It’s hard to believe, but we’re almost a quarter of the way through 2023!
To help keep you productive and orgnized through the final weeks of Q1, we compiled a list of the top 20 must-read productivity articles and posts from 2023.
These articles offer valuable insights and strategies that hopefully improve your work-life balance, help you achieve your goals, and inspire you to reach new levels of success.
1. Asana – The Anatomy of Work 2023 Global Index Report (LINK)
Asana recently published its “Anatomy of Work 2023 Global Index Report,” which surveyed over 13,000 knowledge workers across 11 countries to better understand the state of work in 2023. The report found that employees are experiencing high levels of burnout and stress, with 78% of respondents reporting feeling overwhelmed at work. The report also revealed that remote work is here to stay, with 87% of respondents wanting to continue working remotely at least some of the time. Additionally, the report provides insights into the benefits of cross-functional teams, the importance of work-life balance, and the need for better communication and collaboration tools.
2. BusinessInsider – Salesforce’s Marc Benioff defends his statements that new employees are not as productive, in leaked all-hands meeting (LINK)
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has come under criticism after stating that new employees, particularly younger remote workers, are not as productive as those who work in an office. Benioff’s comments have been met with backlash on social media, with many pointing out that the pandemic has forced companies to embrace remote work and that productivity should be measured by output rather than location. Benioff has also faced scrutiny for his decision to lay off workers despite Salesforce’s record profits in 2022.
3. El Pais – Working from home opens the door to ‘productivity paranoia (LINK)
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, but it has also created new challenges for employees, including productivity paranoia. Employees working from home may feel pressure to constantly prove their productivity, leading to stress and anxiety. Additionally, remote workers may feel disconnected from their colleagues and struggle to establish boundaries between work and home life. The article suggests that companies need to take steps to support remote workers, such as providing flexible schedules, establishing clear communication protocols, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
4. Entrepreneur – 6 Ways to Make Your Company Hyper-Productive (LINK)
Entrepreneur.com’s article outlines six ways to make a company hyper-productive. First, the article suggests automating repetitive tasks to free up time for more high-value work. Second, businesses should invest in employee training and development to enhance skills and increase efficiency. Third, teams should be given clear goals and responsibilities to ensure accountability and focus. Fourth, companies should prioritize communication and collaboration to facilitate teamwork and idea sharing. Fifth, businesses should streamline processes to eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Finally, leaders should encourage a positive company culture that values productivity and innovation.
5. Entrepreneur – Want to Be More Productive? Stop Trying to Finish Every Task, and Do This Instead (LINK)
Entrepreneur.com’s article discusses the importance of prioritizing tasks for increased productivity. Instead of trying to finish every task on a to-do list, the article suggests focusing on the most important and time-sensitive tasks first. This allows employees to work on the most impactful projects while reducing stress and burnout. Additionally, prioritizing tasks can help employees better manage their time and avoid distractions. The article recommends using a prioritization system such as the Eisenhower matrix to categorize tasks based on importance and urgency. Finally, the article suggests that employees should re-evaluate their priorities regularly to ensure that they are aligned with business goals and changing circumstances.
6. Forbes – The Key To Workplace Productivity Isn’t Late Nights—It’s Lunch (LINK)
Forbes’ article highlights the importance of taking breaks during the workday for increased productivity. While many employees may believe that working long hours or sacrificing lunch breaks leads to greater productivity, research suggests otherwise. Taking breaks can improve cognitive function, creativity, and overall work performance. Additionally, breaks can help reduce stress and prevent burnout, leading to greater job satisfaction and better employee retention. The article recommends that employers encourage their workers to take regular breaks and create a culture that values work-life balance. Finally, the article suggests that employees should prioritize their health and wellbeing by taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in physical activity throughout the workday.
7. Forbes – What Your Brain Thinks of Productivity (LINK)
Forbes’ article explores the science behind productivity and how it impacts the brain. The article suggests that productivity is not just a matter of working harder or longer but rather involves optimizing brain function. The article explains that the brain is designed to conserve energy and focus on survival rather than productivity. Therefore, individuals need to train their brains to be more productive by breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps and setting clear goals. Additionally, the article suggests that taking breaks, engaging in physical activity, and getting enough sleep are all critical for maintaining optimal brain function and productivity. Finally, the article recommends that individuals embrace their natural circadian rhythms and work during the times of day when they are most productive.
