Working Hours: Outcomes, Not Hours


In every company, employees and managers alike question the effectiveness and importance of enforcing working hours. Should companies enforce starting and ending times, a total number of hours, or a combination of both?

It’s important to remember that the key metric in assessing productivity is outcomes, not the number of hours worked. If you enforce a strict set of working hours, employees may simply put in the required hours without effort or enthusiasm, resulting in minimal progress.

Instead of focusing on hours worked, the key is to inspire and motivate your team so that they are willing to put in long hours, not because they are required to, but because they are passionate about their work and committed to achieving common goals.

A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that companies that focus on outcomes are more likely to be successful.

The study revealed that:

  • 70% of companies that focus on outcomes report having higher employee engagement.
  • 65% of companies that focus on outcomes report having higher customer satisfaction.
  • 60% of companies that focus on outcomes report having higher profits.

How did these companies achieve such remarkable results?

  • Prioritizing outcome encourages individuals to find more efficient ways of completing tasks, fostering productivity and reducing unnecessary time spent on unproductive activities.
  • The focus on outcome shifts attention to the quality of work and the achievement of goals, ensuring that efforts contribute meaningfully to overall objectives.
  • Emphasizing outcome allows for flexibility in work schedules. It recognizes that people have different working styles and can achieve results in various time frames.
  • Creativity and innovation are not always bound by time. By concentrating on outcome, individuals are encouraged to explore new ideas and approaches, leading to innovative solutions.
  • Prioritizing outcome supports a healthier work-life balance. It allows individuals to complete tasks efficiently, freeing up time for personal activities and reducing stress associated with long working hours.
  • A focus on outcome can be motivating, as individuals see the direct impact of their efforts on the success of a project or goal. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and engagement.
  • Cultivating a results-oriented culture promotes a mindset where individuals are driven by achieving objectives rather than adhering strictly to a set number of working hours.

By creating and tracking goals, habits, agreements, and key performance indicators; openly receiving and providing feedback; and creating a fun and engaging work environment, companies can naturally motivate their employees to work hard. Employees will see where the company is going, how it’s moving forward, and how their efforts and their team member’s are contributing. They’ll know that they are heard, and they’ll be having fun.

If your team members are consistently achieving their goals, objectives, and key results, ask yourself if enforcing strict working hours is really necessary or if you are just doing it for appearances. Companies should focus on outcome rather than the location or time spent working.

By focusing on outcome, companies can achieve several benefits:

  • Attract and retain top talent.
  • Be more innovative and creative.
  • Be more adaptable to change.
  • Be more likely to achieve long-term goals.

Additionally, companies should establish a core set of hours when everyone is available, whether online or in the office. This core set of hours should include a regular meeting at the beginning of the day.

Remember, the key to success lies in inspiring and motivating your team to achieve common goals. Focus on outcome, not hours, and witness the remarkable results your company can achieve. 

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