The Importance of Rest, Empathy, and Meaning in the Workplace

The Importance of Rest, Empathy, and Meaning in the Workplace

Thank you, Tony. While many VCs pontificate about high-level things, Tony looked at problems from a bottom-up approach, which made his thinking often unique from others. In hindsight, being the BEST internet company in the Las Vegas area allowed them to swoop up talent that would have been a huge war to win in San Francisco. Tony's attention to culture and cultivating an open and welcoming work family left a lasting impact on me, and he started doing this well before it became a trend. In a very Tony-like way, he basically told us to do what we thought was best. A good mentor helps you find your own answer – he/she doesn't tell you the answer. We aren't just capital deployers. We are trying to create a movement and a philosophy.

Bill Gates Says Lazy People Make the Best Employees. But Is Your Laziness Actually Masking a Deeper Issue? Bill Gates thinks you should hire lazy people. No, seriously. He famously said, "I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it." The hardest way is often not the best way. In fact, in the startup world, over delivering can be just as dangerous as under delivering when time and money are finite resources and a lesser solution would have solved the problem effectively.

Feeling lazy is often a sign we need rest. I want to make one thing clear: Rest does not equal laziness. Tech culture at large has this problem: The perception of productivity is more important than actual productivity. Longer breaks are critical in preventing burnout. What may look laziness deceptively makes you better. When you rest, really rest. Don't check Slack from your phone. Don't respond to email on your vacation. Truly take the space for restorative rest — and give your colleagues that space as well. You'll likely come back motivated and better equipped to work.

Lack of motivation is something a lot of us berate ourselves for as a personal failing. Instead of hurling insults at the mirror, what if we started from a place of curiosity? Try asking yourself why you're avoiding certain tasks. Don't settle for the easy answers. To address them in others, you must come from a place of deep empathy. It's not easy to talk about fears of inadequacy or losing meaning in your work. It's a human problem, not an outcomes problem, but it does impact output. Connecting with others at work makes people more productive.

Identifying what's holding you back, whether it's perfectionist tendencies or low self-efficacy, is the first step towards taking action. The progress principle states that "of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important is making progress in meaningful work." Lack of meaning in your work is a primary contributing factor to diminished motivation. Tony Hsieh stated 3 types of happiness in his book, "Delivering Happiness." One of them is "Higher Purpose," and it's the best one that lasts longer and is connected with meaning.

Studies show that a 30-minute nap can stop performance deterioration in its tracks. A 60-minute nap can reverse it. If you're feeling lazy, it could be your cue to rest. Actually do less. Do more with less.

To summarize, the importance of rest, empathy, and meaning in the workplace cannot be overstated. Taking the time to truly rest and recharge can lead to increased productivity and prevent burnout. Empathy towards oneself and others can create a supportive and productive work environment. Finding meaning and purpose in your work can drive motivation and satisfaction. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to implement in your own work life:

1. Prioritize rest and self-care. Take longer breaks, disconnect from work during vacations, and truly rest to restore your energy and motivation.

2. Foster empathy in the workplace. Encourage open communication and create a supportive environment where fears and concerns can be discussed without judgment.

3. Seek meaning in your work. Identify what gives you a sense of purpose and find ways to align your tasks with that purpose. This will increase motivation and overall satisfaction.

By incorporating these principles into your work life, you can create a more fulfilling and productive experience for yourself and those around you. Remember, it's not about doing more, but about doing what truly matters.