By WOI+ Editorial Team
Productivity is often celebrated as the cornerstone of success. But when the drive to achieve overshadows everything else, it can lead to toxic productivity — the compulsion to be productive at all times, often at the expense of well-being and balance. While ambition and hard work are essential, this “always-on” mindset can hinder growth and leave individuals feeling depleted instead of empowered.
Breaking free from toxic productivity doesn’t mean abandoning goals; it means redefining how we work to prioritize sustainable success. This article draws on insights from Jennifer Moss’s Let’s End Toxic Productivity, published in Harvard Business Review (November 2024), to explore how to shift from overworked to thriving.
What Fuels the Productivity Trap?
Toxic productivity stems from a culture that equates busyness with virtue. From a young age, many of us are taught that rest equals laziness and hard work defines worth. These beliefs are reinforced by perfectionism and social media, where curated portrayals of success amplify feelings of inadequacy (Moss, HBR).
The pandemic blurred work-life boundaries further, with many using overwork to regain control in uncertain times. Technology like generative AI adds to the pressure, creating expectations that we can — and should — achieve more in less time (Moss, HBR).
Organizations have often failed to address these pressures, equating long hours with dedication instead of focusing on sustainable success.
Why Rest Matters More Than We Think
The idea that rest is a waste of time is a myth. Studies show that rest fuels creativity, resilience, and focus. Yet, many workplaces still glorify “hero culture,” where staying late and working through vacations is celebrated (Moss, HBR).
Employees who log off at the end of the day and take regular breaks are often more productive than those who push through exhaustion. Rest isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive advantage (Moss, HBR).
The Cost of Overworking
Toxic productivity isn’t just harmful to individuals — it’s a liability for organizations. Employees who feel compelled to work after hours experience higher stress, burnout, and lower job satisfaction (Moss, HBR). Over time, this creates costly turnover and leadership gaps.
For women, the impact can be even greater. Many balance demanding jobs with household responsibilities, often referred to as the “second shift.” This dual burden can make rest seem unattainable, reinforcing a cycle of exhaustion that limits both personal and professional growth (Moss, HBR).
How Organizations Can Support Balance
Organizations play a pivotal role in shifting the culture from overwork to balance. Here’s how:
- Rethink Metrics: Focus on goals achieved rather than hours logged. Celebrate meaningful results over busyness (Moss, HBR).
- Streamline Meetings: Audit recurring meetings and reduce time spent on unnecessary discussions. For example, Shopify introduced meeting-free days and limited large meetings to specific time blocks, saving the company over 322,000 hours annually (Moss, HBR).
- Normalize Rest: Leaders can model healthy behaviours, such as taking vacations and setting boundaries. “Loud vacationing,” where leaders openly share their time off, can help normalize rest for everyone (Moss, HBR).
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish expectations for after-hours communication to empower employees to disconnect (Moss, HBR).
Simple Steps for Individuals
While systemic change is important, individuals can take proactive steps to create balance:
- Define Your Boundaries: Establish clear work hours and communicate them to your team.
- Reclaim Rest: See breaks and downtime as tools for success rather than distractions.
- Advocate for Change: Share ideas for streamlining processes, like reducing meeting time, with your manager (Moss, HBR).
- Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with colleagues who value balance and encourage healthy habits.
The New Definition of Success
Breaking free from toxic productivity isn’t about abandoning ambition — it’s about redefining it. When rest and balance are seen as essential components of success, everyone benefits. Organizations gain stronger, more creative teams, and individuals are better equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
By shifting the focus from doing more to doing better, we can create a work culture that fosters growth, fulfillment, and sustainable success. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to work harder — it’s to work smarter, live better, and leave space for what truly matters.