Is "Productivity Anxiety" Sabotaging Your Success?

In today’s whirlwind of constant hustle and digital noise, staying ahead often feels like running on a treadmill that won’t slow down. This overwhelming sense of anxiety around productivity has become a defining feature of the modern workplace.

As someone who has worked extensively in high-pressure healthcare environments across the UK, Dubai, and Kuwait, I can attest to the reality of this struggle. I’ve heard the same refrain repeatedly: "I feel like I’m running on a perpetual treadmill. The speed is increasing, and I can’t stop."

// The Stress and Burnout Epidemic

Stress and burnout are not new concepts, but they have been exacerbated in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic. According to Cigna Insurance’s Middle East Wellbeing Report (2023), 64% of employees in the region report feeling overwhelmed by their workloads, with 54% experiencing burnout. This is not just a healthcare issue but a widespread problem across all sectors. The relentless pressure to increase productivity, paired with the perception that there is never enough time, is taking a toll on employees' mental health and well-being.

The reality is that this pressure is unsustainable. Leaders and teams are stuck in a cycle of “do more, faster,” often without the necessary tools to cope with the stress. I recently worked with a client—a senior leader in a large healthcare organization—who expressed feeling trapped in this cycle. “I’m constantly juggling tasks, and even when I accomplish something, it feels like there’s always more to do. I’m under pressure to produce more, but there’s no time to focus on what really matters,” they shared. This sentiment is all too familiar for many professionals today.

// The Misconception of Productivity

The root cause of this anxiety often lies in our definition of productivity. We tend to equate productivity with doing more, faster, and at the expense of our well-being. But what if the true measure of productivity is not about the quantity of work we do, but the quality of our output and the sustainability of our efforts? Until we challenge the traditional notion of productivity, we will continue to struggle with burnout, regardless of how much technology or innovation we incorporate into our work.

// The Impact on Workplace Wellbeing

This relentless drive to "do more" not only affects individual well-being but also has a profound impact on organizational productivity. When employees are burned out, disengaged, or overwhelmed, the entire organization suffers. According to the Cigna report, nearly half of employees feel that their employer does not provide enough support for mental health, which only compounds the problem. Organizations that fail to address this issue will see a decline in employee satisfaction, performance, and retention.

But here’s the good news: By redefining productivity and shifting the focus from “doing more” to “doing what matters,” we can create a healthier, more productive work environment. This is where the importance of upgrading human skills comes into play.

// The Role of Human Skills in the AI-Powered Workplace

In an age dominated by AI and technological advancements, it’s easy to overlook the value of human skills. While technology can automate tasks and analyze data, it cannot replace the emotional intelligence, empathy, and mental agility required to navigate the complexities of modern work environments. These human skills are essential for managing stress, improving communication, and fostering collaboration—key components of a productive and healthy workplace.

I’ve worked with numerous leaders and teams to help them develop these skills, particularly in high-stress environments. One leader I coached expressed a desire to break free from the “productivity hero” mentality. They were constantly striving to do more but felt like they were running on empty. Through coaching, we focused on enhancing their mental agility, learning to prioritize tasks effectively, and creating space for self-care. The result? Not only did their stress levels decrease, but their team’s productivity also improved.

// Shifting the Mindset: From Productivity Heroes to Wellness Warriors

The solution to workplace anxiety and burnout lies in shifting our mindset from being “productivity heroes” to becoming “wellness warriors.” This doesn’t mean abandoning the pursuit of excellence or success; it means recognizing that our well-being is integral to achieving those goals. By upgrading our human skills—such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and mental agility—we can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with greater resilience and ease.

As leaders, we must create environments that foster both productivity and well-being. This requires rethinking how we define productivity and making space for the human elements that drive success. By leveraging technology alongside human skills, we can build workplaces that are not only more efficient but also more supportive and humane.

// The Path Forward

For those stuck in a perpetual cycle of stress and burnout, it may be difficult to imagine a different way forward. But the first step is to redefine what productivity means in the modern workplace. By embracing a more holistic approach to productivity—one that values both human well-being and organizational success—we can create environments where individuals thrive, not just survive.

As a mental agility expert, I’ve seen firsthand how upgrading human skills can transform teams and organizations. By focusing on mental agility, empathy, and emotional intelligence, we can break free from the treadmill of constant pressure and create workplaces where people are empowered to do their best work without sacrificing their well-being.

In conclusion, addressing productivity anxiety and burnout requires a fundamental shift in how we approach work. By challenging the traditional definition of productivity and prioritizing human skills, we can create workplaces that are both productive and supportive. The future of work is not just about mastering AI and technology; it’s about mastering ourselves and our relationships with others. Only then can we truly leverage the abundance of innovation and technology to create sustainable success.

// Magda Snowden, Mental Agility Leadership Coach