Before the explosion of virtual meetings and remote work, there was an unspoken understanding in many workplaces: to advance your career, you often had to outwork the competition by staying late and sacrificing personal time. Promotions and pay raises were held out as rewards, persuading many to prioritise their jobs over their well-being in hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
The term ‘going above and beyond’ has long been used by employers to motivate employees, driving productivity for the company’s benefit. In previous generations, especially among boomers, the expectation was to ‘live to work, not work to live,’ with career advancements and pay bumps reserved for those clocking in the long hours.
Over time, the idea of going the extra mile turned into a daily expectation rather than an occasional necessity. Unsurprisingly, this began to take its toll on employee wellbeing, leading to increased stress, fatigue, and the all-too-familiar burnout.
Now, with the rise of trends like ‘quiet quitting,’ ‘lazy girl job,’ and the mantra of ‘doing only what you’re paid for,’ it’s easy to wonder if the culture of going ‘above and beyond’ is fading away. It does seem that the tide is turning, and the catalyst for this shift is Gen Z entering the workforce, challenging the traditional norms and pushing for a healthier work-life balance.
From exhaustion to equilibrium
People’s priorities are changing. For the everyday employee working a 9-5 job, it’s no longer a case of sacrificing your personal life to do a good job and get ahead in your career, this group of employees don’t want to hinder their wellbeing for career progression. Instead, people are beginning to recognise that they can bring their best selves to work if they have a healthy work life balance.
Businesses are realising this too. They see the benefits that a positive work environment, one where their people feel engaged and appreciated, has on their bottom lines. From lowering levels of absence, sickness, and stress amongst staff to boosting employee morale to improve business outcomes, employers are starting to see the rewards that a healthy work life balance brings.
The new Labour government is also getting on the case, looking to implement the ‘right to switch off’ legislation. When it comes into force, this legislation will give employees the right to “ignore” emails from their employer after work hours, with the hopes of promoting a healthier work life balance across industries.
The truth is productivity in the workplace isn’t about squeezing every last drop of effort out of your employees. Productivity gains come through creating a positive workplace, one where people feel heard and appreciated.
Recognising employees creates change
Creating a genuine culture of appreciation can significantly impact performance. Our Employee Engagement: An Economic Value Study research reveals that when appreciation is embedded in a company’s culture, performance can improve by 5 to 7%. This goes beyond gifts; it involves a fundamental shift in how a company operates, enhancing productivity and fostering a more engaged workforce.
Employees who feel genuinely valued as individuals, rather than just as job titles, are more likely to be empathetic, collaborative, and spread positivity. Addressing the ‘appreciation gap’—the difference between superficial gestures and truly meeting employees’ needs—can transform workplace dynamics and drive better results.
A practical way to demonstrate this appreciation is through meaningful benefits. For instance, providing interest-free loans during financial challenges can ease stress. Supporting employees with perks for significant life events, such as pet adoption, fertility assistance, or mortgage advice, shows that you care about their personal well-being and not just their work output.
By focusing on appreciation and well-being, businesses can close the gap between superficial gestures and genuine employee support. This shift fosters a workplace where people feel inspired to contribute their best, not out of obligation, but because they are respected and valued. As the culture of overachievement fades, organisations that prioritise their people’s happiness and balance are set to thrive, building a future of sustained success.
