that sound harsh? What about scared of ‘talking with’ and ‘asking for’ from some balance at work?
Last week I saw an episode of CSI New York (yeah I know you maybe questioning my TV show taste!) and Danny went on strike with the police officers for a pay rise. The interesting thing is Danny is a CSI not a cop and he was the only CSI to join the police in their action. When fronted by Hawkes, he said it was his belief and he was standing up for what he believes.
This got me thinking about Aussies workers.
Here is what we know:
- Australians have accrued 123 million annual leave days;
- Australians tend to go to work when sick;
- Companies issue staff with laptops and mobile phones with email access;
- Australians feel there is an unwritten ‘rule’ to work more than 8 hours a day.
So either the average Aussie doesn’t believe in a work-life balance or doesn’t have the guts to challenge their employer?
And why don’t they believe in a work-life balance?
Well for much of the Aussie work force they respect their employers and their conditions plus they are ‘old school.’ They have been brought up by their parents to work and work hard – some may well question this with Generation Y and some Nexters but certainly for baby boomers they don’t want to cause any problems at work.
So maybe this whole work-life balance thing is a 21st Century trend for new age employees?
But as our population gets older so will the pressure on the country’s infrastructure – health, hospitals, etc – so with an unhealthy over-worked population what does that hold for Australia’s future?
A fantastic book to read is ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ by Spencer Johnson which shows how people react to change – it is a must have in all business owner’s and manager’s professional library. The parable shares how various mice respond to the cheese being moved and when you read it, you will know someone who matches the characteristics.
So when seeking to change this culture to allow greater balance, the responses will vary as Sniff, Scruffy, Hem and Haw’s do. But just as in the story, the response to the change will see that one will really prosper and in business this often means greater productivity or even profitability.
Aussie workers shouldn’t be afraid of starting the conversation. If they want instant change and improvements, then that is unrealistic. But set a goal of changing small things first and the larger cultural shift over a longer period.
Employees note it is more expensive in cash and time to replace a current employee with a new employee. So, it would be unlikely they would be dismissed for starting the conversation. In fact, many employers may not know where to start so by taking a pro-active position could be the best thing for everyone!
Owners and managers before you erupt and fill the in-box with complaints that I am inciting a riot within your staff, read ‘Who Moved My Cheese’ and then let us know your thoughts!
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Sherell Vind
Hi and thanks for a enlightening blog. I am still thinking over what you write.
Marlin Brochhausen
I agree with you 100%
Andrew A. Sailer
Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
Porfirio Goggins
Hello, nice day! Your work is quite impressive. I never believed that it was feasible to accomplish something like that until after I checked out your write-up. You certainly gave a great perception on how this whole process operates. I will make sure to come back for more information. Keep writing!
My Life Is
Hey, I tried to email you regarding this blog post but cannot seem to contact you. Please email me when get a moment. Thank You.
Lake Louise Fitness Center
Hello, right bad, specially from the major news corperations with the big slants to the left or right. Did you see last nights Late Late Show? haha, that was rediculous! Sorry, I am rambling along once more. Have a Wonderful one!
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Magali Grochow
You put together a very good point with what you mentioned. People ought to read your post so they can obtain a better viewpoint about this topic. It was wonderful of you to provide great information and supporting arguments. After reading this, I know my thoughts are extremely clear about the subject matter. Continue the fantastic work!
Malcolm
Hi JT, I love your blog great opinions and insights. I am a semi retired group ex instructor and in a previous life have worked fulltime in and managed a few fitness centres. I used to work 12+ hours per day 7days per week on a tiny salary. When I asked to take leave i was entitled to I couldn’t take it and was often guilted into working unpaid overtime etc. When I finally stood up for myself and my staff I was SACKED from a major fitness chain!!!!
I am now a registared psychologist who often works with people who have workers comp claims for stress, burnout, and overwork. I completely agree with you that aussie workers should stand up for themselves but I think there are legitimate reasons why they don’t. It is more than just a cultural thing. In the fitness industry in particular, the majority of the work force is young and take whatever job they can get. Wages are low and their is an overwhelming number of new staff coming into the industry all the time. Employees who do stand up for themselves are labled difficult or negative and then either get sacked or bullied out of the work place. Employers exploit young workers who are trying to work in an industry they love. It also has to do with the ”power” culture of the fitness industry. Most managers I have come across have had to have “go get em” attitudes to get to the top. They expect a lot from themselves and their staff. Egos are massive in the fitness industry (as you have previously discussed). Unless the fitness industry unites as a whole and gets a strong union like mining or the nurses (I will give you 200:1 odds) Young workers can not stand up for themselves alone. The playing feild is just not level. They will be crushed by most major employers. There are 100 other young fitness instructors and PT’s waiting to take their place.
Justin Tamsett
Thnks Malcolm for your insights.
It is certianly an interesting delimma we find ourselves in both as employers and employees!