INSIGHTS Striking a Work/Life Balance By Mary Kane Monday, August 31, 2015 12:00 AM As I write this column, it’s 7 p.m. and we’re trying to close the Aug. 31 issue of Vision Monday. Late nights are not the norm here but when it’s crunch time, we VMers burn the midnight oil. As journalists, we’re always on a deadline but the pressure isn’t unrelenting, unlike some workplaces. Take Amazon, for example. A recent investigative article by the New York Times titled “Inside Amazon: Wrestling Big Ideas in a Bruising Workplace” painted a grim picture of what it’s like to work for the behemoth retailer complete with examples of “callous” management practices and 80-hour work weeks. Based mostly on anecdotal interviews with current and former employees, the article generated more than 6,600 comments online from Times readers. One former employee said, “Forget about having any life outside of Amazon—75-plus hour work weeks are the norm. It’s absolutely brutal. I didn’t even realize how disgustingly abusive it was until I left.” Amazon founder Jeff Bezos disputed the Times account to his employees, saying, “I don’t recognize this Amazon and I very much hope you don’t, either.” Whether or not you believe Bezos, there’s a lesson to be learned here for any business, big or small. We’ve all been involved in those all-encompassing projects—redesigning a website, implementing a new software program or even prepping to exhibit at Vision Expo—and we know what it’s like to see those initiatives through. But when crunch time becomes a way of life at work, things can begin to crumble. And the optical industry is no exception. Competition for patients, products and revenues is increasing and as consolidation continues and outside investors step in (see story on Page 40), the pressure to perform and guarantee results is ratcheting up. Owners and managers need to remember that your employees are your greatest asset. Create a positive environment with constructive feedback because confident employees can be the key to productivity.mkane@jobson.com