Understanding Toxic Productivity: The Pitfalls and Solutions
Horton International
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Burnout. Working from home guilt. Poor work/life balance. Pre-pandemic, the world of work had these challenges, but now, we’re seeing a rise in these symptoms thanks to toxic productivity. This heightened focus on making the most of every moment is not only impacting work, but all aspects of life.
What is toxic productivity?
Toxic productivity is a term used for the unhealthy desire to be productive at all times. It is the constant focus of achievement and attainment.
With toxic productivity, you may feel that you cannot take any downtime or that you have to go the extra mile, even when it is not expected of you. It is a case of wanting to tick everything off the to-do list and always looking for ways to constantly optimise what you’re doing.
Toxic productivity goes hand in hand with the guilt of not doing enough, worrying about what you “should” do or feeling like you need to prove why you are doing something.
At work, this may be working a few extra hours each day to tick everything you’ve put on your to-do list. At home, it may be that you will only go for a walk to ‘get your steps in’ rather than just go for a walk to relax and unwind.
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