Lessons for pumping up post-pandemic productivity

As businesses navigate the post-pandemic landscape, boosting productivity has become a top priority. A recent Atlassian study revealed that excessive meetings are the biggest hindrance to productivity, surpassing lack of motivation and unclear goals. The survey found that nearly 80% of workers struggle to complete their tasks due to the sheer number of meetings they are expected to attend. Moreover, over half of the respondents leave meetings without a clear idea of the next steps, leading to a vicious cycle of follow-up meetings.

To combat this issue, experts recommend empowering employees to decline meetings that are not essential to their work or for which they lack the bandwidth to attend while still completing their tasks. Meeting hosts should also be trained to gracefully accept these declines rather than rescheduling. Additionally, implementing strategies such as including an agenda, reducing meeting duration, and encouraging more voices to be heard can significantly improve meeting effectiveness.

• Is managing your inbox the key to productivity? (WorkLife)

Another crucial aspect of boosting productivity is addressing the mental health concerns of employees. A Telus Health report found that workers who feel undervalued by their employers are twice as likely to report low productivity. Organizations should focus on building a culture of trust and offering solid mental health benefits to counter isolation and support employee well-being. By prioritizing these key areas, businesses can unlock the potential for increased productivity in the post-pandemic era.