Why smart workers aren’t busy doing nothing

Why smart workers aren't busy doing nothing

Want to know the secret to success? Peter Foy reckons it’s all about using your energy wisely. Here’s how

“It’s true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?” Ronald Reagan.

Compare the words of a former president of the United States of America with the work ethic and philosophy of Elon Musk, billionaire CEO of Tesla and other high-tech companies. Musk claims to work 120 hours a week, while Reagan was famed for his laid-back approach to life.

For every swan drifting over the surface of a lake, there’s a pair of legs doing a lot of work beneath.  

So the question I’m thinking about is: who’s right?

Busy fools and smart workers

We have all experienced the busy fool as a colleague. That person who is always early at their desk and late to leave, but actually achieves very little. The one who is quick to tell you about their long hours and the awesome responsibility that comes with their job, but who doesn’t really make an impact on the workplace.

At the other extreme is the professional who appears to glide effortlessly through the working day, taking everything in their stride. This person makes it look simple to win deals, easily exceeds targets and still manages to enjoy a great life. They probably have a beautiful family, a dream house and a fantastic future. It’s hard not to feel a little envious of the ease with which they live, even while acknowledging their brilliance.

Of course, we all know that nothing is as straightforward as it seems. Even those people with an apparently charmed existence, titans of time-management who coast through life with all the grace of an accomplished ice skater, have moments of self-doubt. For every swan drifting over the surface of a lake, there’s a pair of legs doing a lot of work beneath.

But there is a valuable lesson to learn from these two stereotypical extremes – and that’s about the need to expend energy wisely in order to succeed.

Why smart workers aren't busy doing nothingInputs and outputs

Over the past 40 years I have learnt that successful professionals, be they software developers, sales folk or recruiters, share a pattern of behaviour.

With salespeople if you take a snapshot of activity halfway through a quarter, some will already have made the target and be building pipeline for the next quarter. They are organised, steady and structured in their approach. They identify priorities, work methodically and with dedication, and get things done. As a result, they can enjoy their downtime, secure in the knowledge that work is going to plan. And it’s all thanks to careful planning and appropriate application.

Those, hopefully the minority, who haven’t adopted these virtuous habits things look very different. Their targets aren’t close to being met, let alone beaten. They’ve no prospects for the next quarter, because they’ve barely planned to the end of this week. And they look constantly harassed, like butterflies flitting from flower to flower but never resting.

In short, they’re busy fools. 

People deliver results

Now, it’s my responsibility as a manager and leader to help these people develop the right habits. Which is why staff training and development are so important to business success. Invest in your people and you’ll reap the rewards. It’s as true now as it’s ever been.

What’s also true is that, if you get the right people in place, your chances of succeeding increase dramatically. We can help with that, because it’s our business to find the employees who will make your organisation take flight.

So, if I can help my staff to work smart, it’ll increase the chances of your staff following suit. Sounds like a good bit of business for all concerned, doesn’t it?

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: 
The knowledge: find out what you stand for
Surprising jobs celebs did before they were famous (no. 4 is completely unexpected!)

 

Published: 24 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Warehouse Operative (days)
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.98 per hour
Location: Beccles
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913697
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing organisation, with 2 sites across Essex and Suffolk, to recruit a permanent Warehouse Assistant for their team in Beccles.

The key purpose of this role is to handle goods within the warehouse, ensuring they are received, stored, and dispatched efficiently.

Key duties include:

  • Unloading goods from delivery vehicles, verifying delivery documents, and checking for discrepancies in quantities or damages.
  • Store products in designated areas, ensuring they are properly labelled, scanned and stored in an organised manner.
  • Perform inventory controls using scanners or computer systems to maintain accurate stock levels.
  • Accurately pick cartons according to customer orders, pack them securely for delivery, and load them onto delivery vehicles.
  • Use warehouse equipment to move goods safely and efficiently.
  • Work as part of a team to complete tasks and ensure the smooth operation of warehouse activities.

Key requirements for the role include:

  • Previous warehouse experience preferred.
  • Manual handling, including lifting, bending, and stretching, so a good level of fitness is important.
  • Accuracy in picking and packing orders is crucial to avoid errors in deliveries.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with inventory management systems and basic computer skills is beneficial.
  • Experience operating lift trucks such as VNA, Reach, Counter Balance, Order Picker, and Power Pallet Trucks is beneficial; however, training will be provided.

Working hours are from Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.30pm.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
7.5t Driver
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913693
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded business based in Witham to recruit a 7.5t Driver.

