Toxic productivity is something that is currently very close to the world of work.

 

Actually prioritizing hard work and productivity is not a bad thing, but if you don't take care of your health it will definitely be detrimental to yourself and your workplace.

 

So what exactly is meant by toxic productivity? What are the characteristics of toxic productivity and how to overcome it?



 

What is the Meaning of Toxic Productivity?

 

Simply put, toxic productivity is a condition where a person pushes himself to have extreme productivity that has an impact on health. This is a situation when our desire to achieve success turns unhealthy. Toxic productivity encourages a person to continue working, even when the body and mind try to protest and refuse.

 

This work phenomenon is in fact more than just being busy completing tasks. This is the act of feeling like you can't get enough of the activities you have, causing many people to neglect important self-care routines and personal time to recover. Toxic productivity is often associated with workaholicism and hustle culture. Workaholic is a term given to someone who works excessively so that they spend all their time working.

 

When they don't work or don't work, they will feel uncomfortable and may even feel guilty. The difference is, someone who is a workaholic does not try to seek recognition that he is very productive, as is the case with toxic productivity. Meanwhile, hustle culture is a view that encourages and encourages someone to work non-stop. In fact, they think that working non-stop is the key to success. Indeed, hustle culture is able to push someone to success, but if done without balance and ignoring health, it can have a bad impact, resulting in burnout.

 

What Causes Toxic Productivity?

 

The following are the main causes of toxic productivity:

 

a. Busy Culture

 

Thanks to the rise of personal branding and the spotlight of social media, there is a growing belief that we should be ‘on’ at all times.

This culture sells the idea that our personal brand and self-worth are directly tied to how busy we appear.

 

b. Self-imposed Expectations

 

We all want to shine, right? But sometimes, we set standards too high.

Unrealistic expectations, especially those we place on ourselves, can lead to a relentless pursuit of perfection at the expense of our mental health.

 

c. Avoid the real thing

 

Some of us use work as a shield to avoid painful feelings or problems in our personal lives.

Instead of facing what's bothering us, we bury ourselves in work, thinking that if we're busy, we're fine.

 

What are the Characteristics of Toxic Productivity?

 

Toxic productivity is more than just a trendy term. Toxic productivity is an issue that impacts physical and mental health in the workplace. Recognizing the signs early can help overcome these challenges, and promote a better work-life balance for everyone involved.

 

So, what should you be aware of?

 

a. Individual Signs

 

• Constant overtime: If someone consistently works late into the night, this is a red flag. Although occasional overtime is expected in some roles, making it a habit can worsen mental and physical health.

 

• Reluctance to rest: Everyone needs to set aside time to rest. Refusal to take breaks, even for a few moments, indicates an unfavorable perception of productivity.

 

• Decreased quality of work: Experiencing toxic productivity can lead to burnout, and burnout can often result in decreased quality of work. If a once-excellent employee begins to show consistent decline, it's time to do a check-up.

 

b. Team Signs

 

• High stress levels: Teams experiencing toxic productivity often exhibit high levels of stress. If the atmosphere feels tense or if the remote worker shows discomfort, take note.

 

• Frequent miscommunication: When everyone is always “on,” it is more difficult to communicate effectively. Misunderstandings can become more frequent, hindering team collaboration.

 

• Increased absenteeism: The direct impact of disturbed physical and mental health is that team members are absent more frequently. If a team member is frequently absent, this could be a sign that they are not getting the personal time they need to recover.

 

c. Organizational Signs

 

• High employee turnover rate: No one wants to stay in an environment where they constantly feel stressed. If you're losing staff at higher levels, toxic productivity may be to blame.

 

• Reduced employee engagement: Engaged employees are proactive, innovative and often the heartbeat of an organization. But when the balance between tips and work becomes everything, engagement can wane.

 

 

What are the Negative Impacts of Toxic Productivity?

 

Here are some of the impacts that can be obtained from toxic productivity:

 

a. Impact on Physical Health

 

You know that feeling that comes when you feel tired?

Not only tired but also feeling physically tired. This could be a direct result of toxic productivity.

The consequences can include fatigue and sleep disturbances.

