Remember the difference between “busy” homework and “productive” homework? Although we may not have enjoyed either, we knew the difference. Busy homework was a huge waste of time, adding little to no value towards our learning while productive homework was, well, productive, meaning the actual process of doing the homework added value to our learning. The same is true for workers (and companies) who engage people in busy work vs productive work. Shane Parrish of Farnum Street writes: “running around in circles is busy. Going toward your destination is productive. It’s easy to be busy. It’s hard to be productive.”
Companies with busy workers often fail to retain them and lag behind their industry leaders. Companies with productive workers not only retain them, they invest in their professional growth and development, and often enjoy being their industry’s leader.
Therefore, it’s worthwhile to explore the difference between busy and productive workers to insure the growth and well-being of your employees and the success of your company.
Busy vs. Productive
Workers who are busy “being busy” are usually preoccupied with a multitude of tasks, meetings, and emails. They are in a state of perpetual motion, constantly on the move, doing, doing, doing and they confuse productive with busy. In reality however, they might not be producing or accomplishing much work of any value, and anything they do produce is often the result of working ineffectively. This help explains while busyness often leads to burnout, stress, and a sense of unfulfillment.
Conversely, workers who are productive use their time and resources efficiently, achieving impactful results (and outcomes). Productive workers prioritize effectively, focus on high-impact tasks, and make the best use of their skills and expertise. Productive work is not about doing more; rather it is about intentionally focusing your energy on a few carefully chosen tasks and activities that significantly move the needle.
The Pitfalls of Busyness
While it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness, it often results in several detrimental effects on both the worker(s) and organizations. Following are 4 significant negative ramifications of busyness:
1. Burnout: Constant busyness without meaningful results can lead to employee burnout. Burnout not only affects an individual’s well-being but can also lead to higher turnover rates, which are costly for companies.
2. Lack of Innovation: Busy employees often have little time for creative thinking and innovation. They may stick to routine tasks and miss opportunities for growth and improvement.
3. Quality vs. Quantity: Busyness tends to prioritize quantity over quality, where more is truly less. Rushing through tasks to complete more of them can lead to errors and decreased quality of work.
4. Reduced Job Satisfaction: Employees who feel constantly busy but not productive often become disengaged and dissatisfied with their jobs. This can lead to a lack of motivation, decreased loyalty to the company and emotionally “checking out”.
The Value of Productivity
Following are 3 significant ways productivity is essential for retaining employees and for companies to lead their industries:
1. Employee Satisfaction and Retention:
Work-Life Balance: Productive employees have a better work-life balance. They can complete their tasks efficiently, leaving more time for personal and family life, reducing stress and burnout.
Recognition and Growth: Productive employees tend to stand out. When their efforts lead to tangible results, they are more likely to be recognized, rewarded, and offered opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Sense of Achievement: Productivity brings an individual sense of accomplishment with it. When employees consistently achieve their goals and contribute to the company’s success, they are more likely to feel fulfilled in their roles.
Employee Development: Productive employees often seek opportunities to increase their professional development and growth. Companies that prioritize productivity are more likely to invest in training and development programs, which are attractive to employees seeking career advancement.
2. Competitive Advantage:
Innovation: Productive employees have the mental space to think creatively and innovate. They can identify opportunities for improvement and develop solutions that give their companies a competitive edge in the market.
Efficiency: Productive companies operate more efficiently. They can streamline processes, reduce waste, and adapt to changes in the business environment more quickly than their less productive counterparts.
Adaptability: Productive organizations are better equipped to adapt (and be agile) to changing circumstances, whether it’s a shift in market trends or unexpected disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ability to pivot and make decisions swiftly cannot be overstated as a competitive advantage.
3. Customer Satisfaction:
Quality Deliverables: Productive employees are more likely to deliver high-quality products or services. This, in turn, leads to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is vital for long-term success.
Responsive Customer Service: Productive employees have the capacity to respond promptly to customer inquiries and resolve issues efficiently. This contributes to positive customer experiences and strengthens relationships.
Strategies for Cultivating Productivity
Following are 5 simple, proven and highly effective strategies individuals and companies can adopt for transitioning their workers from busyness to productivity.
1. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks that align with your goals and the organization’s objectives. Avoid the urge to tackle every task on your to-do list. If everything is urgent, nothing is urgent. Prioritize!
2. Time Management: Manage your time wisely. Use whatever time management tool or technique you prefer; some people like the Pomodoro Technique, others the Eisenhower Matrix, use whatever works for you to structure your workday effectively. In addition, be aware of the time of day that you are most productive. Some people are morning people, other people are night people. Manage your time (and tasks) to take advantage of this knowledge.
3. Set Clear Goals: Establish clear, measurable goals and objectives that provide a timeline and direction for your work.
4. Eliminate Distractions: Identify and minimize distractions, whether they come from technology, coworkers, or your environment. Use “do not disturb” messaging appropriately and shut off all notifications on your computer when you need a block of uninterrupted time.
5. Delegate: Delegate tasks when appropriate and trust your team members to handle their responsibilities. This requires you to resist the temptation of being a control freak. Trust your team.
Knowing the distinction between being busy and being productive is crucial to every worker’s success and every company’s success. By prioritizing productivity and implementing the strategies described above, individuals and organizations can achieve meaningful results and maintain a competitive advantage in today’s rapidly ever-evolving business landscape.
Dr. Patty Ann
