Work less and avail more benefits: How the pandemic redefines “economic growth “and “productivity.”

Whenever there is a crisis in the world, all that we know of is “things will never be the same again.” The pandemic is no different.

Working in excess pays off, but it can also damage mental and physical health, as many people learned during the pandemic. We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rethink what efficiency means during this lockdown. The old definition of constant hustle hasn’t been good for our health, wellbeing, or even professional success.

Pause, evaluate and then proceed.

Some people are now taking a hard look at their decisions and rewriting productivity to include holistic self-care. Taking a step back has not only helped employees calm down but has also allowed them to see new possibilities.

Undoubtedly, people have been forced to re-evaluate their working lives due to the pandemic, seeking greater flexibility, reduced hours, or more time for self-improvement. Is it possible that these changes will be long-term?  Employees demand improved work-life balance.

The spotlight has now shifted towards pursuits such as gardening, walking, and cooking, etc. Such activities improve self-esteem and contribute to overall wellbeing.

Some believe this could be a new epoch of “alternative hedonism” where people aim to work less and develop sustainable lifestyles and habits.

As the pace of life slowed, the pandemic gave us the reasons to question the mindless pursuit of growth that is destroying the planet.

In a crisis, it’s tempting to want to do whatever it takes to bring economic growth – as measured by GDP – back on track. However, a single-minded emphasis on increasing GDP would be a mistake. So what is the solution?

These objectives are not incompatible; instead, they are inextricably related. Achieving them will necessitate and provide an incentive to reinvent an economy that isn’t working for many people worldwide, let alone future generations. We estimate that in this modern, green economy, close to a million good jobs will be developed, with many more if we chose to invest in our social care system.

• Promote job equality

Vital roles have long been undervalued and underpaid, such as nurses, carers, and retail workers, are rightfully seen as much more helpful and critical than well-paid “high-status” jobs.

It is only the pandemic that has highlighted the exceptional contribution of health and care workers.

• More initiative for the workers

As research has repeatedly shown, a shortened working week will likely carry many social and cultural benefits to all industries without affecting the effectiveness or productivity.

• Making jobs more accessible

The recovery must focus on well-paying, high-quality employment that is distributed uniformly throughout the world. This statement means that jobs should be accessible for ordinary people.

These would provide suitable employment for those who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19.

Through sustainable growth, we must effectively turn challenges into opportunities and forge ahead in the face of an unpredictable future. There has to be a sustainable recovery. That doesn’t mean tacking on a few green job projects to a broader, fossil-fuel-fueled stimulus.

The whole recovery plan must hasten the transition to net-zero carbon emissions and restore our ailing natural environment.

The right to organize employees and gain access to workplaces is needed. Any worker is entitled to join a union.

• Unions have advocated for regulated and implemented laws by public health agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to create healthy and safe workplaces.
• Union membership is linked to greater political engagement and helps members maintain control of their schedules and job security.

For example, some labor leaders strongly support ambitious climate policies, and union support for renewable energy is rising in some states, such as Maine.

This shared vision of a greener world has resulted in the formation of a union.

We can’t deny the fact that despite us working so hard, the economy is not growing. While it’s difficult to estimate what will happen when work returns to normal after a pandemic, employees can continue to tune into their productive routines.

The pandemic has created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rethink what it means to be effective, allowing employees to reboot for better self – and, hopefully, better workplace and economy.

Work less, and you will see the ultimate benefits.