Having flexibility in when and where you work opens up possibilities.
My energy fluctuates throughout the day. The productivity framework that works for me is to just follow my energy. When I feel like I have to force myself to do something I know it’s going to be a struggle. My energy is telling me to do something else, whether that is go for a walk, do the dishes, make lunch, or maybe do something creative.
When I’m stuck at the office, I don’t have these alternatives to redirect my energy into. I’m forced to struggle to put my energy into work. Maybe this gets “more” work done, but when I do work this way the quality is a huge step down.
Maybe some people work better this way, but by forcing people to work in a uniform way you are denying the full spectrum of talent and skill that your team possesses. While I’m a remote work advocate there is certainly value in working together in an office. But it requires being intentional about it. If you’re going to bring people into an office, then make use of that time and space. And give enough time in between mandatory office days for people to replenish the energy that it takes to be in that environment.
Maybe talk about how I traveled to Seattle twice during the implementation of Hornbill. But having the balance between that and also having large amounts of focus time at home was the key to success.
Sometimes I focus better in the evenings or on the weekend, and I’d rather use the time and energy during the 9-5 work day in a more productive way for myself. Being able to structure my day in a way that works for me is important.
I like to do more creative work in the evenings, that’s just what works for me.
I like to do more mundane tasks during the day, and to not burn out from doing them be able to sprinkle in different activities.
Companies love to measure productivity, but do they measure motivation? And the relationship between motivation and productivity?
being able to take a 5 minute break and pick up my guitar or do some light exercise is huge for my mental health and ability to put my energy into my work. This is just not possible at the office. Like I mentioned, there are definitely pros to being in an office, but not every day, just every now and then.
