When Productivity Comes Before People: What Message Does It Send?

In the fast-paced world of business, productivity is often held up as the ultimate goal. Targets, deadlines, efficiency – these are the buzzwords that drive many organisations. But what happens when productivity is prioritised over people?

At MHScot, we believe that workplace wellbeing should be at the heart of any organisation. When businesses put productivity before people, they send a powerful message – and not necessarily a positive one. Let’s take a closer look at the impact this has from both an employee and a customer perspective.

The Employee Experience: A Costly Trade-Off

Imagine working in an organisation where your output is valued more than your wellbeing. Where performance metrics take precedence over how you’re feeling. Over time, this approach chips away at morale, motivation, and engagement.

Employees who feel like mere cogs in a machine are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and disengagement. When workers believe that they are only as good as their last set of numbers, trust in leadership erodes. They become less likely to contribute innovative ideas, less willing to go the extra mile, and more inclined to seek employment elsewhere. High turnover, absenteeism, and presenteeism (where employees turn up but aren’t truly engaged) all become costly problems for organisations that fail to prioritise people.

The Customer Perspective: What Do They See?

Businesses often pride themselves on excellent customer service, but that’s difficult to achieve when employees are overworked, undervalued, and burnt out. Customers pick up on more than just the product or service – they experience the attitude, energy, and enthusiasm of the staff delivering it.

If employees feel unsupported, it shows. The quality of service declines, interactions become transactional rather than meaningful, and brand reputation suffers. Customers don’t just want efficiency; they want authenticity, care, and attention to detail.

The irony? A relentless focus on productivity can actually hinder long-term business success. Satisfied employees create satisfied customers, and satisfied customers drive sustainable growth.

The Impact on Workplace Wellbeing

When people feel like they matter, they thrive. When they thrive, so does the business. Organisations that invest in workplace wellbeing see benefits in engagement, retention, and overall performance. A culture that values mental health, work-life balance, and open communication fosters a motivated and resilient workforce.

So, what’s the alternative to putting productivity first? A balanced approach. This means:

* Encouraging open conversations about workload and wellbeing.

* Recognising that rest and recovery fuel productivity, not hinder it.

* Creating an environment where employees feel heard, valued, and supported.

Final Thoughts

Businesses don’t succeed in spite of their people; they succeed because of them. When organisations prioritise the wellbeing of their employees, they don’t just create a healthier workplace – they build a stronger, more sustainable future.

The real question is: what kind of message do you want to send?