Productivity and happiness at work are not mutually exclusive, quite the contrary. Several studies show that a happy employee is naturally more productive. Yet, in our constant quest for efficiency, we often forget the importance of preserving our mental well-being. So how do we find the ideal balance? Here are some strategies for achieving both professional performance and personal fulfillment.
Understanding productivity at work
Productivity is often defined as the relationship between the amount of work done and the resources invested to accomplish it, such as time, energy or financial means. Being productive doesn't just mean completing a lot of tasks, but rather optimizing those that generate the most added value.
Good productivity requires the adoption of concrete practices, such as the precise identification and prioritization of tasks to be carried out, clearly determining which are essential and which can wait. It also includes knowing how to delegate certain tasks and automate those that are repetitive, thus freeing up time and energy for the most important and creative activities. Finally, effective time management involves the use of tried-and-tested methods, such as a "To-do list" of tasks, daily strategic planning and limiting external distractions.
Read more: The impact of office design on employee productivity
The importance of happiness at work
Happiness at work is essential not only for employees' personal fulfillment, but also for the company's overall performance. Happy employees are more committed, creative and loyal, and have significantly reduced absenteeism.
Professional happiness is influenced by several key factors:
- A good working atmosphere and healthy relationships between colleagues.
- Regular recognition of efforts and results.
- Opportunities for professional advancement and personal development.
How to combine productivity and happiness at work?
1. Clarifying priorities
In my day-to-day work, I personally use the Eisenhower method, which consists of classifying tasks according to two fundamental criteria: importance and urgency. This enables us to quickly identify which tasks require immediate action, which can be planned for later, which can be delegated to someone else, and which can be eliminated altogether. This approach helps to reduce stress, focus on real priorities and delegate effectively, freeing up time for strategic and important tasks.
2. Managing time intelligently
In our company, we favour flexible time management, which combines two main approaches: the Pomodoro method and Pareto's law (80/20 rule). Personally, I often use the Pomodoro technique, which involves concentrating intensely for short periods (usually 25 minutes), followed by a break to maintain attention and avoid mental fatigue. In addition, Pareto's Law enables me to identify the 20% of tasks that produce 80% of results, thus promoting efficient, targeted prioritization. With us, there are no predetermined breaks; each employee is free to manage his or her breaks as he or she sees fit, which encourages autonomy and listening to one's own needs.
3. Promoting a positive environment
At Solutions M3, promoting a positive environment is at the heart of our values. We encourage a culture based on respect, recognition and caring on a daily basis. To reinforce these values, we regularly celebrate successes, large and small, and take care to organize informal events that create moments of relaxation and strengthen bonds between colleagues. Each party or event is an opportunity to recognize everyone's efforts. What's more, at our three weekly project meetings, I always start with an informal chat about anything and everything, which helps to create a relaxed atmosphere and further unite our team. These are precious moments that I particularly appreciate.
4. Focus on work-life balance
At our company, even though it's often necessary to be present in a showroom because of the daily rush and the simplified access to all our products, every employee is equipped to telecommute when he or she feels the need. What's more, it's very easy to take a temporary leave of absence for any reason, without having to justify the decision at length. This flexibility enables everyone to better manage their personal and professional lives, enhancing overall well-being.
5. Encourage autonomy
In the office, it's vital that every employee feels autonomous, confident and free to experiment without fear of making mistakes. We believe that each individual has his or her own personal mission, quest, unique values and specific skills. As an employer, our role is similar to that of a sports coach: clearly communicating the company's mission and values, positioning each employee in the role that best matches his or her natural strengths (placing him or her on his or her X), and providing all the necessary tools for professional development. We firmly believe that when employees grow, the whole company grows with them.
Tools to optimize productivity and well-being
- Time management applications: Tools such as Asana or Trello help to structure work, prioritize tasks and improve team collaboration. I particularly like Trello for its simplicity of use and ease of integration with other tools.
- Collaborative and communication tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams or Zoom facilitate fluid and efficient communication, even remotely. Personally, I prefer Google tools such as Meet for their versatility and excellent integration with our internal tools.
- Ergonomic workspaces: Invest in ergonomic furniture and create a pleasant working environment to reduce physical and mental fatigue.
Read more: Why choose a height-adjustable desk
Read more: How to choose an ergonomic office chair
Maintaining mental balance
To maintain mental health while being productive, it's crucial to follow certain practices:
- Take regular active breaks: Getting up, taking a walk or doing breathing exercises helps you recharge your batteries.
- Practicing mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness reduce stress, improve concentration and increase resilience in the face of challenges.
- Set clear limits: Learn to say no when the workload becomes too heavy. Setting limits protects your energy and efficiency in the long term.
Creating a virtuous circle
Combining productivity and happiness at work requires an intentional and sustained approach. By integrating these good practices into your daily routine, you will not only increase your professional efficiency, but also sustainably improve your mental well-being and that of your teams. The resulting balance will benefit both the individual and the organization as a whole.