The Surprising Power of Aiming a Little Lower at Work

^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.

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7 Types of Rest to Avoid Burnout and Boost Productivity

^We're all aware of the burnout epidemic. Those constant feelings of exhaustion, the creeping cynicism that taints our interactions, and the sinking sensation that we're no longer making a significant difference at work.

As corporate wellness advocates, we've seen this all too often, and we're here to break the cycle. We believe in the power of proactive measures to reverse burnout's corrosive effects and supercharge productivity levels.

We'll guide you through understanding the holistic concept of 'rest.' Often, when we think of rest, we equate it with sleep. But rest is not merely physical; it has multifaceted dimensions that extend beyond the domain of sleep.

This article aims to dissect these categories and provide a comprehensive guide to a balanced, well-rested, and productive lifestyle. Here are 7 types of rest and how they can help you reduce burnout and boost productivity.

1. Physical Rest - Beyond Sleep

When we think about rest, the first thing that likely comes to mind is sleep. However, physical rest goes beyond simply catching some shut-eye. It involves any activity that allows our body to rejuvenate and recover. Two main categories characterize this type of rest: passive and active rest.

Passive rest, as the name implies, involves actions that require minimal to no effort on our part. Quality sleep, power naps, or simply lying down and letting our bodies relax can significantly contribute to our physical rest quota.

In contrast, active rest is characterized by light activities that help in relieving tension and promoting muscle health. These could include stretching, light walks, yoga, or other low-intensity exercises.

Striking a balance between active and passive physical rest is the key to maintaining a healthy body and keeping burnout at bay.

"Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long." - Michael Gungor

2. Mental Rest - Quiet the Mind

Our minds are under constant bombardment from a plethora of information, thoughts, and ideas. This constant stimulation can often lead to mental exhaustion, and that's where the need for mental rest comes in. Mental rest involves quieting our minds, reducing mental chatter, and providing a sanctuary for our thoughts to relax.

Techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or even a few moments of quiet introspection can significantly enhance mental rest. These activities allow our minds to break away from the relentless cycle of thoughts and help us attain mental clarity.

Regular periods of mental rest can lead to increased focus, improved decision-making, and a greater sense of calm and control.

3. Social Rest - Replenish Through Relationships

Social rest, contrary to popular belief, is not about distancing oneself from others. Instead, it's about investing time and energy into relationships that uplift, inspire, and resonate with us. It's about surrounding ourselves with positive energy that helps us recharge our social batteries.

This could involve deep, meaningful conversations with loved ones, enjoying shared hobbies, or even quiet companionship with people who understand us. These interactions are essential in maintaining our emotional balance and providing a sense of belonging and security.

Neglecting social rest can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and increased stress. Hence, prioritizing social rest is crucial to maintaining a healthy emotional balance and reducing burnout.

4 . Spiritual Rest - Connect with the Larger Reality

Spiritual rest goes beyond the bounds of religious practice. It's about feeling connected to something larger than ourselves. This connection can offer a sense of purpose, a feeling of deep understanding, and contribute to a more profound sense of rest.

Spiritual rest can take the form of participation in religious activities for some, while others might find spiritual rest through meditation, spending time in nature, or voluntary work. These activities provide a way to replenish our spirit, provide a sense of purpose, and promote inner peace.

The path to spiritual rest differs from person to person. Discovering what provides you with spiritual rest is a journey of self-exploration and reflection. Incorporating elements of spiritual rest in our daily lives can lead to improved mental resilience and a heightened sense of fulfillment.

5. Sensory Rest - Disconnect to Reconnect

We live in an age of overstimulation. Constant exposure to screens, noise, and crowds can lead to sensory overload. Sensory rest aims to mitigate this exhaustion by reducing the amount of sensory input we experience daily.

This could mean disengaging from digital devices, immersing oneself in silence, or spending time in nature. The essence of sensory rest lies in providing our senses with a break, thereby refreshing and rejuvenating them.

By prioritizing sensory rest, we can enhance our sensory awareness, increase focus, and foster a deeper connection with our surroundings. This not only helps in avoiding burnout but also improves our overall well-being.

6. Emotional Rest - The Freedom to Be Yourself

Emotional rest involves allowing ourselves to express our feelings freely and honestly, without judgment or fear of repercussions. It's about creating a safe space where we can be authentic and unguarded.

This could be achieved through conversations with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Journaling can also provide emotional rest as it allows a private outlet for our thoughts and feelings.

When we allow ourselves the liberty of emotional rest, we are essentially accepting our emotions without judgment. This acceptance can lead to greater self-awareness, improved emotional intelligence, and overall emotional well-being.

"Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It's about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them." - Kristi Ling

7. Creative Rest - Rekindling the Spark

Lastly, creative rest seeks to awaken and stimulate our sense of awe and wonder. It’s about letting our minds wander, inspiring new ideas, and breaking free from our usual thought patterns.

Creative rest could involve visiting an art exhibition, spending time in nature, or engaging with any form of beauty that inspires and stimulates you. It’s about allowing your mind the freedom to imagine, create, and dream.

