Software Architect's Handbook

Working overtime

One approach is to have the team work longer hours, allowing them to accomplish more in the same amount of time. However, you run the risk of lowering morale and productivity as hours increase.

One way to motivate your team with this approach is to pay extra for overtime work, or issue compensatory time that can be used later. Of course, this requires management's approval. If extra pay is involved, the budget of the project must be taken into consideration. Overtime pay, particularly if there are contractors on the project, can add up quickly.