How the Meaning of Productivity Has Changed in Business

How has the meaning of productivity changed in business over the years? In one sense, to be productive has means working efficiently to achieve maximum output. Think: long hours at the office and often never turning work off. More and more, however, the culture of productivity is measured by a balanced life that prioritizes work, family, nature, and community. Not living for your work is one way to become more productive in your work. Sounds healthy, but not intuitive.

In this month’s Fast Company, they discuss the need for a change in the meaning of productivity:

“…what has made work so fulfilling—working side by side with colleagues and celebrating the completion of projects—scarcely exists anymore.”

Fast Company, November 30, 2021

So, how do we foster this type of productive culture in business? Firstly, being flexible is key. Flexible work schedules, flexible job titles, flexible office spaces, etc. You get the idea. Secondly, look for work that is meaningful to you. When you have passion and interest in your work, you’re more likely to find the necessary motivation. It’s not so much about the amount of work done. Rather it’s key to be intentional about your work.

In an earlier blog post, we discuss the importance of a well-rounded company. Find out ways to cultivate your finest, more productive self. It might just involve having a meeting with a colleague while on a hike or volunteering with your team at a local non-profit. 

To achieve a well-rounded company, it’s key to lead by example with the qualities you are seeking from your own employees. What qualities have served you well? To be a great leader, you need to be able to view things from everyone else’s perspective. How does it feel to be in their shoes? Also, don’t just live for the work. Business leaders should aim to live multi-dimensional lives. A well-rounded leader considers the affect they have on others. This includes the impact they make with family, friends, employees, partners, and community. Set the example that a balanced life is essential for a happy life. And, being happy is conducive to being productive.

Here is an article Rod Bolls wrote about how “How Running 100 Miles is a Lot Like Starting a Business,” which clearly illustrates how the meaning of productivity can mean different things to different people in business.

There are some things that are commonly considered off limits, if not crazy. Things like running 100 miles or starting a business, for example, are not for everyone. Ultramarathoners and entrepreneurs possess an extraordinary amount of optimism, courage and flexibility which sets them apart. These people stay positive through the pain and focus on the big picture. They are not afraid of putting themselves out there – and often do so alone. They have a solid plan and the drive to see things through. Most importantly, they know how to pivot and make adjustments when necessary.  

In sports and in business, the hardest part about taking on the unimaginable is just getting started. But, turning a notion into an action can be as simple as taking the first step. Sign up for the race. Jot down your business idea. From there, you can plot out what your next steps will be­ — from mile 1 to 100 in a race, or from day 1 to year 5 in business. That way, you can be prepared for the inevitable variances to your plan. When you dive into something that is bigger than anything you’ve ever done, you have to be a few steps ahead of yourself and take care of issues before they become problems. 

Ultramarathons are often run on rocky, narrow, root-filled and steep trails with big changes in elevation. If you are getting a blister, take the time to treat it. If you are getting fatigued, walk a bit. And, always know where your aid stations are located on the course! Similarly, when starting a business, there are usually a lot of ups and downs to navigate. You need to think about what you could be doing now to make things run smoothly in the future. Talk to your team often—your employees are your legs in a race. Take care of your customers—it’s like fueling your body with necessary calories for the long haul. Keep a pulse on the industry—it’s like knowing your environment and competition at all times.

It’s no surprise that running 100 miles and starting a business will each cause pain and suffering. There are the physical risks with running long distances – everything hurts, bleeds or oozes. Your mind wants to go to the dark side and your body wants to upheave, break and stop. The stress of starting a business can also be painful — bringing ulcers, headaches, insomnia, and the like. In order to lower all of these risks and avoid running out of energy (or shutting down), you need to be ready for the road ahead with a can-do attitude. Learning how to suffer should be one of the goals, and that comes down to how much you want it. Pushing through the skepticism and hard times is what sets apart those who succeed from those who don’t. It’s going to be uncomfortable and hard. Look beyond each obstacle and be sure to celebrate your milestones along the way. 

Ultramarathoners and entrepreneurs all reach a a point when it feels easier to just stop. It’s those who succeed who have made a clear choice between the doubt and determination in their minds. Once you lay out your own definition of success, you can work toward it. Is it crossing the finish line or completing a race in 24 hours? Is it having 1,000 customers or making your first million dollars? Always have something on the calendar and look at ways you can be prepared for the next race or the next level in your business plan. Having the right amount of support is brilliant — whether that means having enough sustenance along the race or growing your number of employees. Behind every super-achiever is support team of family, friends and people whose goals align with their own. And, it’s never a question of whether or not it’s worth it — of course it is! 

---

Since 2015, Boxwell has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing customizable storage solutions for businesses around the world. Headquartered in Boulder, Colo., Boxwell’s mission is to build the future of storage, today. We aim to achieve this by persistently looking for ways to develop more durable storage, installed in a fraction of the time compared to other options. Therefore, we’re continually exploring new technologies, services, and features to support our clients and elevate the industry standard. We know you’ll appreciate our hidden features and benefits.

Boxwell A Company Built for Your Success

www.boxwell.co

Our products include drive-up self-storage units, relocatable self-storage units, portable storage containers, residential storage containers, moving containers, and restoration containers. Intended to help you increase your business’ revenue-generating space, our portable containers and relocatable self-storage units are flexible, stackable, and beautiful! Boxwell is here to ensure that our products help you achieve your business goals.

Work with a Boxwell representative to decide on an ideal, moveable storage unit mix, custom colors, door configurations and more. Once you place an order, we deliver and install your Boxwell relocatable self-storage units. You’ll be ready to rent them in no time! For any questions about the above services and perks or to learn more about Boxwell and our moving and storage containers and services, check out www.boxwell.co or call (303) 416-6280 today!