Maestro Technologies - Intelligent management software for the construction industry.

Ode to lazing around

Lazing around is often the dream of the busiest people, although it is disparaged by many people, particularly most bosses. Dreaming about lazing around is often the force behind innovation. After all, isn’t there an expression that says "necessity is the mother of invention?"

Very often, we refuse to be idle because we feel we are not entitled. From the time we were very young, we have heard that work is of prime importance and that work accomplishments are the objective of every self-respecting person. Idleness makes us look bad to our colleagues, friends and family. We prefer to continue along with the same work, to devote ourselves to the same tasks... again and again.

Then, slowly, without even realizing it, a task that once took one hour per week now takes five. Given the many repetitive tasks involved, we are often stuck in a monotonous routine that can even infringe on supposedly free periods, such as breaks and lunch hour – even weekends. This is exactly when we dream about taking it easy. It would be great to get this time back; time that is lost doing repetitive tasks that are intellectually uninteresting – if only to dream about the future.

Maybe we should start by thinking about our values – the values of the "baby boomers". The new generations do not necessarily have the same view of work. We watch these new employees start working, telling ourselves that we will finally be able to dream about relaxing and free time. Surprise, surprise! They are not interested in this repetitive, time-consuming and energy-consuming work. The X and Y generations and, by the same token, the new generation on the workforce are looking for a balance in life between work, family and recreation. So who will do this creativity-killing repetitive work?

There is only one way to adapt to this new reality. Work procedures must be optimized. We must introduce tools to automate repetitive tasks and reduce time spent producing reports and analyzing data. We have to think about this now. We need to make a list of all the work and tasks that we constantly repeat and do manually and ask ourselves what can be automated. In the computer age, the possibilities are endless. In addition to gaining time and becoming more efficient, the work would be more stimulating and attractive to new generations. Your company would also improve its competitive position and ensure its long-term success.

What are you waiting for? Give yourself the right to take it easy!