As millions of Microsoft people use its software products, valuable information about work habits is revealed. For example, surveyed employees spend an average of 57 percent of their time interacting and meeting using office software. And about two-thirds of them express difficulty finding the time and energy for real, meaningful work.
Technology originally served as a means of saving time, but it turns out that it sometimes causes counterproductivity. In chapter 8 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon taught, “…for every thing hath its time and its statutes; but great evil to man is that he knoweth not what shall be; and how it shall be, who shall tell him?” The first step to increased productivity is recognizing the problem.
How much time do you spend on email 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 face-to-face interactions with customers.
Let’s think about meetings and their impact on productivity. When planning a meeting, we should first stop to think about the purpose of the meeting and what the desired outcome is. Once these have been determined, think carefully about who really needs to attend the meeting and who can be excluded.
The Gospel of John 15:2 teaches a principle that we can apply in the work environment as well: «Every branch that bears no fruit with Me He cuts off; and every branch that bears fruit He purifies, so that it may bear more fruit». Have you ever thought about reducing 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 together on projects, email is often the primary tool we have to constantly check. When new emails grab our attention, we can easily get distracted. Even if we can give up email on a desktop or laptop computer, most of us have email on our phones. 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 can 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 disturbing trend – the rise of messaging tools. When I started my consulting business, people could only call me or come in person. Over the past few years, however, there have been many ways to communicate. I now keep track of emails, text messages, other forms of messaging, and phone calls. This prevents me from fully focusing on the important work at hand.
Psalm 118:15 says: «I meditate on Thy commandments, and I look upon Thy ways». I try to regularly disconnect from distractions and meditate solely on God and His plan.
Copyright 2024. Unconventional business networking. 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
- How do you feel about meetings? Do you think they are valuable and productive of your time? Or do you see them as obstacles that prevent you from engaging in other more important projects and endeavors?
- What about emails and various forms of messaging: have you found an effective and efficient way to manage them so they don’t get in the way of the real work you need to get done? Explain your answer.
- Do you have any other workplace habits that reduce your productivity? If so, what are they and why are they problematic for you?
- Rick Box suggests that we seek God and His plan. How do you think this will help you overcome distractions that can affect productivity and efficiency in your workplace?
NOTES. 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 don’t achieve the desired goals. Who do you think would be willing to hold you accountable if you were found to be too easily distracted by emails and phone messages?