this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2023
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Work Reform

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A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

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[–] carl_dungeon 89 points 1 year ago (3 children)

One thing about productivity- businesses will do things for productivity’s sake- but not to shorten working hours, rather to eliminate staff or have existing staff do more work. I probably do the work of 10 people 30 years ago- more is expected of people because tools let you do more.

This isnt a pro work speech- im just saying that any productivity gains benefit the business not the employee.

[–] [email protected] 26 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This isnt a pro work speech- im just saying that any productivity gains benefit the business not the employee.

I've had very good luck in the last few years of intentionally sandbagging my work output to make sure I don't get additional work hucked on me if I can avoid it. I still have decent output based on feedback from my peers and management, but I know for a fact that I'm only working like half as hard as I could at work.

[–] Im_old 22 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If they don't pay you as much as they could you shouldn't work as hard as you could.

Also, if I worked as hard as I could every day I'll probably burn out pretty quickly.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Yeah, obviously can't go 100% every day without burning out, but if 75% is the ideal sustainable rate, most of us should work at 50% if management won't reward us appropriately.

[–] MrSilkworm 16 points 1 year ago

I think we as workers lack imagination through negotiation.

It would be interesting to experiment. Next time unions discuss raises they should suggest ex. instead of a 5% raise, a 5% reduction in working hours for the same pay which is the same outcome productivity wise.

It would be very interesting to examine the initial reactions to the suggestion.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago

any productivity gains benefit the business not the employee.

Yes, and that's a problem in the US. Other countries are much better about it, and we need to change to catch up to best practices for worker's rights!