Several talked about their flexible hours. No one keeps track of the hours we work, said Ken Holberger. He grinned. That's not altruism on Data General's part. If anybody kept track, they'd have to pay us a hell of a lot more than they do. Yet it is a fact, not entirely lost on management consultants, that some people would rather work twelve hours a day of their own choosing than eight that are prescribed. Provided, of course, that the work is interesting.
Many employees at Data General appreciated the flexibility in their work hours, as expressed by Ken Holberger. He noted that the company does not monitor the exact hours worked, allowing employees to shape their work schedules according to their preferences. This approach is not purely for the employees’ benefit, as it may prevent the company from having to pay out higher salaries.
Interestingly, some individuals prefer the autonomy of working longer hours that they choose themselves over a fixed eight-hour workday, as long as the work remains engaging. This reflects a broader trend where job satisfaction is linked to the nature of the work rather than just the hours put in, highlighting how interesting tasks can motivate longer work periods voluntarily.