Duties include:

  • Carrying out daily vehicle checks as required using correct documentation in accordance with the company’s policy and processes.
  • Informing Directors of any defects as soon as possible.
  • Establishing, developing and maintaining positive customer relationships.
  • Ensuring compliance with relevant Road Transport Legislation using analogue and digital tachograph equipment and relevant company reporting procedures.
  • Ensure timesheets are completed accurately, including all relevant details such as breaks, driving hours, and duty times, in full compliance with driver hours regulations.

Driving duties will require overnight stays away from home due to long-distance driving (i.e. Scotland). There is recompense for these overnight stays, which is paid per company policy

Role requirements include:

  • Driving experience, including:- Full UK Driving licence (inc. 7.5 tonne vehicles).
  • Must be Driver Certificate of Professional Competence qualified (Driver CPC qualification for professional lorry drivers).
  • Demonstrable flexible, adaptable and positive approach to prioritising tasks and working under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Commercial Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913682B
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an ambitious Commercial Manager to join a Colchester-based company as part of their Supplier Negotiation Team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in purchasing, pricing strategy, and supplier communications, while gaining invaluable experience within a fast-growing national business.

Duties will include:

  • Supporting the Commercial Management team in negotiating purchasing agreements and maintaining supplier relationships.
  • Assisting with pricing queries from Managers and Estimators across the business.
  • Collaborating with the Product File team to help maintain accurate pricing and product information.
  • Working directly in the Profit Centres to gain valuable experience of the industry and how to run a profitable business.
  • Identifying new product ranges and suppliers that will provide future-proofing for the years to come.
  • Providing direct assistance to the Commercial Director with support from the other Commercial Managers.

Role requirements include:

  • Confidence with Excel is preferred, but training can be provided.
  • Key personality traits would be a positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
  • You will have a strong interest in business, purchasing or negotiation. Any experience in related fields would be a bonus, but is not considered essential.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Operative (with forklift licence)
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.74 per hour
Location: Bury St. Edmunds
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-BU-WO-0625
About the role

Just Temps is seeking a Warehouse Operative with a forklift licence for a company based in Bury St. Edmunds. 

Hours: 37.5 per week; 08.00 to 16.00 with a half-hour lunch break; Monday to Friday.

Roles and responsibilities include:

  • Forklift Driver duties
  • Performing the inventory of the kit
  • Supporting the Remarketing Technicians with the processing and grading of equipment
  • Using the in-house stock systems (training provided) 
  • Picking and packing orders accurately 
  • General warehouse keeping
  • Manual handling/lifting, and relocating stock within the warehouse
  • Adhering to all Health and Safety and Risk Assessment guidelines

Skills and expertise requirements include:

  • Have a good understanding of IT equipment
  • Have basic skills in Microsoft Office
  • Able to demonstrate good communication skills
  • Able to problem solve when experiencing issues
  • Possess a good attention to detail to ensure tasks are carried out to the highest standard
  • Reliable/dependable/trustworthy personality
  • Good understanding of health and safety, enabling a safe working practice to always be followed
  • Experience with Manual Handling Equipment, i.e., pallet trucks
  • Lifting and moving products up to 25kg, so you will need to be physically fit

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913694
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Design Engineer for an automotive manufacturer based in Gillingham, Kent.

This role will support design and development activities as well as manufacturing and aftermarket support for a full range of diesel high-pressure fuel pumps.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Design of diesel fuel injection components, predominantly high-pressure pumps.
  • Produce creative design solutions to fulfil current and future business needs.
  • Interpret sim and test results and propose design improvements and concept solutions.
  • Establish networks within the organisation for establishing the feasibility of designs for manufacture, supplier and assembly.
  • Have a cost conscience for supplier and manufacturing impacts when developing design solutions.
  • Design and prepare concept 3D graphical models.
  • Understand detailed engineering drawings, interpreting the latest geometric dimensioning and tolerance practices.
  • Contributing to formal and informal design and development reviews at appropriate stages of PDP projects.
  • Design and work within high-precision manufacturing technologies required to produce advanced prototypes.
  • Be able to make assessments of designs using established DFMEA methods to develop a robust product.

Qualifications and experience include:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a suitable engineering or business discipline.
  • 5-10 years’ experience (preferably).

Key skills include:

  • Knowledge of DFMEA methodology.
  • Ability to operate SolidWorks CAD package.
  • Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Knowledge of design analysis tools, Pugh, VA/VE or similar.

Standard benefits include:

  • Holidays – 25 days p.a. (Pro rata to start date), plus bank Holidays.
  • Subsidised staff restaurant.
  • Dental plan.
  • Pension.
  • On-site parking.
  • Paid monthly (19th).
  • On-site gym.
  • Local discounts at the gym.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Hybrid working policy (provision to work up to 2 days from home, following a successful probation period).

There is a relocation package of up to £8,000 for this role.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more