Editor's note 

At Productivity Compass, we believe in exploring diverse perspectives on how to best navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work. To delve deeper into the subject of productivity, we reached out to Parvati Ramachandran, a product management and productivity expert, for her insights.

In this article, she shares her thoughts on the misconceptions surrounding traditional time management, the impact of current work culture on both "planners" and "passionate striders," as she likes to call them, and how we can redefine productivity to create a more inclusive and effective work environment.

Redefining productivity: Embracing diverse work styles for success

The traditional view of time management, often touted as the key to success, can sometimes become a source of misconception. We often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to two seemingly opposite types of workers:

The planner: This individual excels at scheduling, prioritizes tasks, and finishes the workday on time, leaving space for personal pursuits.

The passionate strider: This person thrives on tackling tasks as they arise, doesn't shy away from extended hours, and views work as an extension of their passion.

The reality? There's no single "right" approach. Both styles can be effective, as long as the focus remains on achieving impactful results and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The bigger issue lies in the current work culture that equates "busyness" with dedication. This creates a social pressure that can negatively impact both "planners" and "striders":

Pressure on planners: A Workfront survey of over 600 office workers found that the average respondent spent only 39% of their day on primary job responsibilities; most of their workday revolved around filling the time with administrative and nonessential tasks, unnecessary meetings, and email management. The pressure to be "on" constantly can cause planners to feel guilty for taking breaks or pursuing hobbies outside of work.

Reduced motivation for striders:  Some stay glued to work while others, having dedicated time to preparation, are seen as having excessive free time. A 2024 study from Headspace found that 83% of respondents experienced work-related stress in the past year. Some of this stress may be compounded by the pressure to conform to a specific way of working.

Shifting the focus to create a thriving work environment

It's time to break free from outdated notions and cultivate a work environment that celebrates diversity in working styles. Here's how:

Measure success by outcomes: Shifting the focus from the number of hours worked to the quality and impact of the work is crucial. If someone consistently delivers top results, their time management strategy deserves respect, not scrutiny.

Embrace personal balance: Encouraging employees to engage in activities outside of work isn't a sign of slacking; it can actually lead to increased creativity and overall performance. A study conducted by Microsoft Japan found that employees who take regular breaks are more productive and focused.

Foster a culture of well-being: Beyond hobbies, promote healthy workday habits. Encourage breaks, discourage long stretches of screen time, and normalize prioritizing one's health and well-being.

Reframe cultural events: Don't view cultural events as a mandatory chore. Position them as opportunities for team building, fostering connections, and boosting morale. Offer flexibility in participation—some might prefer to attend, while others could contribute remotely.

Normalize different approaches: Recognize and appreciate the diverse ways people approach their work. Some thrive with detailed plans, while others prefer a more fluid approach. Both can be successful as long as productivity remains high.

Focus on building teams, not silos: Break down silos and encourage cross-collaboration. Learning from each other's work styles and experiences can benefit everyone.

Embrace the power of communication: Open communication is key. Let team members understand their workload expectations and encourage them to express their needs. Flexibility and trust are vital.

Moving forward with confidence: By fostering a work environment that focuses on results, well-being, and open communication, we can empower employees to find their own rhythm. Instead of subscribing to the myth of a single "right" way to manage time, let's celebrate the diverse approaches that ultimately lead to success.

Those who naturally excel at planning can share their strategies with others who might benefit. Similarly, "passionate striders" can inspire their colleagues with their dedication and enthusiasm. When we accept and value individual differences, we create a thriving workplace where everyone feels comfortable bringing their best selves to the table.

Additional considerations for a global workforce

Time zones: With a global workforce, recognize that time management strategies might need to be adjusted for different time zones. Encourage flexible work arrangements and asynchronous communication to ensure everyone feels included.

Cultural differences: Approaches to work-life balance and communication styles can vary globally. Be mindful of these differences and foster a culture of respect.

Editor's thoughts 

As we continue to navigate the complexities of a global and interconnected work environment, it's clear that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's perfectly okay. The key takeaway is this: By valuing and embracing diverse work styles, we can create a more inclusive and effective workplace. As we move forward, let's commit to fostering a culture that prioritizes well-being, respects individual differences, and measures success by the quality of outcomes rather than the quantity of hours worked. After all, the true measure of productivity lies not in how much we do but in how well we do it.