8 Key Takeaways from Leading Productivity Studies and How to Implement Them

Improving productivity isn't just about profit margins. Nor is it simply about business growth.

Yes, businesses can boost revenue by helping individuals work smarter, not harder. However, there's another reason why, globally, we need to help workers get more done. It's the only way to drive economic growth, raise living standards, and improve the overall quality of life of a growing (and aging) population.

But here's the thing about boosting productivity. It's not always as simple as working harder. Instead, scientific research suggests that increasing output requires a better understanding of what people need (physically and emotionally) to reach peak productivity levels.

This guide will overview the key takeaways from eight of the leading productivity studies from the past decade and provide tips on how to implement them in your organization. Let's get into it.

More Work ≠ Better Results

Most people think that more work yields better results. Nevertheless, scientific data shows that this is not the case.

According to a 2014 study conducted at Stanford University, working more than 50 hours per week significantly reduces output. 

If you're looking to help your team do more (and better) work, focus on quality over quantity and explore ways to reduce menial, repetitive tasks via automation. Or, you could experiment with outsourcing, which is super easy to do with great recruitment agencies that will help you find and hire global talent.

Shorter Hours Lead to Meaningful Input

Although it seems frivolous, the 4-hour workweek genuinely works.

Microsoft's 2019 experiment in Japan found that reducing the number of workdays led to a 40% boost in output (and significant cost savings from using less electricity).

If possible, consider incorporating more scheduled time off into your team's calendar. It will provide valuable opportunities for rest and recovery, improve their work-life balance, and encourage them to use their time in the office more intentionally.

Distractions and Task Switching Kill Flow

Everyone is multitasking, all of the time.

Just think about it: when was the last time you completed an entire task without taking a micro-break to check your email, social media, look at the Weather app, etc.? Even more, when was the last time you sat through an entire movie? How about without looking at your phone even once?

But here's the thing. Distractions and task-switching are killing your (and your team's) productivity.

Here's what the science from the University of California says about it: On average, it takes 23 minutes to get back on track after an interruption. Furthermore, workers will switch tasks every three minutes.

Knowing these numbers, I implore you to limit distractions in your workplace and discourage multitasking. For starters, you can:

Collaboration Drives Growth

According to the 2023 Anatomy of Work report, 55% of people who work at collaborative organizations say they've seen revenue growth.

So, if you're looking to elevate business results, empower your team to work together. Work management solutions like Workast are a great tool to help you achieve this, and not just because they simplify organizational tasks. They also allow for collaboration and support meetings, which is a great way to create dedicated opportunities for efficient and goal-oriented teamwork.

Flexibility Isn't Just a Want — It's a Productivity Strategy

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses pushed for a return to the office. However, it turned out that employees did not want that kind of work-life balance anymore. Instead, they sought flexibility and were even willing to quit in order to get it.

But here's the thing. Flexibility isn't just a sought-after job benefit. It's also a scientifically proven method of reducing stress and anxiety. It enhances work-life balance. Plus, it increases job satisfaction.

Thus, knowing that employee health hugely depends on minimizing stress, it's a good idea to give your team a bit more control over where and when they work.

Stress Is Bad. However...

Stress — both domestic and occupational — is a productivity killer. It's why so many managers and business leaders focus their resources on minimizing it in the workplace.

But here's the deal. There is such a thing as positive, productivity-boosting stress. It's called eustress, and it's brought on by attainable (or enjoyable) challenges such as a reasonable timeline.

So, if you're looking to harness stress in a way that will help increase output, focus on creating attainable micro-goals that will encourage your team to do better work, feel more fulfilled, and facilitate their professional growth.

AI Helps Humans Work Better

Many employers fear AI because they think it produces poor work. And, sure, when unmonitored, this can be the case.

But the thing is that AI is a great productivity tool. Microsoft discovered that 75% of knowledge workers use it. They say it helps them save time, be more focused, elevate creativity levels, and boost work enjoyment.

So, if you're looking to implement key productivity study findings in your organization's growth strategy, consider investing in relevant AI tools and employee education on how to use them in the best possible way.

Disengagement Is Costly

Finally, to achieve higher productivity levels, know that disengagement directly impairs growth.

Gallup found that raising global workforce engagement levels could add a whopping $9.6 trillion in productivity to the economy.

With this in mind, explore employee engagement tactics: 

Final Thoughts

Boosting employee productivity may seem complicated. But it's really not rocket science.

The studies quoted in this article clearly show that elevating efficiency in the workplace relies on a few clear guidelines: