Agree with the last commenter who pointed out ur policy is, in itself, a compliance tactic. You've gone to the opposite extreme: some people, at different phases in their life, grow by working excessively. I did. Focus not on squelching the desire people have to do more for you and instead on ensuring that those who prefer a traditional work-life balance are not penalized in light of their more work-oriented co-workers.
Great read! Opened my eyes and answered some questions for me that I didn't even know I needed to ask. Also explained why no matter where I end up, I feel burned out within six months; work hero syndrome to say the least though I was unaware given no definition. Good stuff.
I know of companies where working overtime is "expected" and where accumulating a certain amount of overtime hours per year is seen as "commitment" or "dedication". They also have several employees who are out of action for months due to burnout.
Don't you think that demanding that your employees leave at 5 pm is a compliance tactic in and of itself? Also, what are your 'obvious' reasons for why founders are treated differently and 'allowed' to work overtime?
Good post; What I think is important to point out (and what I've always told people) is that overtime is a result of failure: failure of planning, process, time/task/scope/resource management, estimation, etc.
Curious to know if this piece of company culture came about right from the get-go or if you started pushing this mentality once the company was stable and making steady revenue?