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“Don’t Say You Don’t Have Enough Time”: CEO Sends ‘Motivational’ Email To His Employees, But It Has The Opposite Effect
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“Don’t Say You Don’t Have Enough Time”: CEO Sends ‘Motivational’ Email To His Employees, But It Has The Opposite Effect

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We could all benefit from a little boost in motivation once in a while, but well-intentioned efforts don’t always have the desired effect. That’s what one CEO recently learned after he emailed his employees a quote in an attempt to increase their productivity.

One woman couldn’t resist breaking down exactly why she disagrees with his message, so below, you’ll find a post that she shared on the Anti-work subreddit detailing the entire exchange, as well as a conversation with the employee herself.

When utilized perfectly, a good motivational quote can go a long way

Image credits: The Coach Space (not the actual photo)

But after one CEO shared a message that this woman disagreed with, she was quick to explain exactly why the quote lacks nuance

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Image credits: Yuliana Kungurova (not the actual photo)

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Image source: rosie-bee-23

Later, the employee responded to comments and provided more info on the situation

Just because everyone has the same amount of time does not mean we all get to choose exactly how we spend it

Image credits: PNW Production (not the actual photo)

We reached out to the employee who shared this story on Reddit in the first place, Rosie-bee-23, and she was kind enough to have a chat with us. First, she made it clear that she does not hold this email against her CEO. “He really is a good guy and has, so far, changed this place for the better,” she told Bored Panda. “I think he has a lot on his plate and probably read the email, but didn’t understand it in the way it was meant to be understood. As far as I know, there have never been any other issues with him between me or any other employees, and when he first got here, he took the time to spend a day or two in each department, learning about what they do.”

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We also asked Rosie-bee-23 why she thinks it’s important to have conversations like this. “These celebrities and the people that are using this quote to motivate people are looked up to, but have life so easy compared to everyone else,” she shared. “I mentioned the Kardashians in my email because I distinctly remember someone using the quote with their names instead, and thinking about how dumb that is because they have family money and are rich enough to hire cooks, cleaners, babysitters, etc. to take care of most everything for them.”

We also asked if she thinks there is anything her CEO could do to give employees’ more time in their days. “When he first started, he did state that he was attempting to give us 4 day work weeks, but that hasn’t come back up since,” Rosie-bee-23 told Bored Panda. “A lot of the jobs here could easily be done from home, which was proven during COVID, but a lot of the people here are older generations and believe in community and that working together physically is better for morale.”

“If I had the extra time in my week, I would probably just end up doing chores more stress free, hanging out with my friends, actually trying out new hobbies, and focusing on school more,” the employee went on to share. “I’m still young, and I have a lot on my plate right now, so making the most of my time is really important to me.”

Someone with disposable income will have more resources and opportunities to pursue hobbies than the average person

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Technically, we do all have the same 24 hours per day, however it is naïve to assume that we all have the same amount of responsibilities during that time. While this employee acknowledges that her CEO was well-intentioned with this email, he likely does not understand where his workers are coming from and the lifestyles that they lead. While we all know money can’t buy us happiness per se, it can buy us resources and free time, and according to a study on time use and happiness, having “active free time” does make a person happier. This study examined a group of Dutch millionaires and a group of Dutch citizens with an average level of wealth and analyzed their happiness levels compared to how they tend to spend their time. The millionaires tended to spend their free time on active leisure activities, such as playing sports, pursuing hobbies and doing volunteer work, while the less affluent group was more likely to watch TV and scroll through social media.    

Unsurprisingly, the millionaires reported higher levels of satisfaction with their lives, and the more passively people tended to spend their leisure time, the less happy they were. But we cannot ignore the fact that money still plays a part in these results. Many hobbies and activities cost money that the average person may not have laying around. Taking pottery classes, paying for a gym membership, going golfing and painting all have fees associated with them, while hanging out at home might not cost a person any more than they’re already paying for Wi-Fi. Having disposable income allows a person to be more adventurous with how they spend their money, and if they didn’t have to return home after an 8-hour shift to clean their entire home, they might not be too exhausted to go play basketball with friends.

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And we should not feel obligated to use every single minute of the day productively

Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio (not the actuqal photo)

Now, it’s not impossible for all of us to spend our time more wisely. Many of us could cut out social media or wake up an hour earlier to squeeze in that workout we “never have time for” or actually finish writing that book we’ve been working on for years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends 2.5 hours a day watching TV, and most people in the US have 5 hours of free time per day. But we tend to always feel like we have no time at all, so why is that? Business psychologist Tony Crabbe says that one problem is our hyper-awareness of  time. We feel frantic and assume that we never have enough of it, so we lose the motivation to use what we do have. We also tend to attempt to multi-task too often, which can backfire. 

