The law of diminishing returns was distressingly evident in an interview with a young lawyer on the
ABC's 7.30 report last week. Jerome Doraisamy, the subject of the interview and author of a book on his experience, was sharing his journey and recovery from debilitating depression. In doing so he was talking to every one of us.
Being a high achiever is all very well, but not when the cost exceeds the returns. Being proud of being a workaholic may impress some colleagues. Badges of honour for being the last to leave the office are still prized. But the evidence is clear. As Harvard University researchers put it '
Long Hours Backfire for People and for Companies'. In the language of this post: Long hours cause diminishing returns.