8. Fortune – Bosses say coming into the office improves culture and productivity. A new study proves them wrong (LINK)
Fortune’s article highlights the results of a recent survey conducted by the Future Forum, which found that remote workers may be more productive than their in-office counterparts. The survey found that remote workers reported higher levels of work-life balance, job satisfaction, and focus than in-office workers. Additionally, remote workers reported spending less time in meetings and experiencing fewer distractions than in-office workers. However, the survey also revealed that remote workers may struggle with isolation and communication challenges, which can lead to burnout and reduced productivity. The article suggests that companies need to prioritize communication and collaboration tools to support remote workers and optimize productivity in a remote work environment.
9. GQ – Why “Everyone Has the Same 24 Hours” Is Not a Good Way to Think About Time Management (LINK)
GQ’s article features an interview with artist and author Jenny Odell about her new book, “How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy.” The book explores the concept of “productive” time and encourages readers to embrace the idea of doing nothing as a means of resisting the pressure to constantly be productive. Odell suggests that doing nothing can actually be a powerful form of resistance in a world that values productivity above all else. The article highlights the importance of mindfulness and self-care in achieving a healthy work-life balance and encourages readers to embrace the idea of “unproductive” time as a means of finding meaning and purpose in their lives.
10. The Guardian – Most managers believe flexible working helps productivity, UK study shows (LINK)
The Guardian’s article reports on the results of a UK study that found that the majority of managers believe that flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or flexible schedules, can increase productivity. The study surveyed over 1,000 managers across various industries and found that 86% believe that flexible working arrangements can improve productivity, while 89% believe that such arrangements can increase job satisfaction. Additionally, the study found that managers who had experience with flexible working arrangements were more likely to report positive outcomes than those who did not. The article suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards flexible working and that companies may need to adopt more flexible policies to attract and retain employees in the future.
11. Harvard Business Review – Research: Where Managers and Employees Disagree About Remote Work (LINK)
Harvard Business Review’s article explores the disconnect between managers and employees regarding remote work. The article cites a recent survey of over 3,000 employees and managers across the United States, which found that managers tend to overestimate their employees’ desire to return to the office and underestimate the benefits of remote work. Specifically, the survey found that 76% of managers believed that their employees preferred to work in the office, while only 52% of employees reported feeling the same way. Additionally, managers tended to view remote work as a threat to productivity and collaboration, while employees viewed it as an opportunity to increase flexibility and work-life balance. The article suggests that companies need to engage in open and honest communication with their employees to better understand their needs and preferences regarding remote work.
12. Hubspot – Productivity vs. Efficiency: How To Improve Both at Work (LINK)
Hubspot’s article examines the difference between productivity and efficiency and how they impact work performance. The article explains that productivity refers to the amount of output produced within a certain timeframe, while efficiency refers to the ratio of output to input. Therefore, productivity focuses on how much work is accomplished, while efficiency focuses on how well the work is accomplished. The article suggests that both productivity and efficiency are important for optimal work performance, and businesses should strive to balance the two. Additionally, the article provides tips for improving both productivity and efficiency, such as setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks.
13. Inc. – Here’s How to Create the Perfect Morning Routine (LINK)
Inc.’s article discusses the importance of establishing a morning routine for increased productivity and success. The article features an interview with time-management coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders, who suggests that a morning routine can help individuals start their day on the right foot and set the tone for the rest of the day. Saunders recommends that individuals start by identifying their most important tasks for the day and completing them first thing in the morning. Additionally, she suggests incorporating activities that promote mindfulness and self-care, such as meditation or exercise, into the morning routine. Finally, the article suggests that individuals should experiment with different routines to find what works best for them and adjust as needed.
