Are We More Productive When We’re Busy?

In today’s workplace, busyness is often worn as a badge of honour. Full calendars, constant connectivity, and rapid responsiveness are commonly equated with effectiveness. But an important question remains: does being busy actually make us more productive?

 Busyness vs Productivity

Busyness and productivity are not synonymous. Activity alone does not guarantee outcomes. Many professionals spend large portions of their day in meetings, responding to emails, or addressing immediate requests—yet still struggle to make progress on high-impact work.

Productivity is best measured not by how occupied we are, but by the value we create.

 When Busyness Supports Performance

Research and experience suggest that moderate time pressure can enhance focus. When time is constrained, individuals are more likely to prioritise, minimise distractions, and execute efficiently. I am definitely one of these people; I am much more productive when working under pressure.

In this context, being “busy” can:

• Encourage sharper prioritisation
• Reduce procrastination
• Increase decisiveness
• Drive execution

When work is clearly defined and aligned with objectives, a full schedule can support momentum and performance.

The Risks of Overload

Excessive busyness carries measurable risks. Cognitive fatigue, reduced quality of decision-making, and diminished creativity are common outcomes when individuals operate in a constant state of urgency. Over time, this can lead to burnout, disengagement, and declining performance. We see this a lot in workplaces going through high stress resulting in excessive workloads. It is impossible to maintain working 12 – 14 hour days and this burnout causes people to leave their roles.

Sustainable productivity requires periods of focus as well as recovery. Strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership judgment all depend on mental space.

Interestingly, too much unstructured time can also hinder productivity. Without clear deadlines or priorities, work can lose urgency and direction. Many professionals report peak performance during periods of structured demand, where expectations are clear and time is allocated purposefully.

This highlights the importance of balance – enough structure to drive focus, without excess pressure that compromises effectiveness.

So, Are We More Productive When We’re Busy?

Busyness can support productivity when it is:

• Purposeful and aligned with outcomes
• Managed through clear priorities
• Balanced with time for reflection and recovery

However, busyness becomes counterproductive when it is unmanaged, reactive, or driven by appearances rather than impact.

Conclusion

Productivity is not a function of how full a calendar appears, but of how effectively time is invested. Organisations and leaders should focus less on activity and more on outcomes – creating environments where individuals are empowered to work with clarity, focus, and intent.

 

Marianne Savas

Divisional Manager – QLD