Mindfulness

Productivity at Work is Not What You Think It Is

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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. β€˜Me time’ and β€˜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 β€˜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. β€˜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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Ritish Sharma

Ritish Sharma is an author, editor, and creator of Aspiring Blog. He is dedicated to sharing unique and thought-provoking concepts through his writing and has a distinct perspective on various topics. His work is available for readers to enjoy.

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  • This is an expansive and excellent article. Remember too that productivity, money fame, and being appreciated does not add one day to your life. What does it profit anyone if they gain a world of riches and fame and lose their soul, life or lose a loved one. Time is our most precious life gift and we owe it to ourselves, to those we love, including our careers/job etc to manage and balance every day the same way we should balance our food, exercise and rest. LIfe for us ALL is but a speck in the scheme of things.

    • You've brilliantly explained the essence of the this topic.
      And I so agree with your words. Time is indeed our most precious life gift and we should know its value. Money and fame may come and go but its your loved ones that stays with you in your heart. ❀️

      Thanks Faye for sharing your wonderful thoughs here. πŸ˜ƒ

  • Ritish, I always found it a difficult task to balance work, family life, night school, volunteer work...As your article points out, work and family are both priorities. So is personal time. I am sure I didn't always get the balance right. I should have read your helpful article 60 years ago. Back then, women were trying to be superwomen both at work and at home. I was lucky to have a husband who shared the work at home. Not every woman was so lucky.

    • Yes Cheryl balancing is hard sometimes,
      It so happen that we need to set off our priorities for the good cause. Anyway, you're a good person. I know how much you care about your family and love your husband, and how much they love you back.
      Robert and you are such a lovely couple. I pray for your good health.

  • Positive outcome including time for you and your family - what a delightful way to sum it up, Ritish! Lovely and thought-provoking post!

  • Great post, Ritish. Two points stand out for me: 1. saying yes to doing more does not make you more productive and 2. adding family time to your list of daily tasks. So much wisdom here! I have found that scheduling everything works for me. If I don't have it scheduled, chances are, it won't get done! Thanks for sharing these very important reminders! 🌞

    • Good to hear scheduling everything is working for you. I'm glad you liked this perception about the outcome of productivity.
      Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.

  • Modern life. Everything started going downhill after the Industrial Revolution, no? Reminders of what matters is important! Thanks. :)

    • Along with the industrial revolution, we must not forget at the end it's your loved ones that really empower you. Thanks, Stacey for sharing your thoughts here. Have a lovely weekend!

  • Absolutely! A person who only thinks about productively at work is or will become absolutely unproductive. We have to learn to work just as hard on ourselves as we do on our job.

    • Rightly said, Dennis. Productivity isn't about doing more work, it never was. People should be aware of that. Family time is as important as your work. Because at the end of the day it's your loved ones that care for you.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

  • I think you are right and it is good to write about keeping balance in our life. Thank you.

    Joanna

    • Thanks, Joanna. πŸ™Œ
      I'm glad you agreed with the thoughts of balancing between work and and life.

  • Every activity
    whether in the family
    or in the workplace
    is to be regarded as work
    good advice
    against the expenditure
    from the outside cannot help
    the body itself
    In the soul - Leibness
    gives the signals

    • If they're to be regarded as everyday work, and you're doing it efficiently, it means there's a productivity.

      Thanks hgamma for sharing your thoughts on this.

  • Productivity is just "Creating Something out of Nothing".

    I love your analysis ❀️

  • And then there's that old saying, "If you work at something you love, you never work a day in your life."

  • I had colleagues who relentlessly worked to achieve high earnings...they were not the nicest of colleagues.

    • I understand, I've been there when I started, but I'm glad it didn't take me too long to understand this matrix. I'm happy I have that realisation that most people realised only at the time of retirement.

  • This is a wonderful well written article!! So, I have worked for and around many "directors" during my almost 30 years at a healthcare facility. Until recently, most lived by the same philosophy concerning their employees. In short, this philosophy was, "my way or the highway." What this philosophy creates is either complete loyalty (the teacher's pet) if you will, or resistance. The pets are few, but resisters are abundant. The resisters will (at worst) do everything in their power to discredit their director or: (At best) do the least amount of work possible to keep from getting fired. Any fool (I thought) could see that this philosophy was counterproductive. I was wrong for about 25 years. Thank God things are changing, and I like to think I had a small part since becoming a supervisor. I could have used this article sooner, Ritish!! LOL

    • Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Dennis. Your perspective is a perfect example of why redefining productivity is so important. When we prioritize people and well-being alongside productivity, everyone benefits. I'm sure your team appreciates your efforts to create a more positive and inclusive work culture. Keep leading the way, Dennis.

      I'm glad you enjoyed the article!

  • Excellent blog post Ritish. Man, you have written quite great content and it is very true sir.

    Also, I like how you broke down the tasks and what it really means to be productive. First of all, as a man who worked for a few reputable companies, I can say that in the workplace it is wise to set boundaries, to work smart at times, to be passionate and most of all, to make work fun and enjoyable, surround yourself with positive people because it is those people that will enable you to grow and be successful at the endπŸ’―πŸ™

    • Thanks so much for your kind words, Mthobisi. I completely agree with you - setting boundaries, working smart, being passionate, and surrounding yourself with positive people are all essential. That's exactly the kind of mindset, I'm talking about here.

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