Let’s End Toxic Productivity: Harvard Business Review
Jennifer examines the rise of toxic productivity, a dangerous work culture where individuals feel compelled to be constantly productive at the expense of their mental and physical health. The 2024 Mercer Global Talent Trend Report reveals that 82% of workers are at risk of burnout due to excessive workloads, exhaustion, and financial strain. Toxic productivity is deeply rooted in societal beliefs that equate hard work with virtue and rest with laziness, further amplified by social media pressures and perfectionism. The pandemic exacerbated these tendencies, pushing many to use work as a way to maintain control and purpose, while economic fears fueled an irrational drive to return to pre-pandemic productivity levels.
Jennifer also highlights the negative effects of the "overwork" culture, including a significant increase in meetings post-pandemic. Research from companies like Slack and Atlassian shows that excessive meetings and after-hours work lead to lower productivity, higher stress, and greater burnout. Despite the evidence, workplaces still glorify "hero culture," where overwork is celebrated and rest is stigmatized. This is particularly harmful to women, who face a "second shift" of domestic duties, and are disproportionately affected by burnout.
To break this cycle, leaders must model healthier work habits, encourage time off, and set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Companies like Shopify and Asana have experimented with reducing meetings, saving employees significant time and improving productivity. Ultimately, breaking free from toxic productivity requires a shift in values, as employees—especially women and younger generations—begin to push back against this antiquated work culture. Jennifer suggests that in a world where priorities are shifting, people are starting to ask themselves what truly matters, with many recognizing that too much time spent in meetings is not the answer.
Read the complete article at Harvard Business Review - Jennifer Moss and learn more about her upcoming book Why Are We Here from HBR. You can also purchase a copy of this article from HBR to use within your organization or educational institution.