Productivity : a sustainable approach to your working life
Cal Newport, an American professor and author, is a significant source of inspiration for many. He has written influential books such as Work Deeply and Digital Minimalism, which focus on how to work effectively in a world filled with distractions.
Recently, he published an article in The New Yorker where he introduced an intriguing concept that is likely to gain more importance in the coming years: slow productivity. This term is also the title of his upcoming book scheduled for release in 2024.
On the surface, the idea of slow productivity might seem confusing. After all, productivity typically means getting tasks done quickly and efficiently. However, Newport challenges this notion.
He argues that being fast is not always the best approach. When people feel rushed and constantly pressured, they are less likely to produce their best work.
Newport points to research showing that many individuals are experiencing stress and burnout due to an overly demanding work environment. This situation is not sustainable, and a different approach is necessary.
So, what exactly is slow productivity? Newport's article draws inspiration from the slow work movement, which has been championed by authors like Carl Honoré.
A key idea within this movement is that working fewer hours can lead to less stress and more creativity. Interestingly, fewer working hours could also have environmental benefits, such as a smaller carbon footprint.
Cal Newport acknowledges evidence supporting concepts like the four-day workweek. Certain professions, particularly in healthcare and education, have been overwhelmed and clearly need a better work-life balance.
However, Newport also expresses caution. Simply reducing hours may not eliminate feelings of stress. If people have less time to complete the same tasks, the situation can become even more stressful.
The core focus of slow productivity lies in managing workload. Newport defines workload as the total number of tasks expected to be completed, ranging from quick emails to large projects.
In recent years, many workers have seen their task volume increase significantly. Once a certain threshold is reached, the growing volume becomes overwhelming and stressful.
It's essential to recognize that a larger workload often leads to more communication. As the number of tasks rises, so does the need to inform and coordinate with others. This increased communication can add to feelings of pressure, compounding the stress and risk of burnout.
Slow productivity aims to reduce the total number of work tasks. The main goal is to keep each employee’s workload manageable and sustainable. Some might worry that this approach could hurt a business's competitiveness or efficiency.
However, there are several positive outcomes worth noting. A focus on sustainable workloads can lead to reduced sick leave and improved quality of work. By slowing down the work pace, employees can produce deeper, more focused results rather than racing to finish tasks.