 

b. Mental Health Problems

 

Constantly pushing ourselves can be detrimental to our mental health.

Signs of toxic productivity can appear as fatigue, anxiety, and even depression.

If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it might be time to chat with a mental health professional.

 

c. Decreased team Collaboration

 

When toxic productivity leaks into the workplace, it affects more than just the individual.

Teams may experience a decline in collaboration, and you may see more people leaving their jobs (yes, high employee turnover).

 

d. Decreased Quality of Work

 

Do you think that more work means better results? Not always.

An overworked brain can produce work of lower quality.

Plus, when we are always in “task mode,” we may miss golden opportunities to innovate.

 

How to Overcome Toxic Productivity?

 

A productive workplace does not mean that the workforce there must experience fatigue.

Instead, with some intentional strategies, we can combat toxic productivity, cultivating a healthy environment at all levels of the organization.

The following are several actions you can take to ensure balance between work and personal life.

 

 

a. Individual Level

 

 

• Set clear boundaries: This isn't just about turning off the computer at a certain time. It's about mentally transitioning from work to personal time, allowing quality time for family life, hobbies, and rest. This is the first step to overcoming toxic productivity.

 

• Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks is very important. Whether it's stretching for five minutes, going for a walk, or simply taking a break, practicing self-care during work hours can prevent burnout.

 

• Seek support: If the workload feels overwhelming, seek support. This can be done with coworkers, supervisors, or even external support groups.

 

b. Team Level

 

 

• Regular check-ins: Ensure there are frequent team meetings to discuss workload. This is an opportunity for members to share if they are feeling overwhelmed and need help.

 

• Team building activities: A little fun can go a long way. Organize activities that can relieve stress and foster friendship. These activities can be anything from simple games to team outings.

 

• Fosters collaboration rather than competition – A collaborative team environment reduces individual pressure to “excel” and instead encourages collective success. Encourage team members to share resources, insights, and even workloads if something gets too full.

 

c. Organizational Level

 

• Flexible work hours and remote work options: Not everyone has productive work hours from 9 to 5 p.m. Providing flexibility can allow employees to work when they are most efficient, leading to better results. Additionally, for those who prefer, working remotely can reduce the stress of commuting and provide a more comfortable environment.

 

• Training for managers: Equip managers with the skills and knowledge to recognize the signs of burnout. This proactive approach ensures problems are addressed before they escalate, helping to combat toxic productivity.

 

• Feedback-friendly culture: An environment where employees can voice concerns without fear is essential. Create a feedback channel where suggestions, complaints and general comments can be shared openly.

 

• Wellness programs and resources: Introduce programs that focus on employee mental and physical well-being. This could be in the form of a gym membership, meditation sessions, or access to a mental health professional.

 

Incorporating these strategies can ensure a workplace where individuals not only work, but thrive. Remember, productivity should enhance, not compromise, our well-being. By taking these steps, organizations can ensure that they prioritize their most valuable asset: their employees.

 

What is HR's Role in Avoiding Toxic Productivity?

 

HR's role in avoiding toxic productivity is critical. As the main department responsible for employee welfare and company culture, HR is responsible for introducing and implementing strategies that help employees overcome toxic productivity. One of HR's main roles is to educate and raise awareness about the importance of a balanced work life.

 

This includes creating programs and workshops that teach employees how to practice self-care, ensuring that they understand its importance in maintaining mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, HR can create policies that encourage employees to take breaks and ensure they have enough personal time to recover. This includes setting guidelines around working hours, promoting the importance of taking holidays, and perhaps even introducing wellness days or mental health days.

 

Conclusion

 

That was an explanation of toxic productivity which can be new information for you to manage your work and employees well. From the explanation in the article above, it can be seen that toxic productivity is something you must avoid so that you can create work life balance. In fact, avoiding toxic productivity not only provides benefits for your health, but also for your productivity at work.

 

Even though toxic productivity seems good for increasing productivity, in reality this is just a trap which if you continue to maintain it could have a bad impact in the future. As HR, you have an obligation to prevent and overcome toxic productivity well, one of which is by managing employees as well as possible.