Behind the walls of corporate America, the pressure to work longer and faster has become an unspoken rule. This drive, however, often leads to diminishing returns, particularly when work environments overtake the lives of employees. While the hustle culture promises heightened productivity and success, it frequently results in burnout, decreased efficiency, and a toxic work environment. Rethinking the approach and recognizing that sustainable productivity comes from balanced, thoughtful work rather than relentless speed is crucial.
The corporate mantra of “move fast or get left behind” can be misleading. Nature, which has thrived for centuries, rarely rushes. Trees grow slowly, ecosystems evolve over time, and seasons change gradually. This natural rhythm ensures long-term stability and resilience. Applying the same principle to the workplace can foster a more sustainable and effective operational environment when we keep the human factor top of mind.
Often, EAs mirror the demanding schedules of their executives, falling into exhausting routines. Excessive work hours inevitably lead to stress, cognitive fatigue, and a decline in overall performance. Rather than pushing for constant acceleration, organizations should promote a pace that fosters thoughtful decision-making and creativity. Listen to this McKinsey podcast to get a take on what does and doesn’t work.
Additionally the concept of a “fampany,” where a company strives to create a family-like atmosphere, is attractive. It suggests camaraderie, mutual support, and a caring environment. Yet, Kickstarter, experienced significant drawbacks with this model–check out Wired’s insights in this article How Kickstarter employees formed a union.
Take a look at how Zoey, an EA at Empowering Titans approached cultural transformation in this case study. And here are some insights and strategies to consider:
Safe space: Cultivate an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing performance issues openly. Employees should see constructive feedback as a pathway to growth, not as a personal attack or judgment
Implement work distribution models: Publishing standards that outline the distribution of executive support ensures that workloads are distributed evenly. Often, managers align EAs with executives without gauging the volume of work partnering with one executive versus two, three, or more. Each executive has a different management style and their remit varies from travel to the span of control–this is paramount to mitigate overload on an EA and infringement on boundaries.
Defined expectations: Clear and concise communications on performance expectations is paramount. When everyone understands what is required of them, it is easier to hold each other accountable and maintain high standards.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement: Encourage a mindset where learning and development are continuous processes. This helps employees stay engaged and motivated, and ensures that the organization remains dynamic and adaptable.
True efficiency and success in the corporate world come from working smarter, not just faster or longer. By fostering a balanced, accountable, and supportive work environment, both EAs and their executives can thrive. Adopting a sustainable approach to productivity that values quality over speed and well-being over relentless hustle leads to better outcomes.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Albert Einstein
To truly make an impact, we must disrupt conventional day-to-day operations and rethink the pace of work to prioritize human well-being. This shift allows us to live fuller lives, create meaningful experiences, and build a legacy of serving humanity. It is impossible to address social issues effectively if we do not take the time to deepen our understanding and take thoughtful actions to change the world. This article by Chief Executive will help stir up your thoughts and get started on rethinking a new approach.
