By WEB DESK: Feeling overwhelmed by meetings, emails, and the constant pressure to be “on”? You’re not alone. A recent survey found that 84 per cent of Americans blame their employers for at least one of their work-related mental health challenges.
In his new book, Slow Productivity, Georgetown professor Cal Newport challenges the very idea that busyness equals success. He argues that the modern workplace’s obsession with constant activity, which he calls “pseudo-productivity,” is actually making us less effective.
Newport points out that unlike factory work where output can be easily measured, knowledge work is trickier. We lack clear metrics for productivity, so activity has become the go-to measure. This, Newport argues, is a big mistake. The constant barrage of emails, Slack messages, and meetings fragments our attention and hinders our ability to focus on deep work – the kind that produces real results.
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The pressure to be constantly busy isn’t just bad for employees, it hurts businesses too. Studies show that stressed-out workers are less productive and more likely to leave their jobs.
So how can we break free from the pseudo-productivity trap? Newport suggests starting with small changes. Reduce the number of things you’re working on at any one time. Distinguish between tasks you’re actively working on and those you’ve agreed to but haven’t started yet. This creates breathing room and allows you to focus on what truly matters.
Perfectionism can also be a roadblock to slow productivity. Newport suggests setting deadlines and “planting stakes in the ground” to keep yourself moving forward.
Ultimately, Newport argues, embracing slow productivity isn’t about laziness, it’s about reclaiming our sense of agency and becoming true craftspeople in our fields. By focusing on quality work over busyness, we can achieve more and feel better in the process.