There’s no question that a single parent raising two children on an income just slightly over minimum wage will have more on her plate than a CEO who can easily delegate tasks out to others and afford to pay for a nanny, housekeeper and dinner at a restaurant. We should all aim to use our time as wisely as possible, but that doesn’t mean we need to be productive 24/7. Relaxing is important as well, and we should never feel guilty about not changing the world in the same ways Leonardo Da Vinci and Mother Teresa did. Most of us are slaving away at desk jobs for 8 hours, after all. We would love to hear your thoughts on this post in the comments below, pandas. Do you agree with this CEO’s point? And if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article featuring the Anti-work subreddit, look no further than right here.   

Many readers applauded the employee for speaking up, though some were concerned she might face retaliation

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pandaboi avatar
Panda Boi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CEO: compares you to others to make a point. OP: Responds. CEO: "Don't compare yourself to others".

otelib avatar
marcelo D.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this. I was gonna post this "not comparing ourselves to others" he claims as a respond for when he compared you to others...

Load More Replies...
jasonking_1 avatar
Jason K
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be interesting to hear the reasons all these posters had for their perspective on the CEO. OP mentioned that he is kind with a good heart. His response validated her perspective and noted his take. Why is everyone so quick to make him out to be a bad guy with bad intentions? Did I miss something or is this projection?

mysonhatesclowns avatar
Antoinette Maldari
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because he is a CEO and everyone knows that they are the crappiest of the crappy people. /s

Load More Replies...
brittenelson_1 avatar
B.Nelson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just want to point out that all those accomplishments...that was their job. You have just as many hours as those people and those hours go to doing your work. And these days, those types of jobs would be looked down on because they can't be "monetized" as much.

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the point though, isn't it? Lots of people can't do great things because instead of doing what they want to do with their life, they're stuck doing what they need to in order to survive. There's a big difference between pursuing your life's work and grinding out a paycheck. The point of the quote is that the majority of people don't have the luxury of pursuing meaningful work because they need to pay their bills and put food in the table.

Load More Replies...
censorshipsucks12 avatar
censorshipsucks
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TBH I think if I was able to monetize talking to people on BP I would be in a better place, at the moment I spend all my spare time here and I am starting to wonder if I am not some sort of guineapig in a gameified reality experiment or something. JFC I waste a lot of time here.

curtismulry avatar
C.M.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Parts of this post are out of order. He talks about 4 hours left before he talks about having to sleep for 8 hours and having 16 hours left. Bored panda done goofed Also, how many working adults actually get to sleep 8 hours a night? I sure don't.

sbarber999 avatar
John Harrison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person is working and going to school. Well ... that's it. This person IS making good use of their time. That's exactly what the CEO is talking about. (Also, there's some fuzzy math up there. An hour for taking a shower and getting ready for bed? "Relaxation" is a mandatory category, separate from "hobby"? The victim mentality buzzer is going off.

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But this person could be doing much more - putting not into their studies, doing independent work - if they didn't have to spend the majority of their time worrying for other people who generally derive more from her work than she does. Also, yes, relaxation is an absolutely mandatory category. People aren't machines, they need time to rest.

Load More Replies...
jaredrobinson avatar
Jared Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I just meant let's make better use of our time, not compare ourselves to others." Decoded he said do more work in the same amount of time for the same amount of pay and stop thinking you are those people that could accomplish something with their life at all.

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He may be a kind soul, but in this moment he is the Pot calling the Kettle *black* and oughta use his resources to actually help someone reclaim some joy and inspiration instead of using them to spread this steaming pile of Foeces (I love reading this word the Brit way, btw)

Load More Replies...
rabbit-projector7 avatar
SirDigbyChickenCaesar
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Low key jealous of people that only have to work 9 hours a day to make ends meet. My shifts are 12 hours, on my feet, usually eat my lunch standing up and taking a bite here and there while still working.

laurabamber avatar
The Starsong Princess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thomas Jefferson literally had slaves do everything for him including dressing him and raising his legitimate child. Slaves also raised his illegitimate children, which he fathered on a slave. Even sex was provided by his slaves in this case, fourteen year old Sally Hemings. Thats what he was doing in his spare time. Not a great role model.

sadecelles avatar
Sherry Decelles
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was a man of the times. I'm not excusing him rather realizing the overall complexity of his contributions to our country and culture. Looking back through the filter of what we accept in our society now is unrealistic and unfair. There are far more serious atrocities that occurred in history, especially concerning slavery, than what Jefferson did. I know because of my race it might be said I have no right to my opinion. My ancestors often came from poverty and discrimination because of the country they came from or the class they were in. The mistreatment continues today based on mixed criteria of race, political or church affiliation, money, even where you live. It's done by all, black, whites, etc. Otherism has been around for all of humanity.

