High productivity means being aware of workplace psychology and scheduling
It’s said that the constant flow of emails, meetings and instant messages – or ‘busywork’, as it’s been called – can often prevent us from engaging in what we might call ‘actual work’. These are the tasks that move projects forward, deliver value to clients or contribute to our professional growth. But there are some steps that can be taken to help boost a team’s output.
Happy workers are productive workers – it’s a well-documented fact. But it can be hard to keep sight of as the deadlines loom and the pressure builds. In a study titled Happiness and Productivity, researchers from the University of Warwick conducted a series of experiments involving over 700 participants.
They gave one group mood-boosting stimuli like watching clips from a comedy movie or eating chocolate, while another group were left to get on with their work without any treats. The results were clear: the group with mood boosters demonstrated a remarkable 10–12% increase in productivity.
IWG research backs this up and highlights the many benefits of hybrid working. By cutting back on the daily commute and giving employees the opportunity to work closer to home or in an office that fits with their personal preferences, you can give people back time and control of their lifestyle. According to the same research, hybrid workers exercise more, sleep longer and eat better – and they spend more time with friends and family. As a result, 79% said they have been more productive post-lockdown.
Work smarter
Microsoft Teams data shows that our collective focus is generally on communicating rather than creating.
In the same report, 68% of people said they don’t have enough uninterrupted focus time during the workday.
Giving people the time and space for focused work is essential for productivity. That could mean allocating specific times during the week, setting out rules for scheduling meetings or giving team members access to a workspace that works for them. This often means getting out of the busy company headquarters or away from home and the lure of the couch. In truth, it is probably all of these things combined.
As AI develops and improves, it will inevitably take on a bigger role in the workplace. The author of Microsoft’s Work Trend Index describes it as a “co-pilot” that can help us to manage our busy work.
“This new generation of AI will remove the drudgery of work and unleash creativity,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft. “There’s an enormous opportunity for AI-powered tools to help alleviate digital debt, build AI aptitude and empower employees.”
People like to know that their employers are invested in them, and offering training and development opportunities is a good way to show that you’re a manager who cares. Personal growth and breadth of experience are very much the career motivators of the moment, and Gen Z employees who are just entering the workforce cite both of these as among their key wants when looking for a job.
On a small scale, you can embrace new skills by helping people within your team share their knowledge and expertise and bringing in outside experts when possible.
Change the focus
Hybrid-era meetings are different from before, but many people are conducting them in the same tired format, and meeting fatigue is a common complaint.
One solution is curated meetings, which help generate ideas, foster team bonds and nurture a strong company culture.
A curated meeting is the antithesis of things happening by accident and worlds apart from the sort of ‘quick catch-up’ that, in many pre-pandemic workplaces, could easily turn into meandering, time-wasting conversations with no discernible outcome.
Start by setting clear goals as a group to curate meetings effectively. Encourage active participation, allowing everyone to have a say. A designated facilitator can guide the discussion while ensuring a balanced conversation. Importantly, curated meetings should also be enjoyable and social.
After each meeting, assess whether the goals were achieved and define the next steps. By following these steps, you can unlock a team’s full potential and foster a culture of productivity.
Being productive doesn’t happen by accident, and people who are bogged down by busy work or held up in overly long meetings don’t have extra hours to go then and get the important work done. Hybrid working can help because it gives employees the space, energy and extra time (those valuable hours not commuting, for example) to produce great work, and that keeps everyone happy.
Text | Fatima Koning and Joanne Bushell
Photography | Meeko Media
Fatima Koning is IWG’s Chief Commercial Officer. Joanne Bushell is MD, IWG, South Africa. For more information, go to iwgplc.com.
