The Cult of Overwork

Source: James Surowiecki
Affiliation: The New Yorker

In this article, James Surowiecki argues that overwork is increasingly characteristic of high-paid workers. However, overwork worsens productivity and quality. The effects of overwork are also cumulative. So then why is overwork becoming increasingly common? One reason is that time is an easy way to measure productivity; yet it is clearly not the most accurate. Habit is another reason. Overwork is also becoming part of the workplace culture. Surowiecki's argument focuses mostly on Wall Street bankers.

Keywords: Burnout , Work/Life Balance