Productivity at Work is Not What You Think It Is

Talking about productivity, most people generally believe that productivity is all about closing each day’s work with satisfaction. But in reality, the meaning of productivity is not actually what you think it is.

What do you think when you hear Productivity at work? A typical definition that can be derived is the pleasure that you’ve completed all the work with a positive output at the end of the day.

The definition of productivity is such that people will urge you to get the task done more effectively and efficiently to get more output at the workplace. And, I understand that it’s a good thing to do to be high-yielding especially if you have the habit of wasting time on lots of unproductive things and if you’re more reactive than proactive.

Many people I’ve talked to have suggested to me the ways of time management and the importance of doing smart work to get more work done at the workplace in a given period.

But you know what? I kinda disagree with the perception of the output of productivity. Why?

Productivity at Work: A Different Output

I agree it is important to be more productive at work. The more efficiently you do certain things more effectively the output it’ll give to you. However, I believe that productivity isn’t all about getting more output and getting the work done and more money.

Productivity should be such that you save enough time at the end of the day for yourself and your family. That’s what it should actually mean in these modern worlds where everyone is just running day & night to get the task done before stepping into deadlines.

Isn’t it the right time that we should amend the original definition of productivity?

You have a family. And you also need time to reflect. Time to relax. Time to pursue your hobbies and passions.

Two times actually make you more productive, minimize stress, strengthen your relationships, and reboot your brain. i.e. ‘Me time’ and ‘Family time.’

You’ve listened to so much advice on how to be more productive at work. Today I’ll tell you how to be more productive at work while saving time for your family and yourself.

How to Have Productivity at Work (While Saving Time for Yourself & Family)

1. It’s Ok to Say NO

Sometimes it is alright to say NO. You don’t have to be a Yes-man all the time. Saying No doesn’t always associate with being selfish or rude instead it may mean that you know your value and respect yourself. People will always are going to have requests, it never stops, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to take this pressure beyond your limit. Keep in mind that always saying Yes to work has nothing to do with productivity.

Do things that aren’t interfering with your family time. You have full rights over your choices so make choices that are going to be best for you and your well-being.

2. Consider ‘Family Time’ as Your Right

Do you ever ask yourself why is family important? In this busy world, the value of family time is greatly overlooked. But the truth is Family time is your right, it is your need and you can’t just take it for granted.

It is proven being with family at the end of the day helps construct principles and improves overall mental health. Therefore you need to change the perception of productivity. Adding family time as the output of productivity is going to benefit you & you only.

3. Don’t Always be Greedy for Work & Money

Money can’t buy happiness. No, it does. Many of us go through life with the pursuit of more money in our minds. Having money means you can buy that joyous moment of life that you really love.

But also don’t be greedy about the rule of more work and more money. Because a study reveals that money can only buy you happiness if spend it in the right way.

For example, you can’t go to the store and buy a bottle of happiness for $50, instead, you can spend money in such a way that brings a smile to your face. So, next time instead of walking into a 5-star restaurant, try spending some amount in a small restaurant with loved ones.

4. Set Boundaries at Work

Work is important and so is your employer, but you are as important to them as they are to you. With that in mind, set realistic boundaries with your workplace.

For example, there should be nothing wrong with leaving on time instead of staying late almost every day. Such boundaries will help you effectively maintain a work-life balance. Also, if you’re a working parent talk to your employer to ensure you give enough to your family.

5. Sometimes Doing Nothing is Good

Doing nothing means staying away from everything that steals your precious time. It can be your phone, laptop, social media, or anything that pops up notifications. You don’t have to be productive for 365 days.

Take a break, spend some quality time with your loved ones including your pet and see your positive instincts go up. You’ll come back even more productive than ever before. That’s a little secret that no one tells you, sometimes doing nothing is good.

6. Family Time is Not a Waste of Time

Who said spending time with the family & yourself is a waste of time? Those who think that need serious counselling. Leisure time or time with family is the time with a lower level of anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s the time when your mind feels free.

Viewing leisure time as wasteful or unproductive can undermine its benefits.

7. ‘Go Home Now’ Should Also Be on the List of Daily Priorities

If you put everything else first, it becomes difficult to save time for yourself and your family. Consider your family time as your priority too which you must achieve at the end of the day. So add that to your list of daily tasks and see the positive output.

This way you can make sure to have productivity at work while saving enough time for you.

What Should Productivity Actually Mean to You?

It doesn’t matter what your profession is, everyone is looking for ways to be more productive at their job. Along with the pursuit of productivity, it is also important to evaluate the output. And by the output, I do mean family time too.

Productivity never means doing more things, this is actually the opposite of productivity. It simply means doing things effectively & efficiently for whatever is on your plate, so that you can have a positive output including time for you & your family.

Make your weekdays special and weekends extra special.

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