The "push" should be only as needed and when needed. Too many companies get in a habit of saying it is needed every single day.
I moved to a 4/10 schedule many years ago. It quickly became a 5/10 schedule. I quit, I have refused to ever do a 4/10 again. I work in a field that is exempt. they will fuck you and your life as much as possible while making sure to never give you a bonus or a promotion so long as you are willing to be their slave. Never again.
Well, I work for myself, I drive as hard as I ask my guys, I won't ask anyone to do anything that I wont. If I think we can get it done today, I ask "yall want to stay till dark, or fuck it and come back tomorrow?" Usually the consensus is get it done.
That's good. I don't currently employ myself. It is a goal.
I will no longer kill myself to make someone else rich while they fuck me over (No I am not complaining about doing my job, but about being abused to the limits). I work my ass off. I spent half of my weekend working because shit needed to get done and my current boss is not a jackass and people rely on what I do.
What you describe is being a leader, not a boss.
I appreciate those words. I try to treat them with respect. I try to buy lunch every day, and bake that cost into projects. A few guys work by the hour, one guy works by the day. I told the "day pay" guy, some days we work 5 hours, you get paid a full day. Most days we work 8 hours. I am not gonna keep track of it, but for the 2-3 times a month we work 10 hours, I am gonna bank on you have been paid for that in spades, if you think you are working more than what maths out, come to me and lets run the numbers. Else, I'll pay you a fixed daily rate, I think the short days are more than the longs.
Lunch sometimes is almost equal to just paying them to not eat, but thats not the point, a mid-point in the day lets everyone reset, have a laugh, check their socials and shit, then get their head in the game.
Lunch is the most important part of the day....since you know your half done!