"Me Time" Won't Fly in the SCM Organization

There was an interesting article in a recent edition of the Wall Street Journal that advocates less time at the office. The premise of the article is that people work far too much, impacting health and creativity. The answer? Work less and be more effective.Nice try.

First, the average supply chain organization is generally short staffed and dealing in a 24/7 world. We have suppliers in distant lands, freight that is in constant motion, third party service agreements that cause sleepless nights and employees caught in the sandwich generation. Oh, and reduce costs, improve on-time delivery, streamline the supply chain, read Purchasing Magazine, and get your MBA or professional certification.

Second, the recession has taught us that jobs are scarce and we should be happy, given ten percent unemployment, that we are indeed working. I’ll bet there are a lot of people who would give just about anything to work a sixty hour week chasing parts. We know it is a buyer’s market and our employers have the leverage. It will go the other way eventually and many employers are now becoming worried that there will be a lot of employed folks looking for new jobs when the economy starts cooking. Don’t complain too much. Beats watching Dr. Oz.

Third, many of us like work. Sure I don’t advocate 20-hour days but I think most of us enjoy what we do. I also think that most of us have a reasonable balance in our work lives. For those like me in the academic world, things are always busy during the semesters. I have students calling me at nights and weekends, a strong course load, busy office hours, and some committee work. I also volunteer for social agencies in my city. I’m not complaining, mind you. I like TO work and I like THE work. And I really enjoyed a lot of time off this past summer. If only the weather was better!

Oh well, back to work. Now!