I can’t recall the last time someone suggested that I “relax and be more productive.” In fact, generally accepted wisdom is that in order to be exceedingly productive one must be hard at work as often and for as long as is possible. Data from recent studies, however, suggests that productivity is enhanced by
- getting adequate sleep at night,
- taking naps during the day,
- going on vacations, and
- working in 90-minute bursts rather than for long uninterrupted sessions.
So What?
Tony Schwartz, President & CEO of the Energy Project, models the principles that he and his company teach about how to improve productivity. In his own experience as an author writing a book was a year long task when slaving at a desk ten hours a day while writing in three 90-minute bursts a day enables him to complete a book in under six months. He summarizes the overall approach thusly:
Our basic idea is that the energy employees bring to their jobs is far more important in terms of the value of their work than is the number of hours they work. By managing energy more skillfully, it’s possible to get more done, in less time, more sustainably . . . When we’re renewing, we’re truly renewing, so when we’re working, we can really work.
For Reflection
- Is your current employer more focused on the number of hours you work or the quality and quantity of work you produce?
- Are you able to unplug from your job or do you feel compelled to respond to certain types of inquiries even on your days off as well as during vacations?
- What practices do you find help increase your productivity?