Load More Replies...
duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It took me most of my life to realize this: ANYONE, including me, who says or sends anything like this to another human, ABSOLUTELY DOES harbor some kind of judgment and superiority. FULL STOP

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Upon reflection, let me add: this doesn't mean that someone isn't nice, or even kind or even empathetic. It means they are human as it's impossible to not go here 100% of the time. It's pushback of any kind instead of thoughtful consideration and response that tells the tale.

Load More Replies...
shawnnaclement avatar
Shawnna Clement
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boss's email response both negated his motivational quote while reaffirming OP's example. Only HR or Marketing should be sending out motivational emails after a thorough review of the contents. I basically did something similar in my first job after college. Boss says we need to put in more weekend hours (I was already working Saturdays). After running through a similar list as OP, I explained that I get about 10 hrs of free time on my single day off and an hour on the 6 other days. I didn't help myself by pointing it out and was laid off during the recession with a 10 week old newborn.

luckytanuki9029 avatar
LuckyTanuki
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf was the point in adding "he's a middle aged white man" towards the bottom of the story? Like what purpose at all did describing his race and gender have in this story whatsoever.... Red flag there to me if they feel the need to include his physical characteristics where there was literally no reason to? Like is the point to say white men can be busy? Or that they don't manage their time well. Seemed quite sexist in nature to me

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a white man who is rapidly approaching middle age, I think it's perfectly reasonable to include that. If there's one demographic that has historically had the most privilege and free time, it's middle aged white men.

Load More Replies...
lynndrew avatar
Lynn Drew
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the CEO was trying to connect with his employees then he quoted the wrong Jackson Brown "Running on (running on empty) Running on (running blind) Running on (running into the sun) But I'm running behind"

adam_jeff avatar
Adam Jeff
Community Member
12 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I think OP has missed the point by breaking down how little time they have left after work. When your boss sends you a quote like that, they don't mean "you should be doing something more productive and fulfilling in your spare time", they mean "you should be spending the hours you're at work working harder".

adam_jeff avatar
Adam Jeff
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A more to the point response would be "those people were working on something that had higher meaning to them. How am I supposed to achieve everlasting glory as a data entry clerk, Jay?"

Load More Replies...
chsmith avatar
CHRISTY SMITH
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

“ The Mona Lisa was painted in 4 years” (stated in above comments) - That s****y looking picture took 4 WHOLE YEARS to paint? How is that even feasible, there’s literally nothing remotely special about it - it’s not even something that looks like it took much, skills wise.

pandaboi avatar
Panda Boi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CEO: compares you to others to make a point. OP: Responds. CEO: "Don't compare yourself to others".

otelib avatar
marcelo D.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this. I was gonna post this "not comparing ourselves to others" he claims as a respond for when he compared you to others...

Load More Replies...
jasonking_1 avatar
Jason K
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be interesting to hear the reasons all these posters had for their perspective on the CEO. OP mentioned that he is kind with a good heart. His response validated her perspective and noted his take. Why is everyone so quick to make him out to be a bad guy with bad intentions? Did I miss something or is this projection?

mysonhatesclowns avatar
Antoinette Maldari
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because he is a CEO and everyone knows that they are the crappiest of the crappy people. /s

Load More Replies...
brittenelson_1 avatar
B.Nelson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just want to point out that all those accomplishments...that was their job. You have just as many hours as those people and those hours go to doing your work. And these days, those types of jobs would be looked down on because they can't be "monetized" as much.

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's the point though, isn't it? Lots of people can't do great things because instead of doing what they want to do with their life, they're stuck doing what they need to in order to survive. There's a big difference between pursuing your life's work and grinding out a paycheck. The point of the quote is that the majority of people don't have the luxury of pursuing meaningful work because they need to pay their bills and put food in the table.

Load More Replies...
censorshipsucks12 avatar
censorshipsucks
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TBH I think if I was able to monetize talking to people on BP I would be in a better place, at the moment I spend all my spare time here and I am starting to wonder if I am not some sort of guineapig in a gameified reality experiment or something. JFC I waste a lot of time here.

curtismulry avatar
C.M.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Parts of this post are out of order. He talks about 4 hours left before he talks about having to sleep for 8 hours and having 16 hours left. Bored panda done goofed Also, how many working adults actually get to sleep 8 hours a night? I sure don't.

sbarber999 avatar
John Harrison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person is working and going to school. Well ... that's it. This person IS making good use of their time. That's exactly what the CEO is talking about. (Also, there's some fuzzy math up there. An hour for taking a shower and getting ready for bed? "Relaxation" is a mandatory category, separate from "hobby"? The victim mentality buzzer is going off.

