Too Many Hours

The Christian Science Monitor says that it's not necessarily money or benefits or job perks that make people happy at work.

Instead, they cite industrial psychologists and clinical studies that show there are actually seven intangibles that every worker needs to feel contented while on-the-clock.

Appreciation
Respect
Trust
Individual Growth
A Good Boss
Compatible Co-Workers
A Sense of Purpose

I think they may be on to something. The first and last ones are pretty important for me. I need to see how what I do in the workplace contributes to the overall health and well-being of the company, and that someone is noticing my contributions.

And, of course, there's nothing like a big fat bonus in the paycheck to tell someone you appreciate what he or she is doing.

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TOP TEN SIGNS YOU'RE WORKING TOO MANY HOURS

10. You consider the night watchman your closest friend.

9. You can't complete your weekly time card because the space for "hours worked" only has room for two digits.

8. Every time you leave for work, you wish your kids "Happy Birthday," just in case you're not back in the next few months.

7. No one else can use your chair because it only conforms to *your* backside.

6. The boss has bought you a pillow.

5. You know exactly what combination of snacks out of the vending machine make for the best tasting supper. And lunch. And breakfast.

4. You can't recall the last time you needed your sunglasses.

3. Your office has a coffee urn with a pipeline straight into your cubicle.

2. You've come to know your building so intimately, you can put your ear to the floor and tell how many co-workers are present at any given time.

AND THE NUMBER ONE SIGN YOU'RE WORKING TOO MANY HOURS?

1. Britney Spears spends more quality time with her kids than you do.

[from BB Spot's Top 11, with family-friendly edits and additional material by Mark Raymond]

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WORDS for YOUR WEEK: "The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning, and does not stop until you get into the office." (Robert Frost)

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