Sarah managed a successful team, and her company praised its flexible work policy. However, this 'flexibility' meant she was always connected to her job. Answering emails late at night and handling requests on weekends left her feeling overwhelmed. The lines between her professional and personal life were blurry, and she realized the current system was not sustainable.
Her perspective changed after a conversation with her friend, Maria, a doctor. Maria worked long, structured hours, but once her shift was over, she was completely disconnected from the hospital. Her work had clear edges. Sarah was intrigued by this model, which was pioneered by the medical profession to ensure doctors could rest properly.
This realization led Sarah to question if true flexibility was about working anytime, or about having dedicated time away from work. The shift work model provided a clear boundary that seemed much healthier. It wasn't about working less, but about working without the constant pressure of being available.
Confident in her new idea, Sarah proposes a pilot program at her company. She explained to her director that defined shifts could reduce burnout and increase focus. Instead of offering endless flexibility, the company could provide predictable work periods and protected personal time. The director, seeing the potential benefits, agreed to test the new system with Sarah's team.