A review by allysonwbrunette
It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson

3.0

This was our work book club fall read. (Yes, I started a book club at work because I took a DNA test and turns out, I’m 100% that nerd). It’s a small group and it’s a new venture, but we get together once per quarter and read a book about work life balance, work efficiency or leadership. I’m hoping that it can spur conversation on organizational culture changes and encourage better practices. This book is written by one of Basecamp’s founders, Jason Fried, and highlights in an easy to read format the beliefs at the core of their organization. It basically knocks the “hustle and grind” mentality to the ground and applauds organizations (like Basecamp) that are intentional in creating a culture of ‘calm’. Their organization advocates for fewer distractions (like not leaving email or chat open at all times), encouraging people to say no, giving generous amounts of time off, endorsing employee health and wellbeing by paying for CSA shares and not having pointless meetings or ever having meetings in groups larger than three people. Many of the points of this book would be difficult to apply to working in the public sector, but it was refreshing to see that segments of the private sector are prioritizing their employees’ mental health and wellbeing.