What is Productivity
Productivity, in economics, measures output per unit of input, such as labor, capital or any other resource – and is typically calculated for the economy as a whole, as a ratio of gross domestic product (GDP) to hours worked. Labor productivity may be further broken down by sector to examine trends in labor growth, wage levels and technological improvement. Corporate profits and shareholder returns are directly linked to productivity growth.
At the corporate level, where productivity is a measure of the efficiency of a company’s production process, it is calculated by measuring the number of units produced relative to employee labor hours or by measuring a company’s net sales relative to employee labor hours.
Three ways to get more done, faster, better, and more slowly. Wait, what?
Why’s my dog here? It’s, like, Science, man.
1. Take your work to a café (nytimes.com).
Don’t work at home. Don’t work in a office, even. Invite chaos—and good coffee—and community into your life. It’ll make you happier, more awake (in both the caffeinated and spiritual sense). Why? Because your mind needs gaps, not just focus, for creativity. Certain things require focus. But too much focus, and the mind grows tired, depressed, inward-looking instead of fun, resourceful, visionary.
2. Dogs improve office productivity: Study finds that office employees who had “a dog to slobber and pounce on them rank their team-mates more highly on measures of trust, team cohesion and intimacy.”(economist.com)
Make your work dog-friendly. Everyone, no matter their mood—stressed, pissed, shy, speedy—can slow down and relate with cute dogs. Clients also light up. Dogs are silly and sweet…and chaotic. They make a house a home, and a bland office, rather surprisingly, a factory for genius. Obviously: dogs need to be trained, and owners need to be trained. That said: chaos should be regarded as extremely good news. Bonus: “Another colleague was scared of dogs, but the owner kept the dog in check well enough that the girl eventually slowly got over her fear and feels more secure around other dogs as well.”
3. Finally, and most importantly, slow down.
It’s counter-intuitive, but busyness isn’t productive. Avoid multi-tasking. Bike to work, instead of driving. The fresh air and exercise will do your mind and morale good. Listen: ask advice instead of just working long hours. Sleep. Eat real food—forget the Red Bull. Meditate.