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But this person could be doing much more - putting not into their studies, doing independent work - if they didn't have to spend the majority of their time worrying for other people who generally derive more from her work than she does. Also, yes, relaxation is an absolutely mandatory category. People aren't machines, they need time to rest.

Load More Replies...
jaredrobinson avatar
Jared Robinson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I just meant let's make better use of our time, not compare ourselves to others." Decoded he said do more work in the same amount of time for the same amount of pay and stop thinking you are those people that could accomplish something with their life at all.

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He may be a kind soul, but in this moment he is the Pot calling the Kettle *black* and oughta use his resources to actually help someone reclaim some joy and inspiration instead of using them to spread this steaming pile of Foeces (I love reading this word the Brit way, btw)

Load More Replies...
rabbit-projector7 avatar
SirDigbyChickenCaesar
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Low key jealous of people that only have to work 9 hours a day to make ends meet. My shifts are 12 hours, on my feet, usually eat my lunch standing up and taking a bite here and there while still working.

laurabamber avatar
The Starsong Princess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thomas Jefferson literally had slaves do everything for him including dressing him and raising his legitimate child. Slaves also raised his illegitimate children, which he fathered on a slave. Even sex was provided by his slaves in this case, fourteen year old Sally Hemings. Thats what he was doing in his spare time. Not a great role model.

sadecelles avatar
Sherry Decelles
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was a man of the times. I'm not excusing him rather realizing the overall complexity of his contributions to our country and culture. Looking back through the filter of what we accept in our society now is unrealistic and unfair. There are far more serious atrocities that occurred in history, especially concerning slavery, than what Jefferson did. I know because of my race it might be said I have no right to my opinion. My ancestors often came from poverty and discrimination because of the country they came from or the class they were in. The mistreatment continues today based on mixed criteria of race, political or church affiliation, money, even where you live. It's done by all, black, whites, etc. Otherism has been around for all of humanity.

Load More Replies...
duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It took me most of my life to realize this: ANYONE, including me, who says or sends anything like this to another human, ABSOLUTELY DOES harbor some kind of judgment and superiority. FULL STOP

duschkev avatar
PolymathNecromancer
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Upon reflection, let me add: this doesn't mean that someone isn't nice, or even kind or even empathetic. It means they are human as it's impossible to not go here 100% of the time. It's pushback of any kind instead of thoughtful consideration and response that tells the tale.

Load More Replies...
shawnnaclement avatar
Shawnna Clement
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boss's email response both negated his motivational quote while reaffirming OP's example. Only HR or Marketing should be sending out motivational emails after a thorough review of the contents. I basically did something similar in my first job after college. Boss says we need to put in more weekend hours (I was already working Saturdays). After running through a similar list as OP, I explained that I get about 10 hrs of free time on my single day off and an hour on the 6 other days. I didn't help myself by pointing it out and was laid off during the recession with a 10 week old newborn.

luckytanuki9029 avatar
LuckyTanuki
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf was the point in adding "he's a middle aged white man" towards the bottom of the story? Like what purpose at all did describing his race and gender have in this story whatsoever.... Red flag there to me if they feel the need to include his physical characteristics where there was literally no reason to? Like is the point to say white men can be busy? Or that they don't manage their time well. Seemed quite sexist in nature to me

khandnaliee avatar
Khandnalie E
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a white man who is rapidly approaching middle age, I think it's perfectly reasonable to include that. If there's one demographic that has historically had the most privilege and free time, it's middle aged white men.

Load More Replies...
lynndrew avatar
Lynn Drew
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the CEO was trying to connect with his employees then he quoted the wrong Jackson Brown "Running on (running on empty) Running on (running blind) Running on (running into the sun) But I'm running behind"

adam_jeff avatar
Adam Jeff
Community Member
12 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I think OP has missed the point by breaking down how little time they have left after work. When your boss sends you a quote like that, they don't mean "you should be doing something more productive and fulfilling in your spare time", they mean "you should be spending the hours you're at work working harder".

adam_jeff avatar
Adam Jeff
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A more to the point response would be "those people were working on something that had higher meaning to them. How am I supposed to achieve everlasting glory as a data entry clerk, Jay?"

Load More Replies...
chsmith avatar
CHRISTY SMITH
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

“ The Mona Lisa was painted in 4 years” (stated in above comments) - That s****y looking picture took 4 WHOLE YEARS to paint? How is that even feasible, there’s literally nothing remotely special about it - it’s not even something that looks like it took much, skills wise.

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