I came across the subject of face time several times these past two weeks, so here’s my two cents on it.
Face Time
Typical usage: “I’d leave right now but it’s only 9 PM… need to put in some face time.”
What it really means: “Face Time” refers to staying in the office until an acceptably late time (11 PM or later, though some offices can be more like 2 AM) so that everyone thinks you’re busy and no one gives you more work.
Inquisitor, Mergers and Inquisitions
It’s encouraging to hear that many financial institutions are not as big on face time as they once were. I’ve always thought it to be nonsensical. Back in my days in equity research, I had always been the face time rebel. If there wasn’t any work that required my physical presence, I would leave the office by 6pm. When I have unfinished time sensitive work (which was often), I would take my work home and continued at it after dinner with my family and bed time story hour with my son.
More than once, my research director reminded me that I was setting a poor example for the team. Since I always showed up for my meetings, met my deadlines and pulled all-nighters when needed, I didn’t get fired for a lack of face time. Interestingly, the annual evaluations indicated that my boss was pleased with my performance.
After a long stretch of work, I found it re-energizing to take a break. I focused better with little distraction at home in the evenings.
It is counter productive to work excessive hours in the long run. We all know too well that just “being there” does not equate to higher productivity. So if there is no work that needed your immediate presence, why hang around late at the office just to be seen? There is so much more to life outside of the office.
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