August 26, 2025
Productivity has long been a challenge for businesses. In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest that people were showing concerns about productivity levels all the way back in Ancient Egypt. It’s an ongoing concern, too, with many companies and entrepreneurs finding that their lofty goals could be achieved so long as productivity wasn’t an issue.
There are signs that productivity levels are increasing, however, and even some suggestions that it might be about to skyrocket. So, why might that be the case? As you might expect, this is more of a perfect storm of multiple different factors that help to create the optimal environment for productive working.
The Coronavirus pandemic had a devastating impact on the economy (albeit only briefly), yet it did offer a few lasting benefits that might suggest that its long-term impact on the economy might actually be positive. The most influential lesson learned from the pandemic was that where and when an employee worked not only didn’t matter, but it could actually help make employees more productive. As such, many workplaces have adopted the hybrid work model in which members of staff can choose to work a portion of their workweek from home (or wherever they feel more comfortable).
Greater understanding of the importance of physical and mental well-being can also be attributed to a rise in productivity. More than ever, people are aware of how their physical conditioning and mental health impact their lives (and, by extension, their working life). This knowledge has made overall wellness a key factor that determines working success. An individual may work out to relieve stress, take semax for cognitive enhancement, and meditate to get perspective. These lifestyle factors can help a person become the best version of themselves, and that, in turn, can lead to significant productivity enhancements.
If the working world does undergo significant improvement to its productivity levels, then you can be sure that technological advancement, particularly the deployment of AI, will play a major influencing role. These tools, which are undergoing significant advancement and offer tremendous potential, help to cut down the amount of time that employees spend doing tedious, repetitive tasks, in the process freeing up their time for more important, value-adding tasks.
The supply chain has long been accused of being a productivity-killer. Today, the supply chain is more advanced and robust than ever, with advanced tools and analytics helping to optimize the supply chain at every stage.
Finally, the investment that forward-focused companies are making in helping to develop their employees' skills and education is having a big impact on productivity levels. Brands that put together professional development plans and make funding available for additional learning not only benefit from having a highly-educated workforce, but also a more engaged workforce (which is now recognized as a key productivity influencer). This engagement also leads to a higher employee retention rate, which provides the consistency and sense of teamwork required for companies to get into their working stride.
The pandemic demonstrated that flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid models, can actually enhance productivity. Employees often perform better when they have the autonomy to choose where and when they work.
Personal well-being is a significant factor. When individuals prioritise their physical and mental health, they are better equipped to handle work demands, leading to improved focus and output.
Absolutely. Technological advancements, particularly in AI, are designed to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. This allows employees to dedicate their efforts to more complex, value-adding activities, thereby increasing overall productivity.
A more efficient and robust supply chain, supported by advanced analytics, reduces delays and bottlenecks. This smooth operation ensures resources are available when needed, preventing disruptions that could otherwise hinder productivity.
Investing in employee education and professional development creates a more skilled and engaged workforce. Educated employees are often more capable and motivated, which directly translates into higher productivity and better retention rates for the company.