How the pandemic could redefine our productivity obsession

How the pandemic could redefine our productivity obsession Alamy Accelerated changes to work-life routines are leading some people to radically rethink their approach to productivity – and even change the quality of their lives. Many people have so internalised these values that change is no simple matter.” This push for productivity has gotten even worse since the onset of the pandemic as people fret over how they’re ‘making the most’ of their newfound time at home This means that even as conversations around work-life balance have increased over the years – and especially amid the transition to remote work – “the productivity discourse is still fantastically dominant in our society”, and it’s not easy to snap out of the mindset. “People resist trying new things because there’s comfort in the status quo,” says Grace Marshall, productivity coach and author of How to Be Really Productive: Achieving Clarity and Getting Results in a World Where Work Never Ends. If it wasn’t for the forced pause brought on by the pandemic, I’d likely still be working that way.” Steve Waters Before the pandemic, Steve Waters only defined productivity as crossing tasks off a list, and says without the "forced pause", he'd still work that way Tompkins was caught in a similar cycle until it was interrupted by the pandemic. “Otherwise, my concern is that once things ‘normalise’, we will return back to pre-pandemic times.” Alamy A new holistic perspective on productivity can improving many workers’ lives, giving them satisfaction, balance and success at once If that happens, it could lead to conflict between hiring companies and the talent pool.