We all like feeling like we're contributing something to the workplace, don't we? Part of this perceived contribution is being productive, and everyone has a different definition of productivity and what it implies for each and every one of us.
Being productive at work means doing more work in a particular environment during a particular period of time. Counteproductivity implies doing less work in the same amount of time designated for work.
I've been a corporate b*tch quite some time now, and I have taken note of all of the habits I've observed in my co-workers and managers. If any of y'all are reading this, then the answer is yes. Yes, I've been low-key stalking you😂
I have since realized that many of these habits I've observed are productive to the naked eye, but are actually counterproductive. So, let's dive into it. Here are 5 productive habits that are actually counterproductive.
1. Having a full calendar
Whether it's a meeting, mandatory training, or you name it, having too many events lined up for yourself in a week is actually not productive, though most people may think it actually is.
If you're schedule is full, at what time are you doing all the sh*t on your to do list? You're actually going to have to invest MORE time into your projects, your PERSONAL time. And you know I hate working off the clock. Unpaid overtime? NO THANK YOU!
Yes, meetings are important, and yes, training sessions are also important. But choose your battles. You don't have to attend every single invite you get in your inbox, prioritize your projects, unless the meeting or training you're being invited to is very relevant to your work.
2. Meetings that last more than 1 hour
We all dread a meeting, especially a long one.
Meetings should be an opportunity to provide updates to your managers regarding the projects at hand. They also serve as a channel for managers to communicate with their subordinates and touch on a wide array of subjects.
If it lasts more than an hour, I'd rather read an email whenever I am free about what is going down. I've been to meetings that have lasted more than a Papal Conclave and my face is quite expressive, those in attendance can tell when I am not amused. I put on a Queen Victoria sort of gaze and could not care less for what people are saying.
A portrait of The Queen-Empress for reference of what I look like during long-a** meetings:
She famously said that "We are not amused".
3. Not taking breaks in between tasks
For every 50 minutes of intense work, take a 10 minute break to stretch your legs and rest your eyes. You'll thank me later.
Do get up from the chair, my dear, your bottom will be flattened if you do not...
Taking small breaks in between tasks is quite productive, as it helps you regain focus and tackle your to do list with a clearer mind. I suggest you take a 10 minute break for every 50 minutes of work, serve yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea, water, whatever floats your boat, kick back and relax for a few minutes.
4. Sending long-a** emails
I've been guilty of this one many times. Sometimes you can't get your point through in two paragraphs and you need more.
No one cares for the Bible anymore, let alone your long-a** email. Emails should be kept to two paragraphs maximum for people to be enticed to read them. If you need to get something across, send a memo attached to the email, people are more likely to read the attachment than the body of the email.
5. Going to the office every day
In the post-pandemic world, we have come to realize that we can work anywhere we please, but specially at home. Working from home brings the benefit of economizing in gasoline or transportation, lunch, coffee, or whatever. Far from economizing money, time is also a resource one must economize.
At home, most people think that you have more distractions than at an office, but on the contrary. I feel I can get more work done in my room, blasting Mariah Carey's entire discography, singing along, drinking water (or Coke, one of the greatest pleasures in my life) from a nice glass, sitting on my throne (granny's rocking chair, one of her few possessions that still remain with me), with the option of napping on my bed during my lunch break. Now that's what I call productive.
At the office, I tend to talk a lot with my co-workers, some of whom I consider my friends. I get distracted by the gossip. Although I must add that I thoroughly enjoy going out to lunch with everyone, we always dine at nice restaurants with delicious food👀
(Except that time Vivi and I went to Chick-fil-A during our lunch hour, that wasn't very Princess of Wales of us, but we did dine like Queens that day😍)
Were all of you aware of these productive-but-actually-counterproductive habits? Well, if you weren't, well now you are. I hope reading this post helps you increase your productivity at work. Remember that productivity is indicative of time, and time is money...🤑
If you know about any superficially productive habits that are actually counterproductive, feel free to share them in the comments section below. I love reading your comments!😍
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