The Secret Formula to Productivity | Just Eat for Business

The concept of ‘productivity’ may seem like some vague notion of effective working, but there’s actually a relatively simple way to simmer it down into a somewhat ‘scientific’ formula made up of simple elements. At Just Eat for Business, our research determined some of the most important factors that affect productivity - time management, focus, health and well-being, and motivation.

The Productivity Equation

It might sound complicated, but the productivity equation is actually an easy way to understand how these factors interact to affect our productivity. The equation is:

Productivity = (Time Management × Focus × Health & Well-being × Motivation)

Each factor is multiplied together to represent their combined impact on productivity. So, to improve productivity, you need to improve all of these factors.

Because of their close links to one another, it’s important that you focus on all elements in the equation to maximise productivity. Let’s consider how that might look in practice.

Time Management 

The 9am - 5pm schedule has reigned for years, but according to our research, productivity varies at different times of the day. We found that workers are more productive in the late morning between 10am - 12pm. Tuesday also featured as the most productive day, receiving over a quarter of the vote. Thursday, it turns out, is the least productive — beating its more likely rival, Friday.

So, how can you use this information to improve productivity? Well, it may not require a complete overhaul. It could be as simple as implementing your own ‘focus periods’ during the late morning, to ensure you’re not disturbed while working at your most productive. Further tips include: 

• - Set goals and priorities. What do you want to achieve? What are the most important things you need to do?
• - Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This will make them seem less daunting and more achievable.
• - Schedule time for each task. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

Health & Wellbeing + Focus

We know that our lifestyle can contribute significantly to mood and, therefore, productivity. Our research showed that healthy food can make the biggest contribution to focus and energy throughout the day. Of all the snacks and foods on offer, employees said that fresh fruit was their favourite.

They also highlighted the importance of sleep and exercise. Thirty-seven percent said that a good night’s sleep contributed to their productivity throughout the day. Yet, the majority also admitted to sleeping less than the recommended.

To make sure that you’re prioritising health and wellbeing you could: 

• - Schedule bedtimes and time away from your screens to allow for the recommended 7-9 hours each day
• - Set goals for your fruit and veg consumption and try to hit these each day (to support your overall health and wellbeing) 
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Motivation 

In order to keep up momentum of motivation, it’s important to reward yourself for doing the hard work you continually complete each day. Ensure that you’re taking breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, or get outside for some fresh air (one in every four c-suite executives rely on walks and exercise throughout the day to be more productive). Also make sure that you’re varying your working day. A third of workers (33%) switch tasks when they want to be more productive - and you could too! 

Productivity in a nutshell 

Productivity doesn’t have to be an obscure, imaginary goal to aim towards. Accounting for the four most important elements, businesses can adjust their operations to get the most out of the people they work with.