^In today's fast-paced corporate world, the spotlight often shines on one metric: productivity. We're often lauded for our capacity to churn out work, with the mythical 100% productivity level dangling in front of us like a golden carrot. 

But let's pause and rethink. What if, in this relentless quest for absolute perfection, we're missing the mark? What if the real secret to a productive and balanced work-life isn't in pushing ourselves to the absolute brink, but in aiming for a more sustainable 85%? 

This might sound counterintuitive in a world obsessed with maxing out potential, but diving deeper, we might just find that this 85% approach is the missing piece in our modern work puzzle.

The Trap of 100% Productivity

The allure of 100% productivity is strong. We're conditioned to believe that it’s the gold standard of efficiency. Yet, diving deep, we find it's more of a trap.

Employees pushing relentlessly for this elusive 100% often find themselves on the brink of exhaustion. Imagine running a marathon at sprint speed - unsustainable and unhealthy. The cost? Burnouts, decreased mental well-being, and ironically, a dip in true productivity.

Take Sarah, a graphic designer at a top-tier firm. Chasing perfection, she worked late nights, skipped meals, and even sacrificed weekends. But her relentless chase led to chronic fatigue and, eventually, a two-month medical leave.

The Sweet Spot

Enter the game-changing perspective of business author Greg McKeown. He suggests 85% as the sweet spot of productivity. It’s not about doing less but doing sustainably.

At 85%, employees can maintain consistency, quality, and enthusiasm without burning the candle at both ends. It encourages a culture where work is essential, but so is well-being. It’s about giving your best, most days, without the overwhelming pressure of perfection.

The Science Behind 85%

When we talk about productivity, it's often cloaked in terms of output and deadlines. But there's a whole layer of science, both psychological and physiological, that underpins our capacity to work effectively. Let's dissect this.

The Physiology

Firstly, let's address the body. Steve Magness, an exercise physiologist, sheds light on the concept of "overtraining" in athletes. Just as athletes can't constantly push their bodies to the max without risking injury, employees can't constantly push their minds to the brink without detrimental effects. 

Our brains, like muscles, require periods of rest to recover and regenerate. When we consistently operate at 100%, we're essentially in a state of chronic "mental overtraining", which can lead to burnout, decreased cognitive function, and even mental health issues.

The Psychological Perspective

Now, on to the psychology of it. Aiming for 100% productivity can inadvertently set us up for a binary perspective: perfection or failure. This doesn't leave room for the gray areas of learning, growth, and innovation, which often happen when we're allowed to make mistakes and iterate. 

Psychologists have long championed the importance of a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn rather than as threats. By setting a productivity goal of 85%, we mentally allow ourselves that buffer to experiment, fail, learn, and ultimately grow.

The Neuroscience Angle

Lastly, neuroscience offers another perspective. Our brain operates in cycles, with periods of high alertness followed by periods of rest. These are called ultradian rhythms. 

Typically, after 90 minutes of intensive work, our brain signals a need for a 20-minute break. Pushing beyond this natural cycle by aiming for constant 100% productivity can lead to diminishing returns in focus and output.

How to Implement the 85% Rule in Your Workplace

Incorporating the 85% rule into your workplace isn't just about changing a number on a performance sheet. It's about embracing a new philosophy of work, one that values sustainability, well-being, and holistic growth. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make this shift:

1. Begin with Awareness

Before diving into changes, initiate a dialogue. Host workshops or seminars that shed light on the science and philosophy behind the 85% rule. Employees are more likely to embrace a change when they understand its rationale and potential benefits.

2. Set Realistic, Compassionate Goals

Rethink target setting. While it's essential to maintain ambition, ensure that your goals are both challenging and achievable. Instead of pushing teams to their limits every single time, offer them a spectrum of targets that prioritize quality over sheer quantity.

3. Foster a Culture of Well-being

Move away from the "all work and no play" mindset. Introduce wellness programs that cater to both physical and mental health. This could range from meditation sessions, and ergonomic workshops, to even short breaks for relaxation. Remember, a well-rested employee is a more productive one.

4. Promote Open Communication

Create safe spaces for employees to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and offer feedback. Whether through regular check-ins, town hall meetings, or anonymous feedback systems, ensure that there's a two-way communication channel.

