A historical note for today. It was on this day in 1912, the Federal Government adopted the 8-hour workday. As one of the many cogs in the federal wheels, it is nice to come to work and know that you can go home after a set period of time. I tend to be a task-oriented person (I like lists - sorry, nature of the beast) and I make lots of lists. Having a set timetable to plan out my day makes things go more smoothly.
I will say that I dislike the "factory worker" mentality that exists in those arenas where people are salaried professionals. There is something to be said about the idea that you pay a person a set salary - treat them like professionals. Don't stand over their shoulders and check what time they got here and what time they left. If the people are truly professionals, they will come to work, do what they are expected to do, and leave when they are done. The over-under would all come out in the wash. But then again just my opinion.
There are some interesting parallels for this day as well. Twenty-two years after the setting of the eight-hour day, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the National Archives Act, creating the National Archives and the National Historical Publications Commission (now the NHPRC).
Then, in 1964, some Senators eschewed the 8-hour workday gave up on an 83-day filibuster and passed the historic Civil Rights Act. It was sent to the President for his approval and signed by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2, 1964.
3 comments:
I'm pretty sure it's not "just your opinion." There are people who make their livings researching work. (Crazy!) I bet with a little research we could find some data to back it up.
We have an acting director right now and he pops in every Friday at 4:00 during the summers. "Just stretching his legs." We call it bed check.
RE: over/under
We all pay for the abuses of a few. While most people would be diligent, some wouldn't (whether it's clocking in properly or doing work while working at home), so we all have to show accountability.
Harumph!
I agree with your comment about the over-under and pretty much believe the same thing.
When I talk to colleagues of ours that have been NATO, they relay some stories about how the Europeans mock the Americans for our puritanical devotion to work. Perhaps they are on to something.
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