So far as a business student, I’m slowly learning that time is a powerful thing. When I finally have a day off from all the assignments and studying, instead of feeling relieved, I feel as if I should be doing something productive, and actually feel guilty or regretful to be having “spare” time. A recent paper from the University of Toronto suggests that companies who practice goal setting and offer performance bonuses to employees as motivation actually causes it’s workers to be increasingly unhappy. Of course, stumbling upon this article sparked much of my interest, since it totally contradicts my first year organizational behavior course in university. That being said, the paper argues that these company tactics prevent us from enjoying time off because we always think of it as losing money.

“When we think of time as a resource and connect that to money, we’re more likely to constantly feel stress, even when we’re not on a deadline or under pressure.”

Do I agree with this? Reading the article for the first time, I found it ridiculous to criticize companies for adding employee incentives in the workplace. Bonuses and goals are great ways for employees to become productive, and to add value  and purpose to their work. However, as I read the article for the second time, I realize that that it is indeed true, that companies have sculpted the minds of its employees; have brainwashed us to prioritize work over family and friends.

Being in Sauder, I realize that most of my colleagues are motivated by the monetary value that comes with a BCom degree. I myself am guilty of being in business just ‘to be in business’. As I reflect upon the society that surrounds me, I now see that money has become the mind’s motivation. We have become these work-driven robots, constantly stressed and constantly telling the people around us that we are “too busy” or “super stressed”. Even when we actually don’t have that much to do, we still make the appearance as if we are busy, and begin to naturally list out all the things we have due.

In conclusion to reading this article and skimming the paper, I agree that we feel pressured and stressed to achieve; however, I can’t think of anything that could elevate the situation. The problem is recognized, but unfortunately, as much as I would like to enjoy and indulge in time-off, we live in a world where everything has become a competition, and where the amount of time you put into work, is the amount of value and importance you contribute to yourself. 

References:
https://gsbapps.stanford.edu/researchpapers/library/RP2123-1.pdf

http://www.360solutions.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/time-vs-money1.png

http://www.businessinsider.com/people-now-believe-that-time-is-money-2012-11#ixzz2CGvlBbes