Why is everyone talking about slow productivity?

Sophie Collins

If the ‘grind’ lifestyle isn’t for you, try slow productivity

In a world where we’re constantly seeing our peers thriving to the fullest online, it can be hard not to compare our own day-to-day.

For years people have been glamourising working endless hours, ‘grinding’ their way to success, so much so that we can almost feel the chaotic energy through their social story posts.

When the life they portray on social media looks like they’re thriving and living a luxurious lifestyle, it can make some feel they need to catch-up, and that the only way to reach a similar level of success is to be busy and burnt out.

The truth is, some people simply don’t thrive with that way of life and commitment to the grind.

That’s where ‘slow productivity’ comes into play, and more people are beginning to realise the benefits of it.

In 2023, an Irish study found that 87% of women were feeling more burnt-out at work since the pandemic in comparison to 75% of men.

Consider a typical day in the office: phones incessantly buzzing, emails flooding in, and deadlines looming… always.

We often find ourselves juggling numerous tasks, striving to keep up with the relentless demands of our workday. Yet, despite our efforts, we often end the day feeling drained and like we should have done more.

Amidst the frantic pace of modern work life, a more deliberate approach has emerged and is leading the conversation online: Slow productivity.

Slow Productivity allows for a move away from the frenzied pursuit of quantity towards a focus on quality.

Instead of spreading our attention across multiple tasks, slow productivity encourages us to concentrate on one task at a time, with unwavering attention and purpose.

Imagine starting your day with a clear mind and a single task before you. Free from distractions and the temptation to multitask, you can devote your full concentration to the task at hand.

This is what slow productivity is all about. By prioritising tasks, minimising distractions, and immersing ourselves fully in each task, we can achieve better results while safeguarding our mental well-being.

A new way to thrive

Slow productivity offers us another way to thrive in our jobs. It gives us the agency to recognise that the relentless pursuit of busy-ness and constant stimulation undermines our ability to do great work.

But how can we transition from unstructured urgency to slow productivity?

Here are some simple yet effective approaches to get your started:

Plan Ahead: Incorporating planning and intentionality into our daily routines is paramount for fostering slow productivity. By dedicating time the night before to plan and organise our tasks for the day ahead, we set ourselves up for success. Breaking down the day into manageable segments and prioritising tasks allows us to approach each day with clarity and purpose.
Prioritise Your Tasks: Be clear on your priorities and break your goals down into smaller actions. Each day, adjust a Kanban-style board that visually shows your tasks. The benefits of single-tasking are clear—it leads to greater productivity, fosters creativity, improves decision-making, and reduces stress.
Time boxing: Allocate specific time slots for different tasks throughout the day. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in each task without feeling overwhelmed. Consider blocking out an hour a day for small tasks and questions to avoid constant interruptions.
Set Boundaries: Create a dedicated workspace free from clutter and noise. Turn off notifications on your devices to avoid temptation. Set boundaries with colleagues and clients to protect your focus time.
Be Present: Focus on the here and now. Take breaks to go for a walk, meditate, or simply enjoy a moment of silence. By being fully present in each moment, you can cultivate mindfulness and intentionality.

The advantages of embracing slow productivity are tenfold.

Not only does it lead to improved work quality and heightened productivity, but it also mitigates stress and guards against burnout.

By embracing a more measured pace, we can infuse our work with meaning and attain equilibrium in our lives.