Hot Topic Friday: Nov 15

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Happy Friday! Here are my Nov. 15 Hot Topics and how they relate to advancing culture or leadership. 

Hot Topic 1: Less Means More Productivity at Work!  

Source: Big Think. 

What It’s About: This article leads with the story about how Microsoft Japan moved to a 4-day work week, resulting in a 40 percent increase in sales. It’s getting a lot of buzz. A lot of research suggests that cutting the work week shorter, and making schedules more flexible can boost productivity and employee satisfaction. This same article mentions that a Chinese travel agency saw a 13 percent increase in productivity when it allowed call center employees to work remotely. Similar results seem to be popping up in all countries and markets.  

Why It’s Important: The fact is that people can stay in the performance zone for only so long before they need a break. Making work exclusively about the amount of time at the office, and all the “hero recognition” focused on hours versus results, is just plain dumb. Yet most organizations still have managers prowling around making sure people are putting in the time at their desks. Let’s reset! If Microsoft can do it, so can we! 

One Millennial Response: I always find it hilarious when people in the entertainment industry discuss working “14 to 16 hour days.” You know what most of that day consists of? Hanging around. “Hurry up and wait.” It’s considered work because they aren’t at home, but do you know what most of your favorite actors are often doing during those long days on set? Relaxing in their trailers, eating, sitting in a make-up chair, or getting fitted for wardrobe. It’s a ruse.

Hot Topic 2: Forest Bathing and Other Cool Japanese Words Not Found in English

Source: Big Think. 

What It’s About: Last week we referred to the wonderful insight from the Korean word “nunchi.” Our readers liked it. So since Microsoft Japan is in the news, we thought you might enjoy the translation of some wonderful Japanese words (as captured in this article) that we do not have in English. 

  1. “Ikigai, literally translating to ‘a reason for being,’ Ikigai is best understood as the reason somebody gets up in the morning—somebody's reason for living.

  2. Karoshi, or death from overwork, provides a nice contrast to the concept of ikigai. Japan's work culture is so over the top that dying from working too hard is not uncommon. (One reason the first hot topic had a big impact in Japan).

  3. Shinrin-yoku, translates to ‘forest-bathing,’ which sums up the activity fairly well. It's getting outdoors to de-stress, relax, and promote well-being.”

Why It’s Important: Languages introduce us to concepts and ideas that make us listen and think differently. Exploring other languages and translations help us more fully embrace the concept of inclusion. Speed-reading a room, knowing one’s life value, and actively forest bathing are all idea combinations from the Koreans and Japanese. Thank you. Hope this inspires you to collect more thought provoking words from around the world.

One Millennial Response: Travel blogs/channels have proven that you can take a world-wide tour and skate by on English in most cities. While we might not be fluent or cramming in Rosetta Stone lessons, learning different, cool/interesting phrases is a great way to celebrate and appreciate some new perspectives from far away lands.

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[Picture and ratings provided by Vivino].

And finally! Here’s Cecil’s Bleat of the Week!

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“To get your most important things done without losing your mind, stop trying so hard and aiming for perfection. Instead, try racing as quickly as you can through the next phase of work. Spending less time on it might just make it better.” - Peter Bregman

Bye for now!

— Lorne Rubis

Incase you Missed It:

My latest Lead In podcast.  

My latest blog.

Season 3 of Culture Cast. 

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