Beyond busy work – building a culture of continuous learning and empowerment for true productivity -

A culture of continuous learning, fuelled by empowerment, is far more beneficial than one focused on tedious tasks and appearances, which can be achieved through upskilling.

The traditional workday has evolved—from a strict 9-to-5 in the office, to fully virtual during the pandemic, and now a hybrid mix. Along the way, our views of productivity have shifted too. Ever heard of productivity theatre? It’s when people focus on tasks that create the illusion of productivity rather than doing meaningful work that drives actual results – also known as ‘busy work’. This can lead to a lack of true productivity, increased stress, and burnout.

Productivity theatre involves doing tasks that seem productive but add little value. Think excessive email correspondence, attending unnecessary meetings, or creating reports that are rarely used. These activities can drain energy and focus from more important work.

Often, productivity theatre stems from a desire to meet perceived expectations and show commitment. This can create a culture where appearances matter more than outcomes. Sound familiar? This type of culture contributes to stress and burnout, as people struggle to balance the demands of the appearance of productivity with truly impactful tasks.

One powerful way to combat this issue of bus work without impact is through upskilling. This means providing opportunities for employees to acquire new skills relevant to their roles and career aspirations. Identify gaps in your workplace and address them through online courses, mentoring, certifications, and more.

Upskilling not only enhances individual capabilities but also aligns with organisational goals. For instance, a marketing professional who learns data analytics can focus on data-driven strategies rather than superficial metrics. This shift allows more time for impactful tasks, reducing the need for performative behaviours.

Creating a culture of continuous learning encourages people to regularly seek out and embrace new knowledge and skills. This culture promotes authenticity, valuing genuine contributions over the ability to “look busy.” Organisations can foster this by providing access to training programs, workshops, and resources that support ongoing development and encourage open communication and collaboration.

Successful examples include companies that offer dedicated learning hours or subsidies for professional courses, resulting in a workforce that is skilled and engaged in meaningful work. This shift combats productivity theatre by emphasising real outcomes over appearances.

Another way to combat productivity theatre is through empowerment. Empowering employees with training and development initiatives gives them the tools and confidence to take ownership of their careers. When people feel empowered, they’re more likely to contribute meaningfully to their organisations.

Regular check-ins, opportunities for decision-making, two-way communication, and a supportive work environment all play a part in this. Provide relevant training opportunities to help employees stay current with industry trends and innovations. This makes their work more impactful and reduces reliance on performative tasks.

Feeling empowered to do important tasks well can significantly benefit work culture. Organisations that prioritise empowerment often see higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, as employees feel valued and supported in their growth.

Addressing productivity theatre is crucial for the well-being of employees and everyone’s success. By fostering a culture of learning, empowerment, and continual growth you’ll ensure people are more productive. Upskilling is a powerful antidote to just looking productive, allowing people to focus on meaningful tasks that drive business outcomes.

By understanding the impact of performative work and investing in upskilling initiatives, companies can create a healthier, more productive work environment. Let’s move beyond appearances and focus on what truly matters.

Paula Fryer is Senior Director of SLO Partners