From overwork to ownership: How founders can inspire passion without exhaustion

Authored by Saket Gaurav, Chairman, and Managing Director of Elista

Building a business is often the realization of a founder’s dream—a vision that drives them to invest endless hours, make personal sacrifices, and pour their heart and soul into their business. This relentless focus on success, however, can sometimes lead to an expectation that their team will share the same level of dedication. While it’s natural to expect commitment, assuming employees will mirror a founder’s work ethic can be a misstep.

For many employees, success doesn’t mean sacrificing personal time or working grueling hours. Some value a healthy work-life balance, sticking to 45-hour weeks to spend quality time with their families or pursue hobbies that recharge them. Others may prioritize professional growth but still seek fulfillment outside of work. Recognizing these differences is crucial for founders who aspire to ignite passion in their teams without fostering burnout.

From Founder to Leader: Shifting Perspectives

To inspire workers to work with purpose and passion, founders need to think beyond their personal motivations and adopt a leadership attitude. Leadership is not about demanding longer hours; it is about creating an environment in which workers feel empowered to take responsibility for their tasks.

This starts with building a culture of trust and collaboration. Employees are more inclined to embrace a founder's vision if they feel respected, supported, and included in the process. It's not about making them work longer hours, but about helping them see their contributions as critical to the company's success.

Transforming Overwork into Ownership

A responsible, engaged employee working 45 hours per week with enthusiasm and a sense of ownership may often deliver considerably more than someone working a 90-hour week without direction. Productivity is fuelled by clarity, creativity, and teamwork, not mere effort.

Long hours have been shown to reduce productivity, suppress creativity, and impair decision-making. Exhaustion not only reduces job quality, but it also erodes the spirit that drives innovation and collaboration. Founders who wish to motivate their teams should focus on building an environment that encourages ownership rather than overworking.

Employees that feel empowered and inspired are more likely to take ownership. This can be accomplished by empowering individuals in their responsibilities, motivating them to share ideas, and acknowledging their accomplishments. When employees believe they have a vested interest in the company's success, they are more likely to go the additional mile—not out of obligation, but out of real devotion.

Supporting Employees Through Demanding Phases

If long hours are unavoidable, it’s essential to provide meaningful support to employees. A few thoughtful strategies can help mitigate the strain:

• Fair Compensation: Employees should be rewarded appropriately for overtime. Overtime pay not only reflects the value of their time but also acknowledges their effort.
• Time to Recover: Offering compensatory time off helps employees recharge and maintain their physical and mental well-being.
• Wellness Resources: Access to mental health support, stress management programs, and fitness initiatives can prevent burnout and keep employees engaged.
• Flexibility: Allowing employees to manage their schedules or work remotely when possible can ease the burden of long hours.

Building a Passionate Workforce

Passion is contagious, but it does not result from force or overwork. Founders who lead with empathy, recognise individuality, and provide opportunities for growth are more likely to build teams who are as committed to the company's success as they are.

Finally, the change from overwork to ownership begins with a shift in perspective. By emphasising quality over quantity, encouraging autonomy, and providing the necessary support structures, founders may instill passion without weariness, resulting in a culture where dedication thrives and success becomes a shared journey.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.