Balancing Productivity of Your Creative Team
The Pitfalls of Long Hours and Rapid Pace
Businesses need to harness the creativity of their teams, particularly in industries such as software development. Companies like Mynkis, providing enterprise-level custom software solutions, depend significantly on their creative teams. However, the common misconception that longer hours and a brisk pace always translate to higher productivity could prove detrimental. Balancing productivity is key, and in this blog post, we will explore why.
The Myth of Longer Hours
Many companies believe that asking employees to work longer hours will result in higher productivity. But is it really beneficial? Evidence suggests otherwise.
In a study by Stanford University, economist Deborah Lynn Blumberg found that productivity per hour declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours a week. After 55 hours, productivity drops so much that putting in any more hours is pointless (Blumberg, 2020). In other words, the additional input does not justify the output.
Moreover, working long hours can lead to increased stress and health issues, which in turn affect productivity (Oliveira et al., 2012). Long hours also limit the time for relaxation and recuperation, vital for maintaining mental sharpness and creativity Harvard Business Review, 2009)(.
The Pressure of a Fast Pace
In the realm of software development, a rapid pace might seem desirable to stay ahead. However, maintaining a pace that's too fast can adversely impact the quality of creative output.
Fast pace typically translates into a pressure-filled work environment, which leads to increased error rates. Rushed work can result in overlooked details and compromised quality, a clear concern in software development where precision is paramount (Speier et al., 1999).
Moreover, creative thinking often requires time for ideas to incubate and develop. A hurried environment leaves little room for such creative processes, thereby potentially stifling innovation.
Striking the Right Balance
Balancing productivity in a creative team entails respecting the limits of working hours and maintaining a sustainable pace. Here are a few strategies:
Implement a flexible work schedule: Flexible work schedules can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, and lower stress levels (Fernandes & Pinto, 2020). Allow your team to design their work schedules around when they feel most productive.
Encourage regular breaks: Regular breaks can improve mental agility . Make sure your team takes time for relaxation and personal activities.
Promote a healthy work-life balance: A healthy work-life balance can improve overall productivity and creativity (Kossek & Thompson, 2016).
Prioritize quality over quantity: Cultivate an environment where quality is prized over the volume of output. This reduces stress, encourages creativity, and results in better products.
In conclusion, striking a balance between creativity and productivity is pivotal in businesses like software development. By ensuring that your team doesn't work overly long hours and maintains a sustainable pace, you're bound to foster a more productive, creative, and happier work environment.
