Job Tips: Sentences You Should Never Say to Your Colleagues - German Workers Log Record Hours in 2023, Expert Warns of Counterproductive Behaviors
German workers are logging more hours than ever, with a staggering 55 billion hours worked in 2023. However, this increase is not without its challenges, both for individuals and the workplace as a whole. Teresa Stockmeyer, managing director of Good Teamwork Rocks and a trainer for team development, has highlighted several counterproductive behaviors that can hinder productivity and harm relationships among colleagues.
Stockmeyer warns against condescending remarks, such as dismissing someone's understanding as that of a child, as they can be devaluing and demotivating. Personal attacks, like suggesting someone's failure was expected, can also hurt colleagues and damage relationships. Comparisons with other colleagues can negatively impact self-esteem and further demotivate individuals. Accusations of deliberate mistakes or lack of support can erode trust and prevent open conversations.
She also cautions against generalizations that distract from the actual problem at hand. For instance, saying 'You always do this wrong' or 'No one supports me here' can hinder objective discussion and resolution of issues. Stockmeyer's insights come as Germans are working more than ever, with women now spending an average of 33 hours a week at work, compared to men's 40 hours. This increase in working hours is primarily due to more women entering the workforce.
Teresa Stockmeyer, through her work at Good Teamwork Rocks, encourages a more considerate and productive work environment. As Germans continue to work more hours, understanding and addressing these counterproductive behaviors can help maintain a positive and motivated workforce. Despite the lack of specific institutional studies on the working hours of dependent employees in Germany, Stockmeyer's insights provide valuable guidance for improving workplace dynamics.
