I Wonder What the Real Productivity is Around Here?
I'm sitting in my cube - like a million other office workers in the world, and I'm listening to the chatter of my co-workers. Now I'm the first to admit that I'm a little more driven that the average worker, and have been called work-aholic more than a few times. But working hard just feels good to me. I like having a challenge to overcome. Yet clearly, mine is not the only work ethic. Far from it.
To hear about the game... or about this contractor, or about that bid for the new kitchen... you'd think that this was a part-time job. Yet I suppose that as long as their managers are happy, I can't complain... only wonder. Wonder at how much might get done if people stopped focusing on their personal needs and started focusing on the business' needs. If their work tasks took priority over their personal tasks.
I chat with my kids when they are online and I'm not busy... but it's never at the expense of work that I'm supposed to do for the Shop. I'm sure there are a lot of people that do personal errands, or call about bills, or such - that's just the nature of people trying to get their non-work life stuff done in the only time that other people are open and available.
I suppose then it's more a level and priority thing. If you're talking about the Cubs for 15 mins. that's OK... but if it's 3 hrs - or you're watching the game while at work, then it's possibly a bit excessive. If you're working out a complete remodel of your house and only get to spend 2 hrs a day on work tasks, then you might have a priority issue.
I just look around and wonder... How much could we really get done if everyone really tried?