Productivity: Hours or Goals?

Productivity has long been seen as a key attribute of successful professionals and thriving organisations. Yet somewhere along the way, its true meaning has been diluted. Today, many people equate being productive with being constantly busy and engaged — but few stop to ask: does working more hours actually mean accomplishing more? 

In an era dominated by technology, this confusion has only deepened. Of course, technology is vital to modern work, but the issue lies not in its presence — rather, in how we interact with it. Studies show that 90% of smartphone users keep their device within arm’s reach 24/7, and people check their phones an average of 58 times a day. Each interruption can take at least 23 minutes to recover from, meaning hours of lost focus over time. 

True productivity goes beyond activity. It’s not just about being busy — it’s about creating value through meaningful, efficient, and effective work. In practical terms: 

• Productivity refers to the output achieved relative to time and resources used. 

• Presenteeism is when employees are physically present but mentally or emotionally disengaged, resulting in lower-quality work. 

• Absenteeism involves being away from work due to illness or other factors. 

While presenteeism doesn’t always lead to absenteeism, both can significantly impact overall performance. And yet, many digital work activities — replying to emails, answering messages, attending endless video meetings — are often mistaken for productive work. These actions feel like work, but in reality, they may reflect a reactive mindset that gets in the way of strategic thinking and goal achievement. 

This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the “Busy Fool Syndrome” (BFS) — the state of being constantly occupied with low-value tasks, mistaking motion for progress. People caught in this mindset often believe their busyness demonstrates commitment, but ironically, it reduces the quality of their output. The “busy mindset” doesn’t necessarily arise from looming deadlines; it’s a perception of being overwhelmed, often disconnected from actual workload. 

The first step in breaking free from BFS is awareness. The second is to shift from constant doing to intentional thinking. This means aligning daily actions with long-term goals — a process supported by metacognition, or “thinking about thinking.” Metacognition allows us to examine our habits, question our impulses, and redirect energy towards what truly matters. 

Like all living beings, humans function best with a natural rhythm of focus and rest. Productivity isn’t about maximising hours; it’s about finding balance, working with purpose, and using our time wisely. 

So, how can we move towards this healthier, more effective approach to work? 

If we want to foster environments that enable real productivity — not just busy work — we need to rethink how we design our workflows, lead teams, and structure our organisations. Here are five powerful strategies: 

• Integrate mindfulness practices

Mindfulness has been shown to improve focus, reduce mental fatigue, and enhance task efficiency. Encouraging brief moments of mindfulness throughout the day can support clearer thinking and better decision-making. 

• Encourage healthy daydreaming

Far from being a waste of time, daydreaming has been linked to creative breakthroughs, improved memory, and reduced stress. Giving people mental space supports innovation and problem-solving — both key to productivity. 

• Ensure leaders manage employee satisfaction and goal alignment

Productivity thrives in environments where people feel connected to purpose. Leaders should promote clear communication, offer meaningful feedback, and ensure individual efforts are aligned with the organisation’s direction. 

• Promote a culture that values purposeful productivity

Corporate culture shapes behaviour. When organisations reward thoughtful planning, deep work, and balance — instead of glorifying overwork — productivity becomes more sustainable and meaningful. 

• Create environments that support focused work

From reducing unnecessary digital noise to improving physical workspaces, organisations should design conditions that allow for deep focus. This includes flexible schedules, quiet zones, and tech policies that reduce interruption. 

Don’t be fooled by hustle culture. Constant activity doesn’t equal meaningful achievement. True productivity requires clarity, intention, and space to think. By recognising the difference between being busy and being effective, we can begin to reclaim our time, restore balance, and do better work — with less effort and more impact. 

References 

Celestin, M., & Vanitha, N. (2020). Mindful leadership: Harnessing mindfulness to boost workplace performance. International Journal of Advanced Trends in Engineering and Technology (IJATET), 5(2), 18-25. 

Griffiths, C. (2023). Do you suffer from Busy Fool Syndrome?. HR Future, 2023(7), 18-20. 

Kim, J. C., Wadhwa, M., & Chattopadhyay, A. (2019). When busy is less indulging: Impact of busy mindset on self-control behaviors. Journal of Consumer Research, 45(5), 933-952. 

Ruhle, S. A., Breitsohl, H., Aboagye, E., Baba, V., Biron, C., Correia Leal, C., … & Yang, T. (2020). “To work, or not to work, that is the question”–Recent trends and avenues for research on presenteeism. European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 29(3), 344-363. 

Tarro, L., Llauradó, E., Ulldemolins, G., Hermoso, P., & Solà, R. (2020). Effectiveness of workplace interventions for improving absenteeism, productivity, and work ability of employees: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(6), 1901. 

Yandi, A. (2022). Literature review analysis of the effect of leadership, organizational culture, and work environment on employee productivity. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary, 1(1), 12-24.