By Kyle Emshwiller
Should employees spend their entire day working? What would you think of an employee doing chores, getting a manicure, or working out on company time?
All of these activities are happening in American workplaces, and according to some researchers, this may not be a bad idea.
Personal chores. A recent post on Knowledge@Wharton Today suggests that employers could benefit from allowing employees more flexibility in their work schedule to fit in errands and chores.
“It’s harder to be psychologically present when you’re distracted by the demands of other parts of your life,” says Wharton management professor Stewart Friedman. “[I]f [time for personal tasks on the job] helps you take care of things that matter to you–and that you are responsible for in other parts of your life–an employer is going to want you to do that so long as you meet performance standards and deliver results in ways that create value for the company.”
Read Inc.com’s article for more coverage of the research.
Manicures at your desk. A new start-up, recently featured in Mashable’s Spark of Genius Series, featured Manicube, a new service that brings the salon to your work- station.
The company website promises to deliver inexpensive, quality manicures at your office—in just 15 minutes. The cost is $15 for basic manicure services and $3 fee for polish (options range from OPI to Chanel!)
The company donates $1 for each manicure to support females in developing world countries through KIVA. Is the charitable and speedy service enough to get your employer on board?