It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work

More about the book

In this timely manifesto, the authors of a New York Times bestseller reject the notion that long hours and aggressive hustle are essential for business success. Building on their previous work, they present a bold strategy for creating an ideal company culture, termed "the calm company." This approach directly addresses the chaos, anxiety, and stress that affect millions of workplaces and workers daily. Long hours and excessive workloads have become badges of honor, but the authors argue that they should be seen as marks of foolishness. This issue extends beyond large organizations; individuals, contractors, and solopreneurs are also experiencing burnout. The key to improved productivity lies not in working longer but in reducing waste and minimizing distractions and stress. Fried and Hansson advocate for celebrating Calm over Crazy. Their own company culture at Basecamp has embraced "Calm" for twenty years, providing proof of its effectiveness. This book serves as a practical and inspiring guide, showcasing their insights and experiences. It offers a roadmap for managers and executives across industries to implement these principles, demonstrating that a more balanced approach to work is not only possible but beneficial for all.