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Use This Psychological Hack To Improve Productivity In December

December is a tricky month for many companies. Public holidays and early holiday closures can mean that workers are asked to push harder than normal at a time when they feel less motivated than normal.

This is where the 85% productivity hack comes in.

85%

Instead of asking workers to put in their normal efforts or even more than normal, many famous bosses like Elon Musk are known to inform their workers that they are easing off the usual productivity figures and are only chasing 85% results compared to normal. Some bosses go so far as to reduce work hours a bit to further reinforce the idea.

Having done so, you might then expect workers to totally slacken off and do much less than normal, perhaps even less than 85% but studies show this is often the opposite of what actually happens.

By demanding less, bosses are able to earn goodwill among staff. They are also able to help staff focus on the main targets and not get lost in the “fluff” of smaller inconsequential things. Many firms find that by focusing on only 85% they often produce over 100% of their normal targets.

‘Many firms find that by focusing on only 85% they often produce over 100% of their normal targets’

Sports coaches have found that by asking their runners to “take it easy” their runners actually ended up going faster than normal. Our brains do not always perform at their best when under stress, demands or pressure to perform (remember how you hated exams at school?).

‘ people cannot constantly operate under the demands of ongoing deadlines’

While deadlines can be helpful in the short term people cannot constantly operate under the demands of ongoing deadlines. Eventually, productivity and enthusiasm wear off and output will decrease. In most cases, more and more with time. Frustrated bosses will try turn the screws and be baffled when productivity does not increase proportionately to their demands.

Happy Workers Work Harder

When asking only 85% from staff you will find your workforce is happier and studies show that happier workers produce more and do better at work.

So, this December, rather than push your team to the brink and beyond, copy bosses like Elon Musk and ask your team to slow down a little, to relax and just focus on the important stuff and watch the results.