5. Rethink Assessment Metrics

Shift the focus from purely quantitative outputs to more qualitative ones. This might mean valuing creativity, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as much as, if not more than, sheer output.

In a world that often glorifies the hustle, the 85% rule offers a refreshing, sustainable, and, ironically, more productive alternative. Implementing it requires intention, effort, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of your team. But the rewards, both in terms of output and employee happiness, make it well worth the effort.

Conclusion

The quest for 100% productivity is a mirage. It promises an oasis but often leads to a desert of burnout and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, 85% is not just a number but a philosophy - one that champions sustainable effort, well-being, and a holistic approach to work.

Companies and employees alike stand to benefit immensely. It's high time we redefine success, not by the relentless grind but by the balanced, joyful, and sustainable journey. So, here's a challenge: Aim for 85% and watch both happiness and productivity soar.

^Throughout the world, businesses have been implementing corporate wellness programs for years. Corporate fitness and wellness programs, once limited to large corporations, are becoming popular among small and medium-sized businesses as well.

But how can wellness programs help employees and companies besides higher job satisfaction and better health and well-being? To address this question, we've compiled a list of the top advantages of wellness programs.

Improves Productivity

According to Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers report that enrolling in corporate wellness programs can boost employee productivity and save businesses money.

One of the primary causes of low productivity is poor health. Employees are less likely to be productive when they are sick.

Regular exercise, for example, boosts productivity and performance when part of wellness activities. Consequently, your employees will be more motivated and focused to complete their tasks.

‍Enhances Health Behavior

The major advantage of implementing a workplace wellness program is that it improves employees' physical and emotional health by assisting them in adopting healthy behaviours and reducing health risks.

The right wellness program can assist employees in developing and maintaining healthy habits like regular physical exercise and proper nutrition. Moreover, it may help them reduce harmful health behaviour such as smoking and drug addiction.

In addition, minimising health risks is fundamental to good health, and a healthy individual is less likely to suffer from depression.

‍A Focused and Motivated Workforce

A corporation that fosters healthy cultures has a focused and motivated workforce that views health as a competitive advantage. A health and fitness group activity can help employees feel more connected to their company and colleagues. In addition, a wellness program will build new connections with individuals as it involves all firm members.

A workplace wellness program is also beneficial to your employees on a personal level. By contributing positively to other aspects of their lives, people feel motivated to stay with the organisation.

"Taking care of your employees is the right thing to do, and it also happens to be good business." - Richard Branson

‍Retains employees

A wellness initiative has a significant impact on employee retention. The effectiveness of a corporate wellness program can contribute to employee retention. By implementing a wellness program, employers will be able to assist their employees in achieving their goals.

Offering a wellness program to your employees demonstrates your interest in their health and well-being. In addition, it shows and underlines the company's concern for its employees' health. 

‍Enhances Employee Morale

Employee satisfaction and morale are important variables in determining a company's success. Employees feel accomplishment and pleasure by participating in health and wellness initiatives. This results in a happier and more productive workforce overall.

Since employees control their own health, their morale rises, and they are happier. As a result, individuals begin to like participating in wellness programs since it helps them. Living a healthy lifestyle causes employees to recognise and embrace the incentive of a health and wellness program.

Furthermore, employees that engage in healthy habits are often physically and psychologically sound, with decreased absenteeism.

‍Lowers Health-Care Costs

Employees' health benefits from working at a firm that encourages exercise and a good diet. It makes people less likely to be injured or ill, resulting in lower healthcare expenses.

According to one research, corporate wellness initiatives lower healthcare expenses. When your employees are healthy, they do not need to go to the doctor, pay their expenses, or purchase medications. This way, they can also save a lot of money in the long run. So, include your employees in your company's wellness program to keep illnesses at bay.

‍Closing thoughts

In order for employees to achieve their goals and dreams, they need a well-designed wellness program. Additionally, it encourages employees to reach their career goals by making them feel appreciated and cared for. A healthy work environment increases employee productivity, morale, and motivation.

Creating a positive image and an enjoyable workplace culture helps a company maintain a positive image.