Time to Evolve the Productivity Paradigm
How can we move past the productivity obsession?
Harvard Business Review recently published a thought-provoking article that seems to defy the current ethos of the modern workplace: to be more productive, do less.
Author Kate Northrup describes research which found we truly focus our work for 6 hours per week. Based on this kind of emerging research, the 40-hour work week doesn’t make much sense.
You’ve probably noticed I frequently make the case for remote work and flexible work options by providing evidence that productivity increases when employees have options on where they work. It’s definitely a statistic worth examining when considering the jump to more flexible work. But perhaps it’s time to examine the nature of productivity itself.
How do you define productivity? The dictionary defines it as “the quality, state, or fact of being able to generate, create, enhance, or bring forth goods and services.” This certainly describes the nature of work and what we desire for our teams.
Any conscious leader focused on bringing out the best in their teams and organization recognizes activity does not equal productivity. Setting the goal of sending a certain number of emails every day is not true productivity. True productivity is reducing the number of emails you send so you can more quickly accomplish clear objectives that will advance your organization’s mission. Emails are one tool you may need to use in order to be truly productive. But sending and reading emails just to seem “busy” is not productivity.
In her article for Harvard Business Review, Northrup outlines the steps she takes her clients through to help them cut down on activity and get clarity on what activities are truly productive in moving them towards their professional or personal goals. She also encourages enhancing your personal happiness and joy since it also increases productivity.
Instead of focusing on activities we equate with productivity, how about focusing on fewer activities which produce real impact, while enhancing harmony between our work and life? Instead of workplace FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), how about more JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)?
The ethos of the modern workplace is to worship at the altar of productivity. But perhaps it’s time to take a step back and determine whether all this “productivity” is really getting us closer to the life and work we love. It’s time to evolve past the productivity paradigm into the impact paradigm.
Meredith’s coaching helps conscious leaders step courageously into the future of work. Contact her to develop your conscious leadership and transform your organization into the workplace of the future.
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