This, exactly. I have the same problem in that our company culture is that the people who are working overtime hours (especially those who are doing it without getting paid, which we all know is illegal for us hourly, non-exempt workers) are the “hard workers.” The worst part is that they aren’t hard workers; they are just inefficient workers.

Because we aren’t allowed to work overtime at my company, I make sure that my work is done fast and as perfect as possible the first time, so I don’t have to stay late. This is seen as not caring enough about the company to “volunteer” my time to do my job, so there is no recognition that it’s because I look at each project every year to see if there’s a better, new, or more efficient way to do it before diving in head first. It’s frustrating when no one else cares to update their methods, instead just doing what they’ve always done.

We all have had so many duties added to our jobs, so we’re doing more in the same amount of time. Why not check to see if we can actually do the old tasks/projects faster or more efficiently?

I definitely agree this point was the most surprising – I think the ability to manage one’s work-life balance should be respected. Many employees fall into the trap of trying to prove their commitment by putting in extra hours. However, an individual who excels within the contracted 9 to 5 should be equally, or even more valued – they might eventually prove more creative, energised and enthusiastic as they get enough rest and out of work intellectual stimulation, while others burn out quickly.