As millions of Microsoft people use its software, valuable information about work habits is revealed. For example, employees surveyed spend an average of 57 percent of their time interacting and meeting using office software. And about two-thirds of them express difficulty in finding time and energy for real, meaningful work.
Technology originally served as a time saver, but it has turned out that it can sometimes become counterproductive. In the 8th chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon taught: “... because for every thing there is a time and a rule; and it is a great evil for man because he does not know what will happen; and how it will be - who will tell him? The first step to improving productivity is recognizing the problem.
How much time do you spend on emails and meetings each week? According to a Microsoft study, they take up the majority of the average worker's time. Surveys show that too many meetings and emails have a negative impact on product innovation and personal interactions with customers.
Let's think about meetings and their impact on productivity. When planning a meeting, we should first stop to think about its purpose and what its desired outcome is. Once these have been determined, think carefully about who really needs to be at this meeting and who can be excluded.
John 15:2 teaches a principle that we can apply in the workplace: “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He cuts off; and every one that bears fruit he cleanses, that she may bear more fruit.” Have you ever thought about cutting back on your schedule? Consider scheduling meetings for 30 or 15 minutes instead of the usual 60 minutes. This way, you can achieve the same result while freeing up time for other tasks.
When working on projects together, email often becomes the main tool that we are forced to constantly check. When new emails grab our attention, we can easily become distracted. Even though we may give up email on a desktop or laptop computer, most of us have email on our phone. In fact, email follows us everywhere.
Email can create a vicious cycle that distracts us from the important thinking and physical work that needs to be done. Some suggested solutions may help, such as turning off notifications, scheduling specific times to look at emails, and blocking time on your calendar for more important work to avoid the temptation to check for new emails.
I've recently noticed another alarming trend - the rise of messaging tools. When I started my consulting business, people could only call me or come in person. However, over the past few years, a variety of communication methods have emerged. I now monitor emails, text messages, other forms of messaging, and phone calls. This prevents me from fully focusing on important work.
Psalm 119:15 says, “I meditate on Your commandments, and consider Your ways.” I try to regularly tune out distractions and think solely about God and His plan.
Copyright 2024. Non-Traditional Business Network. Adapted with permission from UBN Integrity Moments. Visit: www.unconventionalbusiness.org. UBN is a ministry of faith in action for the international small business community.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Ecclesiastes 3:1-3,11, 9:10; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5-6
Difficult task
Sometimes good intentions do not achieve the desired goals. Who do you think would be willing to hold you accountable if you find yourself too easily distracted by email and phone messages?
