| by Victor Cherubim
( May 9, 2013, London, Sri Lanka Guardian) Success is one word that means different things to different people. “There are people who live to work and those that work to live.” Those that live to work, deny that people have the right to statutory paid holidays .Those that work to live, expect that long work hours mean people spend less time with their families and friends and even less quiet time alone. This causes breakdown in relationships, marriage breakdown, and poor relationship with children and possibly fatigue. Living to work will at some time cause stress. Getting the balance right is largely about organising our lifestyle. It is also important people get their needs met outside of work, for personal satisfaction.
The Cost of holidays
Compared to France which has 11 days annual public and bank holidays, England and Wales has only 8 public/bank holidays this year. In Sri Lanka there appears to be 21 public holidays, including Poya. The cost of holidays –public and bank – in France is estimated at Euro 2 billion, whilst each Bank Holiday cost the UK economy £2.3 billion. Though many are flummoxed by our number of days taken as public holidays, there is an element which is conveniently forgotten. Leisure breaks at regular intervals, perhaps, increases productivity.
Public holidays commemorate a special day or other event. Sometimes it is also coincides with a Bank holiday with most businesses and schools closed but public transport still operate but often with restricted schedules. Bank holidays recognised as public holidays since 1871, get their name because they are days when the banks are shut with traditionally no other businesses which operate. This is changing.
Working smarter, not longer
Business specialists state you don’t have to clock in 70 hours a week to be successful. “There are hours of work and then there are hours of work. Not all hours are created equal.”
A new book: “Winning without Losing,” argues that you don’t have to sacrifice fun, friends and happiness to be successful.” It suggests a provocative way to prove it: attempt your days work in an hour. People find that they get to be three, five or even ten times more efficient, when they get themselves into that mindset.” “You start with the most important things. Try different times, places and types of preparation. The message: if you can put in super efficient hours at your desk, then success needn’t involve extracurricular sacrifice.” It is being smart with the use of your time. It forces you to create an artificial deadline that increases efficiency.” “It is giving realistic goals and a daily sense of achievement by working to deadlines.
A Pathfinder for Progress
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a “pathfinder,” is” a person who goes ahead and discovers or shows others a path or way.” People who question everything before purchase are also considered as pathfinders.
With the slowing of marketing and sales, businesses offer innovation in purchase. The Age of the Department Store with showcases in showrooms is a thing of the past. Today we see “Show rooming,” a term applied to customers browsing in store but compare prices in store and online and then buy online.
Years ago people bought “Brands.” Whether it is Burberry Trench coats or Channel, the main attraction was brand names. They signified status symbols. Today, Brands, particular the premier brands in fashion are building their own distribution channels rather than relying on third party displays in a Department Store. The challenge posed by price comparison makes it harder to sell branded goods at a premium.
Department Stores have thus coined a novel answer to this trend. They are latching on to manufacture of their own label. The more a product is exclusive, the more prices are more difficult to compare. This is one way Department Stores in the West are ringing the changes, as their customers compare prices online.
The risks and rewards of doing business in a downturn in economy, whether there are 251 working days in 2013 in France or regular Poya days in Sri Lanka, is transparency. Life goes on, as the wheels of innovation turn round.
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