Productivity at What Cost? How the Wrong Narrative Is Breaking Your Team

In our relentless pursuit of efficiency and output, many companies have unconsciously adopted a "productivity trumps everything" mindset. It's a narrative that whispers, and sometimes shouts, that more is always better, that busyness equals importance, and that personal well-being is a secondary concern to hitting targets. 

But what if this very narrative, designed to drive success, is actually breaking your team? What if the cost of this unchecked productivity is far greater than the gains? 

As a coach, I've witnessed the toll this takes. Teams become exhausted, creativity wanes, and the very engagement we strive for evaporates. 

The truth is, presence and performance aren't opposites—they're partners. This blog unpacks the real cost of that relentless narrative and shows how shifting to values based productivity creates more engaged, present, and high-performing teams. It's about understanding that true productivity isn't just about doing more, but about doing what truly matters, from a place of wholeness. 

The Hidden Costs of the “Always On” Culture 

The modern workplace often celebrates the heroic individual who works late, answers emails at all hours, and never seems to take a break. This “always on” culture, fueled by a distorted view of productivity, has insidious consequences: 

• Burnout and Exhaustion: As we discussed, burnout isn’t just about volume; it’s about the emotional and mental depletion that comes from constant pressure and a lack of alignment. When productivity is prioritized above all else, rest and recovery are seen as weaknesses, leading to chronic exhaustion across the team. 

• Decreased Creativity and Innovation: When people are constantly rushing and under pressure, their capacity for creative thought diminishes. Innovation requires space, reflection, and the freedom to experiment—qualities that are often stifled by a relentless focus on output metrics. 

• Erosion of Psychological Safety: In a culture where mistakes are seen as productivity killers, people become risk-averse. They’re less likely to speak up with new ideas, admit errors, or challenge the status quo, fearing that any deviation from perfect output will be penalized. This directly undermines psychological safety, which is essential for true engagement. 

• High Turnover and Disengagement: Talented individuals, especially those who value work-life integration and purpose, will eventually seek environments that align with their values. The “productivity at all costs” narrative leads to a revolving door of talent and a workforce that is physically present but emotionally disengaged. 

• Compromised Quality: When the focus is solely on quantity, quality often suffers. Rushed work, overlooked details, and a lack of thoroughness become common, ultimately impacting customer satisfaction and brand reputation. 

  
  

Shifting to Values-Based Productivity: Presence and Performance as Partners 

The good news is that there's a more sustainable, human-centered approach to productivity: values-based productivity. 

This isn't about doing less, but about doing what's most impactful and aligned with your core values, both as an individual and as an organization. It's about recognizing that presence and performance are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they amplify each other. 

1. Define and Live Your Values 

This is the bedrock. What truly matters to your organization? What principles guide your decisions and actions? 

When values are clearly articulated and consistently lived, they become a compass for productivity. Every task, every project, every initiative can be evaluated against these values. If it doesn't align, question its necessity. 

This helps eliminate busywork and focuses energy on what truly drives meaningful results.

2. Prioritize Impact Over Activity 

Instead of measuring hours worked or tasks completed, shift the focus to impact. What outcomes are you trying to achieve? How does each activity contribute to those outcomes? This requires a strategic mindset, encouraging teams to think critically about their work rather than just mindlessly executing. It’s about quality over quantity, depth over breadth. 

3. Cultivate Intentional Rest and Recovery 

Just as a muscle needs rest to grow stronger, the human mind and body need recovery to perform optimally. Leaders must model and encourage intentional breaks, sufficient sleep, and time away from work. This isn’t lost time; it’s an investment in sustained productivity and well-being. When people are well-rested and recharged, they bring higher levels of focus, creativity, and resilience to their work. 

4. Foster Psychological Safety and Trust 

Psychological safety is an important element of values-based productivity. When team members feel safe to be vulnerable, to experiment, and to learn from mistakes, they are more likely to innovate and contribute their best work. This environment of trust reduces the fear of failure, which is a significant barrier to genuine productivity. It allows for open communication, constructive feedback, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. 

5. Embrace the Power of Presence 

In our distracted world, the ability to be fully present is a superpower. When individuals are present, they are more focused, more engaged, and more effective. This means minimizing distractions, practicing mindfulness, and creating dedicated time for deep work. It’s about bringing your whole self to the task at hand, rather than being fragmented by constant interruptions and competing demands. Model incorporating focus opportunities into your schedule and encourage direct reports to do so as well. 

The Mental Fitness Perspective: Overcoming the Saboteurs of Unhealthy Productivity 

Our internal Saboteurs often fuel the “productivity at all costs” narrative. The Hyper Achiever, for example, constantly pushes us to strive for external validation through accomplishments, leading to an inability to rest or feel satisfied. The Controller might make us believe we need to micromanage every detail to ensure perfect output. The Restless Saboteur drives us to constantly seek new activities, preventing deep focus. 

Recognizing these Saboteurs is the first step. By understanding their patterns, we can intercept their negative influence and activate our Sage powers. Our Sage, the wise part of our brain, helps us approach productivity from a place of empathy, curiosity, and purpose. It allows us to discern what truly matters, to set healthy boundaries, and to find joy in the process, not just the outcome. This mental fitness practice is crucial for leaders who want to build teams that are not just productive, but truly thriving. 

Conclusion 

The narrative around productivity needs a fundamental shift. It’s not about how much you do, but how well you do what truly matters, and from what internal state. By embracing values-based productivity, fostering psychological safety, and cultivating presence, leaders can create environments where their teams are not just high performing, but also engaged, resilient, and deeply fulfilled. Presence and performance aren’t opposites—they’re partners, leading to a more sustainable and human approach to success. 

In a world obsessed with 'more,' true productivity stems from presence and purpose. Tune into the Healthy Conflict podcast with Rasha Sahen to learn more about navigating difficult conversations and fostering productive relationships. 

Sources and Further Reading 

Shirzad Chamine. (2012). Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS. Greenleaf Book Group Press. https://www.positiveintelligence.com/ 

Spreitzer, G. M., & Porath, C. L. (2012). Creating Sustainable Performance. Harvard Business Review, 90(1/2), 92-99. https://hbr.org/2012/01/creating-sustainable-performance 

Newport, Cal. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing. 

Ariely, Dan. (2008). Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. HarperCollins. 

Pink, Daniel H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.