This blog might trigger many companies and their work culture. Times have changed, if you are giving more hours into your startup, that doesn't mean you are going to get results soon.

The idea of startup employees dedicating 60 hours per week to their work has been a topic of discussion and debate within entrepreneurial circles.

Before we move forward, a little about ourselves, at Rudvar, we help companies build software applications. Today we discuss how we reduced the working hours and increased our efficiency, thereby being able to meet our client's deadline smoothly.

The notion stems from the intense nature of startup environments, where there’s a prevalent belief that long hours equate to dedication and productivity. However, it’s essential to examine this concept from various angles to determine its validity and implications for both founders and employees.

The Myth of 60-Hour Work Weeks

I have seen a shift from hard work to smart during the past few years in a startup. A few years ago, marketing strategies were implemented monotonously without competitive planning. But now we can’t keep doing that, we need time to understand the market, and most importantly its competition. I leave my desk every day at 7 pm and resume work at 10 am. I spend time walking and doing some exercise, and during this time I analyze my strategy.

The entrepreneurial world often glamorizes the ‘hustle culture,’ promoting the idea that success is directly proportional to the number of hours worked. While dedication and hard work are undoubtedly crucial for startups, the assumption that a specific number of hours is a guarantee for success is flawed. Success in startups involves a blend of strategic planning, innovative thinking, adaptability, and effective execution, rather than just sheer hours on the clock.

It's quite important to stop working analyze your strategy and keep advancing your plans.

The Founder’s Dilemma

I have seen founders working hours and expecting the same from their colleagues. The team might not be as experienced as the founder.

Founders, driven by passion and the vision for their startup, may find themselves working extensive hours. They wear multiple hats, from strategizing and business planning to coding and managing operations. However, there’s a fine line between dedication and burnout. Overworking founders may experience diminishing returns as exhaustion sets in, affecting decision-making and overall productivity.

Founders these days have also adopted a new disease called overthinking. Overthinking ultimately leads to micro-management. We all need to agree that startups can't pay high salaries because of their poor budget. So it's necessary to give them company shares if you are making them work extra hours.

The Employee Perspective

For employees, especially in startups with limited resources, the 60-hour workweek expectation can be daunting. Startup employees are often driven by passion and a desire to contribute to something meaningful. However, the long hours coupled with lower pay and a lack of company shares can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.

Founders must recognize the value of work-life balance, ensuring that employees feel valued and motivated rather than overworked and underappreciated. The ideology is simple if you can't pay well then give them freedom to work.

Unlike 10 years ago, things have changed now. A calm and peaceful mind can make healthier decisions.

At Rudvar, we take our decisions quite strictly. Thereby we need to make sure that our employees stay productive and are able to meet the timelines. Sometimes working hours is compromised but we make sure to keep our employees productive.

Quality Over Quantity

I sometimes finish my work on time. Sometimes 4 hours of work takes hardly 1 hour, if time is spent efficiently.

The emphasis should shift from the number of hours spent working to the quality of work accomplished. Startups thrive on innovation, creativity, and efficiency. Employees who are well-rested, motivated, and given the freedom to manage their time effectively can often achieve more in fewer hours than those forced into an exhaustive work schedule.

Creating a Balanced Environment

Founders play a pivotal role in shaping the work culture within startups. Encouraging a balanced approach that values productivity, creativity, and employee well-being can foster a more conducive and sustainable work environment. Flexible work hours, remote work options, and providing avenues for skill development and growth can contribute significantly to employee satisfaction and retention.

Conclusion

The 60-hour workweek notion in startups is a complex and subjective matter. While dedication and hard work are vital, success isn’t solely determined by the number of hours put in. Startups should prioritize effective planning, strategy, and innovation over a culture of overwork. Founders should focus on creating an environment that values both productivity and employee well-being, acknowledging that sustainable success stems from a balance between work and life.

In essence, while dedication and commitment are essential in startup environments, the emphasis should be on working smarter, not just longer, hours. Achieving a balance between productivity, innovation, and employee well-being is key to fostering a thriving startup culture.

At Rudvar (Ex-Surge Startup), we help companies in building the best software solutions and consult them with their toughest product problems. If you think there’s a match between your requirements and our services. Then feel free to email me at: abhi@surgestartup.com.