Many people are getting better at the modern version of managing their time – that is fitting more into their day, and being more organized about it. But time has become the UN relentless master of most.

In the workplace there are those have made it an art to fit things into their daily schedule. Many of these people are perfectionists who work until late at night and on weekends to fulfill all deadlines and get it done just right. These people often spend a lot of time in personal development workshops learning how to be better people or better workers.

Others in the workplace meet deadlines but they just don’t ‘shine’ like the above group in the eyes of managers and employers. These people fall into several categories but only two categories will be addressed here.

The people in the first of these groups say to themselves ‘this is good enough; I am entitled to a life.’ Another part of this group is those who have so much on their plates that to complete everything to the best of their ability is impossible. Overwhelm in the workplace is not uncommon.

The un relentless demands on our time undermine the structure of our society, family, relationships, peace of mind and mental and physical health. We as a society have lost sigh of what is fundamental and important to us. We have become disconnected from ourselves and other people in the process.

There was a time when people RSVP’d to party invitations, took the time to write a polite thank you note when a kindness or hospitality was extended to them, to write a get well card, to remember a birthday, visit and old sick relative. Its not that we mean to ignore these little acts of kindness but more that we just don’t get around to it. These things are added to our ‘should do’ list and a long list of ‘should do’s’ lead to feeling of guilt for many of us. These are symptomatic of all areas of our lives including work and business.

Many business believe they overcome these ‘should do’s’ through a gifts or bonus or a Christmas Party with their obligatory speeches, at the end of the year, when in reality frequent and timely words of recognition would do far more to bolster staff morale and self esteem. Sincere acts of thoughtfulness, though taking time, brighten up the day of most recipients, in the workplace at home or win our relationships. The bonds these acts of kindness create ultimately save time and heartache for everyone concerned.

In our attempts to be the best at what we do, whether we are business owners or employees, we often lose sight of our values and the purpose for our work in the first place. Organizations as diverse as child care, health, religion and spirituality, education can forget their primary function because of deadlines, budget, policy, staff shortages and other day to day considereations. They get caught up with what is most expedient, not necessarily what is best for the client. Private business is no different, we some times forget to consider if what we do is ecological for ourselves, other people and the planet.

Now is a good time to look at what we are doing with our time in both our private, working and business lives. Are we really considering the needs of others or do we constantly do what suits the business rather than what is right and ethical for all concerned. The latter may take more time but in the long run this approach is more rewarding.