14. Inc. – If You’re Not Doing These 10 Productivity Hacks in ChatGPT, You’re Missing Out (LINK)
Inc.’s article explores ten productivity hacks for using ChatGPT, an AI language model. The article suggests that ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for improving productivity and efficiency in various areas of work, including writing, research, and communication. The article’s suggested hacks include using ChatGPT for brainstorming and ideation, conducting research and fact-checking, and generating content and social media posts. Additionally, the article suggests using ChatGPT for personal productivity tasks, such as creating to-do lists and setting reminders. Finally, the article recommends that individuals experiment with ChatGPT to discover new ways to optimize their work performance and productivity.
15. NBC News – I woke up at 5 a.m. for 7 days to see if it would increase my productivity: Here are the pros and cons (LINK)
CNBC’s article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of waking up at 5 am for increased productivity. The article highlights the benefits of waking up early, such as having more time to exercise, meditate, or engage in other self-care activities. Additionally, waking up early can help individuals establish a morning routine and set the tone for the rest of the day. However, the article also acknowledges that waking up at 5 am may not be practical or effective for everyone. Some individuals may require more sleep than others, and forcing oneself to wake up early can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. The article suggests that individuals should consider their own needs and preferences when deciding whether to wake up at 5 am and experiment with different sleep schedules to find what works best for them.
16. Science Daily – Working a four-day week boosts employee wellbeing while preserving productivity, major six-month trial finds (LINK)
Science Daily’s article reports on the results of a major six-month trial exploring the effects of a four-day workweek on employee well-being and productivity. The trial involved over 100 workers in New Zealand, who were able to maintain their full salaries while working four days a week instead of five. The trial found that the four-day workweek led to increased well-being and work-life balance among employees without negatively impacting productivity. Specifically, the trial found that employees reported higher job satisfaction, improved work-life balance, and decreased stress levels while maintaining the same level of productivity as they had while working five days a week. The article suggests that the trial’s results could have implications for companies seeking to improve employee well-being and productivity in the future.
17. Scientific American – A Four-Day Workweek Reduces Stress without Hurting Productivity (LINK)
Scientific American’s article explores the benefits of a four-day workweek for employee well-being and productivity. The article cites a recent study conducted in Iceland, which found that a four-day workweek led to decreased stress levels and improved work-life balance among employees without negatively impacting productivity. The study involved over 2,500 workers in Iceland and was conducted over four years. The article suggests that the study’s findings could have important implications for companies seeking to improve employee well-being and productivity in the future. The article also acknowledges that implementing a four-day workweek may be challenging for some companies and suggests that companies should carefully consider their own needs and goals before making any changes to their work schedules.
18. The New York Times – How to Tell If Your Brain Needs a Break (LINK)
The New York Times’ article explores the importance of taking brain breaks for improved productivity and well-being. The article explains that the brain is not designed to maintain constant focus and that taking breaks can actually help individuals retain information and stay focused for longer periods of time. The article suggests that taking breaks to engage in mindfulness or relaxation exercises, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help individuals recharge their minds and improve their ability to concentrate. Additionally, the article suggests that taking breaks to engage in physical activity, such as going for a walk or doing yoga, can also be beneficial for productivity and well-being. The article encourages individuals to experiment with different types of brain breaks and find what works best for them.
19. VentureBeat – The hottest party in generative AI is productivity apps (LINK)
VentureBeat explores use of generative AI is becoming increasingly popular in productivity apps, with companies developing AI models that can generate text, graphics, and other content to help users streamline their work. These apps can help users save time by automating repetitive tasks, such as scheduling meetings and responding to emails, and generating content that can be easily customized to suit their needs. In addition to making work more efficient, these apps can also help users be more creative by generating new ideas and content that they may not have thought of on their own. As the demand for productivity tools continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovation in the use of generative AI to help users get more done in less time.
20. WIRED – Tech’s Productivity Obsession Is Toxic (LINK)
Wired’s article explores the negative impact of the tech industry’s focus on productivity and efficiency on employee well-being and work culture. The article suggests that the tech industry’s obsession with productivity has led to a toxic work culture that prioritizes quantity over quality and values individuals based on their ability to produce more work in less time. Additionally, the article suggests that the tech industry’s push for productivity and efficiency has led to increased stress and burnout among workers, with many feeling pressure to work longer hours and sacrifice their well-being for the sake of their jobs. The article encourages the tech industry to shift its focus from productivity to well-being and to prioritize work environments that value and support employees’ mental health and work-life balance.