By incorporating creative rest into our routines, we can nurture our innovative capabilities, enhance problem-solving skills, and add a spark of creativity to our everyday lives.

Finding the Balance for Holistic Wellness

Understanding these seven types of rest empowers us to approach our well-being from a multi-dimensional perspective.

While each type of rest has its unique benefits, the true magic lies in maintaining a balanced mix of all seven. By doing so, we can enhance our productivity, stave off burnout, and lead a more fulfilled, balanced life.

Endnote From Experts

Implementing these concepts may seem overwhelming at first. It requires consistent effort and a deep understanding of each type. As corporate wellness experts, we can provide the necessary guidance and support to help you and your employees on this journey to improved well-being.

With our tailored wellness programs and insightful webinars, we can help you incorporate these rest types into your corporate culture. Reach out to us, and let's work together toward creating a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace.

A New Approach to Corporate Wellness: Putting the Focus on the Team

^In today's fast-paced work environment, corporate wellness programs often prioritize self-care to combat stress, burnout, and mental health issues. However, an emphasis on self-care might not be the ultimate solution for employee well-being.

Instead, organizations should consider adopting a collective approach to wellness, fostering connections and support among team members.

Embracing the Collective Approach to Wellness

Moving beyond the individualistic mindset requires a paradigm shift in how we perceive and address workplace challenges. By reframing adversity as a shared experience, employees can strengthen their connections and work together to overcome obstacles. This approach allows team members to pool their resources, learn from one another, and develop novel strategies, creating a more resilient and supportive work environment.

One effective way to implement this mindset is by introducing "relational pauses" into the workplace. A relational pause is a temporary break from task work in which team members are invited to discuss how their work affects them personally. This exercise aims to facilitate genuine and authentic connections among employees, allowing them to support one another better and collectively navigate the challenges they face.

Uncovering the Power of "Struggling Well" as a Team

When adversity is framed as a collective experience, employees can relate to one another more effectively, leading to increased compassion and empathy. Sharing personal experiences allows team members to see each other in a more nuanced light, revealing both strengths and weaknesses. This openness fosters an environment where individuals can grow, learn, and lean on one another during challenging times.

Discussing emotions helps disperse overwhelming feelings and enables employees to make sense of their experiences. As teams practice relational pauses, they become more aware of their own dynamics and can make deliberate choices about how they interact with one another. This self-awareness and intentionality can lead to a more cohesive, empathetic, and supportive team environment.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Relational Pauses into the Workplace

Here are some suggestions on how to integrate relational pauses into your organization:

Make it a regular part of team meetings: Encourage team members to share their thoughts and feelings during status meetings. This will help normalize the practice and create a supportive atmosphere where employees feel comfortable opening up.

Respond to escalating emotions: If tensions rise during a meeting or project, take a moment to pause and focus on the emotional dynamics at play. Encourage team members to share their feelings and listen empathetically to one another.

Develop loss rituals: In situations where employees face significant setbacks or losses, create rituals that enable emotions to be acknowledged and processed. Sharing experiences and emotions helps build resilience and fosters a sense of shared purpose.

Incorporate relational pauses into existing wellness initiatives: Use existing wellness programs as a platform for introducing relational pauses. Focusing on work's emotional realities can make these initiatives more meaningful and impactful.

Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Relational Pauses

1. Redemptive Design Associates

Redemptive Design Associates, a design consultancy specializing in repurposing office spaces, has successfully integrated relational pauses into their workflow.

After failed pitches, the team takes a moment to discuss their emotions and experiences, allowing them to process their frustrations, sadness, and hopefulness together, and fostering a supportive and understanding environment.

2. Palliative Care Unit

A palliative care unit in a large hospital has implemented a routine for discussing feelings after a patient's passing. By sharing their emotions, the staff members can better cope with their grief and support one another during difficult times.

3. Pacific Life Re's "Tea & Talk" Meetings

The London office of Pacific Life Re holds informal "Tea & Talk" meetings, where employees come together to discuss topics of shared concern. These gatherings, hosted by a wellness champion, have no fixed agenda, encouraging participants to share their thoughts and feelings in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Embracing Emotions at Work

It's not uncommon for managers to hesitate when it comes to discussing emotions at work. However, smart leaders understand that embracing emotional openness can lead to improved communication, resilience, and teamwork. Encouraging employees to discuss and collectively work through challenges creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

By fostering a culture of open communication, employees can build stronger connections with their colleagues and better understand each other's perspectives. This promotes a sense of shared purpose, improving collaboration and helping the team navigate adversity together.

Closing Thoughts

As organizations continue to evolve, it is crucial to reevaluate our approach to corporate wellness. We can create a more supportive and resilient work environment by shifting the focus from self-care to collective well-being.

Fostering genuine connections among employees should be at the heart of modern corporate wellness initiatives. By embracing relational pauses and collective well-being, organizations can empower their employees to thrive together, leading to a more resilient, empathetic, and supportive work culture.