Unfortunately, too many executives seem to be taking a knee-jerk approach to fostering more productivity. They’re mandating things we at ClickUp<\/a> like to call “productivity bandaids,” such as “no meeting Fridays” and return-to-office requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These concepts may sound effective, but they’re actually missing the point. Without a firm definition and way to measure productivity<\/a>, how do we know that it’s being improved? <\/p>\n\n\n\n To uncover the root of this productivity issue, we surveyed over 1,000 U.S. knowledge workers for their insights on productivity. The findings were enlightening.<\/p>\n\n\n To begin with, everyone seems to have their own definition of productivity. For many, emotions play a significant role in their perception. For example, 56% of respondents define productivity as “the feeling of accomplishment.” But that begs the question: is the feeling of accomplishment and actually getting things accomplished one and the same? Or is the sense of accomplishment just an outcome of productivity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n For others, productivity has a more literal meaning. For example (37%) defined productivity as the action of “moving tasks forward efficiently without roadblocks,” and some (27%) said it was “accomplishing more with less time and effort.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The one thing that is clear from the survey is that there isn’t a single definition of productivity that we can accurately measure. If we lack a clear definition of success, it’s hard to benchmark it and even more difficult to improve upon. This means that businesses looking to ramp up their productivity must define it before they ask their employees for more of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lacking a clear definition of productivity doesn’t stop us from judging ourselves or our peers on it. In fact, 87% of knowledge workers are pretty impressed with themselves, giving a self-evaluation of very or extremely productive, but only 64% reported the same of their peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But are we evaluating productivity on a fair scale? <\/p>\n\n\n\n When asked how knowledge workers measure their own productivity, they reported three key indicators\u2014their ability to complete all of their tasks (58%), when they feel accomplished (51%), or when they get through more of their to-do list than they expected (43%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, they graded their peers much more harshly and with more concrete measures, such as the volume of work they get done (47%), the success of their work (40%), and how they manage their time (38%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s evident that there needs to be a more standardized way to measure productivity in order to close perception gaps, without which it’ll be impossible to know if productivity has increased and be able to recognize it appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Productivity isn’t only beneficial from an organizational perspective. It’s important to individuals as well. The data shows that knowledge workers that consider themselves extremely productive, are four times as likely to report themselves as “very satisfied” at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The data is clear. Employees want to be more productive. They’re happier when they’re more productive. And, they want to stay in their jobs when they’re productive. So what role should the CEO and senior leadership play in creating an environment that fosters productivity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, our research shows that companies aren’t doing enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, 46% of companies do nothing to recognize their most productive employees. A whopping 64% of companies are only offering verbal praise and recognition, despite the fact that 71% of employees would like to be recognized through bonuses and 60% would prefer a raise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kicking off a thoughtful and meaningful productivity improvement plan can be daunting. But understanding what limits productivity can be a great way to get the ball rolling. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is Productivity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ClickUp-Report-Graphic-on-Defining-Productivity-1400x700.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nI don’t know, but I’m the best at it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ClickUp-Report-Graphic-on-How-Employees-Rate-Their-Own-Productivity-1400x700.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nProductive Workers Are Happy Workers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ClickUp-Report-Graphic-on-Productive-Workers-Are-Happy-1400x700.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBreaking down the barriers to productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ClickUp-Report-Graphic-on-Whats-Stopping-Productivity-1400x700.png\")
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![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/ClickUp-Report-Graphic-Overcoming-Productivity-Challenges-1400x700.png\")
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