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Doing Laundry on the Company Dime

I work in a 25-person company. We have the option to work remotely, which most of us do. Our work is very cyclical. During our busy cycle, I routinely work six days a week, 10 or more hours a day. We are currently in our “slow” cycle, and I have almost nothing to do aside from producing one report per week and virtually attending a couple of meetings. Once I fulfill these duties, I’m at a loss on how to spend my work days. About three-quarters of the employees are in the same situation. Is it OK to go to the store, start dinner, do some laundry, do a bit of cleaning, go for a walk, et cetera? I feel extremely guilty doing these things, although I always have my phone on me and am available. The fact that we are all salaried and well-compensated makes the rational part of me think that it all evens out over the course of the year, but I still feel guilty during the down cycle. Thoughts?

— Anonymous

It’s more than OK to do these things during work hours — it’s essential. Working 10 hour days, six days a week doesn’t give anyone much time for errand-running, domestic duties, self-care or relaxation. You should take advantage of any and all openings in your schedule to get other things done.

Look at it this way: By focusing on nonwork-related tasks, you’re not being unproductive but giving yourself back time in order to make the actual moments when you’re working at full speed more productive.

It’s not as if you’re spending your “free” hours watching Netflix, though I suppose that would be your prerogative. And: you’re still working — you mention attendance at meetings and producing reports — and, as you say, you always have your phone on you, which counts for a lot. It means that you’re not neglecting your job — as you seem to worry you are — but using its positives, in this case, the free hours it offers, to be productive in other areas.

Listen: Your free time isn’t your problem to solve. If your managers and superiors are OK with continuing to compensate you during your and your colleagues’ more quiet moments, why should you argue? They’ve made an executive decision that they appear to be comfortable with, and I encourage you to let go of the guilt. Lean into your “rational” side. And enjoy your free time. We should all be so lucky!