The Five Hour Rule

The Five Hour Rule

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin

Did you know you need five hours of deliberate learning a week to stay relevant? Michael Simmons, founder of Empact, coined this notion “The Five Hour Rule” after researching the most successful and busy people in the world, finding they shared a pattern: They devoted at least 5 hours a week to deliberate learning.

The rapid rate in which industry is advancing creates an environment where it’s not about lack of jobs or not having enough people to fill positions. It’s about having enough people with the correct skills to fill the jobs. This means you must be constantly consuming information and learning to stay relevant.

Currently, the future of work follows two trends:

Life of Knowledge: The rate at which knowledge becomes outdated is predictable and growing exponentially. Therefore, just to stay relevant in the wake of this rapid evolution, we need to keep updating our knowledge. Think about how much technology has changed over the past 10 years, how much more we know about diet and health compared to 40 years ago, and how now the periodic table has 118 elements instead of 106 in 1970.
Law of Increasing Learning: Professionals are increasing how much time they put toward learning. Given that we are competing in a global economy for jobs, clients, and customers, we need to at least match others just to stay in the same place. If other people are learning more, then you have to learn just as much as them to stay relevant. If you stand still, you will fall behind. If you’ve been in your current job awhile, you might not be aware of how far you’re falling behind. If you try to transition to a new field or re-enter the market after a break, you’ll quickly realize your skills are probably outdated.

How can you implement this Five Hour Rule into your daily life? Everyone is busy, but Bill Gates reads a book a week, and Barack Obama reads one hour every day. The key is understanding how to maximize your time so you can practice the Five Hour Rule. While spending time learning advanced material that needs your 100% focus is necessary, remember you can do two things at once and still learn. For example, listen to an audiobook while driving or exercising. Waiting on a phone call or eating lunch, you can do a quick scan of news in your industry.

At VIP Staffing we take the education and training of our staff seriously. Recently, our recruiters attended a Zip Recruiter training session and many of our managers have received OHSA training. Additionally, we have monthly education and professional development sessions and are members of the American Staffing Association (ASA,) who has numerous continuing education programs and events.

How will you change your routine to incorporate the Five Hour Rule so you don’t get left behind?

Staffing That Works in the Real World: Flexibility, Reliability, and Communication Matter More Than Ever

Q1 Staffing Strategies: How to Start the Year Strong

Questions Your Hiring Manager Should Be Asking

5 Tips to Step Up Your Warehouse Job Posting

Ready to Begin Your Career Journey?

Let’s write your success story next. Whether you’re a company looking for the perfect candidate or a job seeker seeking your next opportunity, we’re here to make your next move your best one.

five hour rule, benjamin franklin 5 hour rule, the five hour rule, 5 hour rule benjamin franklin

Understanding the Five Hour Rule

The Five Hour Rule emphasizes the importance of dedicating at least five hours a week to deliberate learning. This concept, introduced by Michael Simmons, highlights how successful individuals prioritize continuous education to maintain their competitive edge in the workforce. By setting aside time for learning, professionals can enhance their skills, adapt to industry changes, and foster personal growth.

Examples of how this rule is applied can be seen in the habits of high achievers like Bill Gates and Barack Obama, who incorporate reading and learning into their daily routines. Organizations can also support this initiative by offering professional development programs, which not only benefit employees but also contribute to overall company success.

Why Continuous Learning Matters

In today's fast-paced job market, continuous learning is essential for career advancement and job security. As industries evolve rapidly due to technological advancements and changing consumer demands, professionals must stay informed about new trends and skills relevant to their fields. This proactive approach to learning ensures that individuals remain valuable assets to their organizations.

Statistics show that companies that invest in employee training and development experience higher retention rates and improved performance. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, businesses not only enhance their workforce’s capabilities but also position themselves competitively within their industry.

Implementing the Five Hour Rule in Daily Life

Integrating the Five Hour Rule into a busy schedule may seem challenging, but it can be achieved with intentional planning. Setting aside specific times each week for learning activities—such as reading, online courses, or attending workshops—can help individuals make the most of their time. By treating these learning sessions as non-negotiable appointments, professionals can prioritize their development.

Practical tips for implementing this rule include breaking learning into manageable chunks, utilizing commute times for audiobooks or podcasts, and joining study groups for collaborative learning. Additionally, leveraging resources offered by employers, such as training programs and educational events, can further enhance the learning experience.

VIP Staffing's Commitment to Professional Development

At VIP Staffing, we recognize the value of continuous learning and are dedicated to providing our staff with the resources and opportunities necessary for professional growth. Our monthly education and professional development sessions are designed to equip employees with the latest skills and knowledge in their respective fields, ensuring they remain competitive in the job market.

As members of the American Staffing Association (ASA), we have access to numerous continuing education programs and events that further support our commitment to learning. By investing in our team’s development, we not only enhance individual careers but also strengthen our organization as a whole, making us a trusted partner for both job seekers and employers.