Slow Productivity: How Leaders Can Create a Healthier Work Culture

In today's fast-paced, digital world, the pressure to boost workplace productivity and efficiency is higher than ever. With so much information coming at us, we're constantly at the mercy of other people's priorities and interruptions. 

We find ourselves working faster, however this is a fool's game that creates errors, stress, and burnout. The key to avoiding these pitfalls is to give ourselves permission to slow down. We must also get clear on our own goals and priorities which help insulate us from the reactionary urgency of others.

Here, we dive into how the concept of slow productivity enables us to slow down to get ahead.

The Case for Slowing Down

Slowing down to enhance productivity may seem counterintuitive, but there is sound evidence behind this claim. When we carve out time to rest, we come back to our work renewed and refreshed.

Here are just some of the benefits of rest:

• Stimulates creativity
• Improves focus and concentration
• Maximizes efficiency in meetings and tasks
• Replenishes energy levels
• Reduces stress levels

From a scientific standpoint, our brains need rest and downtime to function properly. Like a sponge, the brain can only soak up so much information at once. When we rest, the brain gets a much-needed break.

Once our brain recharges, we're able to approach our work with a fresh perspective.

Harnessing Slow Productivity

In his book Slow Productivity, Cal Newport points out why constant busyness isn't the key to meaningful and fulfilling work. Instead, he recommends we adopt a 'slow productivity' mindset and approach work with more intention.

Through slow productivity, we work at a more natural pace and take on fewer tasks. This allows us to experience more satisfaction in our work and achieve better results. 

Newport's Slow Productivity offers sage advice for putting this approach into practice. Here are three main takeaways:

• Do fewer things: Having a project queue with only a few “active” projects and many “waiting” can be a powerful process for managing our workload. When we have too much on our plates, stress starts to take over. When we're too stressed, productivity tanks and we're much less efficient
• Work at a natural pace: When it comes to project management, humans aren't the best at estimating how long a task will take. Simplifying our workday, allowing more time for tasks, and reducing what's unnecessary helps our brains declutter
• Obsess over quality: Quality requires us to slow down. When we get obsessed with the quality of our work, slowness becomes more natural. Focusing on progress over perfection helps get us across the finish line

Newport's slow productivity philosophy is a refreshing antidote to today's toxic hustle culture. Breaking old habits is hard, but necessary for growth and expansion. Fostering a culture of slow productivity ultimately leads to healthier humans and organizations.

Leadership’s Role in Embracing Slow Productivity

Leaders who want to break free from the cycle of toxic hustle culture and foster slow productivity in their teams must begin by reevaluating their approach to work. Rather than equating productivity with endless hours and constant activity, leaders should focus on creating a work environment that values deliberate, thoughtful progress. 

Here are some tactics leaders can use to drive the change: 

Mandate Regular Rest Breaks: Leaders can improve their teams' productivity by mandating additional rest breaks beyond the standard lunch hour. Encouraging short, frequent breaks throughout the day helps employees recharge mentally and physically, preventing burnout and enhancing focus. These breaks can be as simple as a five-minute walk or a brief meditation session, allowing team members to step away from their screens and return with renewed energy. By formalizing these breaks into the daily schedule, leaders send a clear message that rest is a priority, not an indulgence, fostering a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

Energy Management > Time Management

If you're a busy professional, it's not always easy to pencil in downtime. This is especially true if you're required to make key decisions and have deadlines to meet. However, it's essential to recharge to perform at your best.

When we properly manage our energy, we're able to maximize our time.

Use these tips to incorporate rest:

• Schedule at least a few minutes of downtime each day. Block off time in your calendar specifically for rest and plan meetings around it. Once you get into the habit of scheduling rest, gradually increase the time allotted
• Use a mindfulness app like Calm to tune into your surroundings and reduce stress. Guided meditation is the perfect way to allow your brain to rest and recharge
• Do a small activity each day that brings you joy. Take an evening walk with a friend or read a chapter of a new book
• Set boundaries around tech use. For example, make it a point to log off at 5pm each workday or only check emails on your laptop, not your phone
• Cultivate more self-awareness and emotional intelligence around stress triggers. Notice when you start to feel anxious and practice mindfulness to stay in the present

Taking an extended vacation isn't always possible. However, small breaks are powerful and good habits add up over time. Small steps towards more rest lead to big changes in our overall efficiency and productivity.

Unleashing the Potential of Your Organization

If you're used to working under constant pressure, shifting your approach to a slower pace won't happen overnight. However, gradually building in more rest and relaxation will ultimately lead to a healthier approach to work.

Looking for more guidance on how slowing down can transform your organization? Connect with us or consider attending one of our upcoming leadership events.