Instant Alert: 10 ways to work less without losing your boss' respect

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   10 ways to work less without losing your boss' respect by Stacey Lastoe on Jul 3, 2017, 3:50 PM Advertisement Now that summer's here, many of us are probably daydreaming about frozen margaritas sipped on outdoor patios, beach days, long bike rides, and leaving work in time to enjoy several hours of daylight. When the clock strikes 5 p.m. ( or 2 p.m. on a Friday, anyone?), it's natural to want to call it a day, turn off the computer, and enjoy the life part of the work-life equation. But if you typically work nine- or 10-hour days, how is this even possible? How can you realistically work a little less and still make your mark at work? Muse career experts have advice on how you can manage to be productive without being a workaholic. SEE ALSO: More bosses are giving up on employees getting anything done on Fridays this summer DON'T MISS: The unglamorous summer jobs 21 successful people had before they made it big 1. Practice open communication "If enjoying free time in the evenings over the summer doesn't sound like something your work life can support, try speaking to your manager about getting in earlier to justify leaving at a specific set time. They'll appreciate your diligence, and you'll appreciate a more flexible summer schedule!" —Matthew N. Ford 2. Talk to your boss "Contrary to popular belief among many professionals, working ridiculous hours does not prove your worth. A good manager will work with you to be sure you are not overloaded. "If you're working late every night over a long period of time, it might be time to speak to your boss about better distribution of responsibilities." —Ashley Cobert 3. Hone your time management skills "Be mindful of what's on your plate and strategically block out times to work on specific projects to ensure you're getting what you need done so you're able to enjoy some sun. If we're not intentional about choosing how we spend our time, it can and will get away from us. "Be mindful of your social media use and other distractions. It also can't hurt to get in earlier and accomplish what you can while it's quiet and then you're able to leave earlier and enjoy the extended daylight!" —Kelly Poulson See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011