Life is busy. How often do you hear someone say there is not enough time in the day to get everything done? While this is true for many, our Headhunters in Toronto have talked with many employers about workloads and the different levels of being “busy.”
Generally, there are two types of busy people. Some are busy and get things done. Then others appear busy but accomplish very little. They are putting on what some refer to as “productivity theatre.” Below, we’ll discuss this concept, how employers can prevent this and what workers can do to focus on work.
What is Productivity Theatre?
Productivity theatre is a term to describe when workers give the appearance of working hard or being busy It’s engaging in behaviours that give the appearance of being productive without actually accomplishing meaningful work. It’s often about looking busy rather than being genuinely effective. So, people are focusing on looking busy over being productive.
What are Some Examples of Productivity Theatre?
Here are some common examples of what productivity theatre could look like:
- Holding unnecessary meetings or attending meetings that don’t require your presence
- Creating unnecessary reports or documentation
- Constantly checking email
- Staying late at the office even though work is completed for the day
- Performing other tasks that are not a priority or have little impact
These are just a few examples of productivity theatre, but ultimately, it refers to any activity where someone is focused on appearing productive rather than actually being productive.
What can Employers do to Prevent Productivity Theatre from Becoming an Issue With Employees?
Creating a culture of productivity and results starts with management. Here are things you can do to improve productivity:
- Focus on results: Focus on results and achievements over hours worked. Prioritize meaningful tasks over simply appearing busy.
- Set clear goals: Managers should set clear goals and expectations for all employees. Define what success looks like to help people focus on achieving real objectives.
- Establish transparent workflows: This will help ensure everyone is on the same page. This will reduce misunderstanding and help people stay focused on prioritized tasks.
- Provide regular feedback: Provide regular feedback to help employees understand where they stand. Address productivity issues and offer continuous feedback.
What can Employees Do to Stay Focused at Work? 10 Tips to be More Productive
Employees can let go of productivity theatre and focus on meaningful work by shifting how they approach the work day. Here’s how:
- Prioritize Outcomes Over Outputs: Focus on the results you need to achieve rather than the number of tasks completed.
- Set Clear Goals For Yourself: This will help you stay focused on projects.
- Embrace Detailed Work: Dedicate time to uninterrupted work on important tasks.
- Limit Meetings and Updates: Reduce the number of meetings or status updates that don’t add real value.
- Say No: Decline tasks or requests that will not help you achieve your designed outcomes.
- Measure Impact, Not Activity: Do the things that have the greatest impact.
- Daily Reviews: Assess what you’ve accomplished. Make adjustments to improve productivity.
- Focus on One Task at a Time: This will help you achieve higher-quality outputs.
- Do What Works for You: There is no such thing as a perfect system. Use the process or workflow that helps you be the most productive.
- Be Honest With Yourself: How efficient are you? Are you a good time manager? Be honest with yourself about the tasks you choose and how you prioritize your time.
By prioritizing what truly matters and being mindful of how you spend your time and energy, you can escape productivity theatre and focus on meaningful work that delivers real results.
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