Value and Productivity: Less is More

As I woke up this morning was greeted with a fascinating report from Inc.com about Microsoft Japan doing a trial four day work week for its employees. The results were astounding. Productivity increased by almost 40%, electricity cost savings jumped, and over 90% of the participants reported that they were happier for the changes.

A second article from Inc.com quotes several related studies that show that time spent at work by no means translates to value or productivity. In fact, there is a suggestion that an eight-hour workday may include only around two hours of productivity.

Work is changing. As machines take over more manual labor tasks, I truly believe that creativity and innovation are necessary skills for the future. However, nobody can maintain focus for eight hours straight (or more)!

So less is more. Take a break, take a nap. Eat nutritious food regularly. If two hours of highly productive work is equivalent to or much better than eight hours of drudgery, you absolutely have time to workout or stroll down the road to your favorite coffee spot.

On a side note... I don't find screen time particularly renewing, especially when it's a large part of the work that I do. Whenever I find myself gaping out on the couch, I usually tell myself that a coffee nap is a better idea instead (it's amazing).

Now enjoy this video on the future of work and make some time today to show love to your innovative creative side!