Does Working Hard Really Make You a Good Person? | Azim Shariff | TED

Imagine being in a situation where an advanced software can perform your job for free, leaving you with two choices: continue receiving pay while staying home or keep working despite the automation. Most would opt to take the money and relax, but some might choose to remain engaged in their work. This scenario was presented through a hypothetical character named Jeff, who faced this dilemma as a medical scribe. The study explored participants' reactions based on whether Jeff chose to go home or continued working.

Effort is often perceived as a moral virtue, regardless of the actual outcomes it produces. In studies comparing two widget makers who produce identical results but differ in effort levels, participants consistently view the harder-working individual as more trustworthy and morally upright despite their lower competence. This phenomenon, termed 'effort moralization,' transcends cultural boundaries; similar findings were observed in South Korea and France. Even among hunter-gatherer societies like the Hadza in Tanzania, there’s a consensus that effort contributes to good character.

The connection between effort and morality is a profound aspect of human behavior, suggesting that individuals who demonstrate diligence in even trivial tasks are more inclined to assist others. This moralization of effort indicates that hard work can enhance one's character perception. For instance, Paul exemplifies this idea; his charisma and attention to detail in personal choices reflect an underlying commitment to putting forth genuine effort.

Paul, who sells $60 bars of soap, embodies the struggle and effort behind personal growth. Despite his seemingly perfect lifestyle as a dedicated runner, he faces challenges every morning that reveal his determination rather than ease. This resilience makes him an invaluable collaborator in both research and life. The essence of human relationships revolves around finding strong partners—whether romantic or otherwise—and demonstrating our own worthiness to be chosen.

Surrounding ourselves with reliable partners is essential for cooperation, as qualities like generosity and self-control enhance collaboration. Society often equates hard work with moral goodness, leading to a preference for supporting those who demonstrate effort over productivity. However, this focus on activity rather than results can create negative incentives in the workplace. Valuing mere busyness may detract from actual achievements and hinder overall effectiveness.

Workaholism often leads to sacrificing personal time for the sake of productivity, resulting in a significant human cost. Many individuals, like Jeff—the medical scribe—spend valuable moments on work instead of nurturing relationships or enjoying leisure activities. This behavior is sometimes worn as a badge of honor to validate one's worthiness and dedication. The concept of 'bullshit jobs' highlights how many roles exist that even employees deem pointless within capitalism's framework; yet these inefficiencies persist due to an underlying cultural phenomenon known as workism. Workism transforms jobs into sources not only for income but also identity and self-fulfillment, compelling everyone to engage in this culture where competition extends beyond mere performance.

The competitive nature of work can lead to an unhealthy culture where employees feel pressured to outdo each other in terms of hours and effort, often at the expense of their well-being. This arms race creates a perception that those who are not constantly working are slackers, diminishing the value placed on balance and meaningful contributions outside mere labor. While hard work is essential for progress, much current effort serves only to bolster personal reputations rather than achieve substantial outcomes. An example illustrates this: a student mimicked late-night email habits just to appear industrious instead of focusing on genuine productivity. A shift in workplace culture is necessary; it should prioritize real accomplishments over superficial displays of busyness.

Psychological biases are deeply ingrained and can influence decision-making, but awareness of these biases allows for better accountability in choices. An illustrative story from British colonial India highlights the unintended consequences of poorly designed incentives: a bounty on cobra skins led to breeding cobras instead of reducing their population. This misalignment between desired outcomes and the measures used to achieve them reflects broader issues in workplace dynamics where similar disconnects may occur.

A culture focused solely on effort leads to a society filled with hard labor and unfulfilled potential. Instead, prioritizing the creation of meaningful outcomes fosters a world rich in significance and purpose. Emphasizing meaningful contributions over mere effort is not only more productive but also aligns with moral values.