Energy makes a huge difference in the productivity of a law department

Everyone talks about working longer hours and working more thoughtfully but an article in the Harvard Bus. Rev., Vol. 85, Oct. 2007 at 63, argues that “the core problem with working longer hours is that time is a finite resource. Energy is a different story.”

What I took from the article is that if the lawyers and staff in a law department improve their capacity to work — their energy – they will be much more productive and engaged. Energy comes from building up physical energy (such as taking breaks to walk around), emotional energy (such as relaxation rituals and positive emotions), mental energy (such as periods of time to focus without interruption), and human-spirit energy (feeling appreciated and committed to work that is important). All this makes much sense to me.