We are all familiar with the normal work schedule: 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day. According to statistics, we have been working for about 38 years. That is a rough estimate of over 62 000 hours of work. But how many of those hours are actually spent on productive work? And what does it actually mean to be productive?
A person can concentrate for a maximum of four and a half hours a day 1,2. A day, that is, not only during working hours. Our concentration is shared by both work and personal activities. Even so, most of us still work eight hours a day, which can mean that we use some of our working time inefficiently. What do we spend the rest of our working hours doing?
Breaks are not a waste of time
Walking for coffee, small talk with colleagues or scrolling on LinkedIn - these activities are often considered distractions. Yet regular breaks are key to increasing efficiency. Taking short breaks not only improves focus and productivity, but also helps to shape company culture and teamwork. It's no coincidence that even short discussions at the coffee machine can lead to new ideas and improved work processes. Although these moments can sometimes seem like a waste, they have their own considerable value.
However, it is important to remember that not all work tasks require our full concentration. We just need to learn how to work effectively with attention and distribute our tasks so that they correspond to the different phases of the day. The ideal approach is to divide our day into blocks - for example, time for meetings, deep focused work when we are at our most productive, and then activities that require lower levels of attention, such as reading emails. Our productivity naturally fluctuates throughout the day, with most of us reaching our highest point shortly before 10:30 a.m. 3.
Control or help?
But how to approach productivity from an employer's perspective? In manual work, such as crawler production, productivity and results are relatively simple to assess. But for office work, it is more complex. Many companies today use various productivity tracking software to measure time spent on individual tasks. However, such an approach can be perceived by many workers, even the most productive, as too strict or even invasive. While some people adapt, others feel pressured and feel they are constantly under scrutiny.
Trust between employer and employee is the foundation of good working relationships. In small companies, where it is often not necessary to track attendance, this relationship is often based on mutual trust. However, as an organization grows, it may be necessary to implement systems to track attendance and productivity. Such a move, however, may be met with negative reactions. Employees who have never had to fill out attendance forms may suddenly perceive the introduction of such a system as a signal of distrust. This can affect the atmosphere in the workplace and lead to a loss of motivation.
Driving productivity
Motivation also plays a crucial role in the efficiency and productivity of employees. A motivated worker not only has a higher workload, but also a greater willingness to innovate, improve work processes and take on new challenges. When employees feel that their work is meaningful, valued and has room for growth, their motivation naturally increases. This leads to them being able to make better use of their time, complete tasks faster and contribute to the company's goals. On the other hand, demotivated employees are often distracted, which can lead to procrastination and reduced quality of work. Providing the right incentives, such as recognition, flexibility or access to a paycheck at any time, can be a key factor in maintaining high productivity.
Finally, we must remember that work is not just about the number of hours worked. Real productivity is measured by the efficiency we achieve, not just by how long we sit at our desks. It is important to find a balance between workload, breaks, and personal life. Whether we work four hours or eight, the key is how we use that time and whether it brings us not only results but also personal satisfaction.
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