by Anishametra Saravanan
Smart work and hard work are two very different approaches to completing various tasks. Many professionals use a mix of smart work and hard work to accomplish quality work within deadlines. The ability to balance working smart and working hard is a valuable skill that can help you excel professionally. But before deciding what type of worker you are, let’s define working smart and working hard and explain the differences between the two.
What is working smart?
Working smart is using your resources and tools to achieve the best potential outcomes within an allotted time. Someone who works smart might apply their knowledge and expertise in their field to meet a goal while using minimal energy. When you work smart, you may be able to increase your productivity, achieve a better work-life balance and excel in your career.
What is working hard?
On the other hand, working hard is using high amounts of physical and emotional effort to achieve the best potential outcomes at your job. Someone who works hard might consistently put in long hours to meet a goal or deadline. Working hard could also involve working intensely to complete a lot of tasks in a short time frame.
Work smart vs. Work hard
While neither one is better than the other, here are some differences between smart work and hard work that may help you identify when to use which one or both at the same time:
Approach: Hard work involves a direct approach in which you complete most of the work yourself to meet a deadline. The approach for working smart usually means you find the most efficient way to meet your goals, including sharing work or prioritising tasks.
Time commitment: Working hard is usually most useful when you have an upcoming deadline and need to complete many tasks. Since smart work may take a little more time to organise and prioritise tasks, it’s often best if you have a slightly longer time frame to use this tactic.
Flexibility: Hard work usually takes a direct approach to finish duties and there’s usually less flexibility in the way you can work. However, working smart often focuses mainly on flexibility to find the best ways to complete tasks.
Focus: The main focus for hard work is quantity, especially when you are trying to complete as many tasks as possible. When you work smart, you usually focus on both quality and quantity to ensure you produce the best work possible.
Despite the differences in both ways of working, there are strengths in both and if balanced well, you could achieve being both – a smart and hard worker.
Source:
Indeed
