In this episode of Burnout Banter, Jeff and Rachelle take a hard look at one of the most ingrained norms in modern work culture: the 40-hour workweek. From its gritty roots in the Industrial Revolution to its popularization by Henry Ford and eventual legalization in 1938, they trace the surprising history of how the “9 to 5” came to be—and why it's no longer working for so many.

Despite its original purpose to protect workers, the 40-hour standard is often exceeded, especially in the AEC industry, where tight deadlines and site-based work demand more than what’s on paper. Jeff and Rachelle examine whether the structure still serves today's workforce or has become an outdated relic, exposing the productivity myths and mental health trade-offs hidden behind those extra hours.

You'll hear about real-world alternatives—from Iceland’s reduced workweek pilot to flexible and compressed schedules—and why more companies should consider rethinking time, not just tasks. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I still working this much?” this episode offers both historical insight and a hopeful path forward.

Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at burnoutbanter@gmail.com

In this episode of Burnout Banter, Jeff and Rachelle unpack the major findings from The State of Workplace Burnout 2024 report by Infinite Potential. Burnout has plateaued at 38%, but that doesn’t mean the problem is solved, it’s just entrenched. The episode explores what this data tells us about work in 2024, and looks at it through the lens of the AEC industry, where long hours, tight deadlines, and fieldwork are standard.

You’ll hear surprising stats on hybrid work, gender disparities, loneliness, and the real productivity cost of burnout. Jeff and Rachelle also share ideas on what AEC leaders can do, especially those who think reduced hours or hybrid models aren’t feasible.

Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at burnoutbanter@gmail.com.

Link to report: https://infinite-potential.com.au/the-state-of-burnout-2024

In this episode of Burnout Banter, Jeff and Rachelle explore how introversion, while often misunderstood, can be a surprising contributor to burnout. Using the HuffPost article, "There Are 4 Types Of Introverts — Which One Are You?", as a launch point, they break down the four main types—social, thinking, anxious, and restrained—and examine how each may be vulnerable to specific patterns of burnout.

They also challenge the common narrative that being an introvert is a barrier to connection, growth, or leadership. Many people use the label “introvert” as an excuse to avoid necessary social or professional interactions, which can actually increase stress, create isolation, and amplify burnout. This episode offers a fresh perspective on how honoring your introverted nature doesn’t mean hiding from the world—it means learning how to engage with it in ways that support your energy and wellbeing.

Join us monthly on Burnout Banter as we showcase and share the stories and insights of marketing professionals and technical teams in the construction industry. We aim to shed light on issues such as miscommunication and burnout. Please email us any burning questions you would like us to answer at burnoutbanter@gmail.com