‘Work smarter, not harder’: 5 common work habits sabotaging productivity

It’s an old adage, but it’s never been more accurate in the contemporary Australian workplace: Working smarter, not harder, can help workers shake certain habits that hinder their performance.

Recognising detrimental work habits has never been more relevant in the workplace. Some habits may seem harmless at face value, but an accumulation of these overtime can really debilitate a worker’s ability to complete their job tasks and continue their career advancement.

“The more we accept a workplace that cultivates these habits, the better chance we have of creating higher turnover and unhappy employees who take no pride in their work,” said Kasra Dash, a leading SEO consultant and entrepreneur.

Avoiding these potential pitfalls can be a difficult endeavour for young employees especially. Fostering a positive working environment is crucial to negating negative working habits, which Dash explained in the following.

1. Constant multitasking

Constant multitasking is often seen as a way to get more things done in less time. However, in reality, when a worker is constantly switching between tasks, the brain needs time to readjust, which can result in errors.

“Employees should prioritise tasks based on importance and complete them one at a time. Setting aside specific times for checking emails and messages can help reduce distractions, reduce stress, and prevent burnout,” Dash said.

2. Failing to delegate

Failing to delegate a job task can turn into a nightmare of multitasking, which Dash already explained, can lead to disastrous consequences. Failing to utilise the expertise and abilities of fellow team members can create an overwhelming workload for that individual and leads to an overall lack of productivity.

“To effectively delegate, start by clearly defining the task and its objectives, then choose the right person based on their skills and workload. Follow up regularly to provide support and feedback, making sure the delegated task is completed successfully while fostering team growth and trust,” Dash said.

3. Over-reliance on email for communication

Relying on emails for communication can be efficient in some circumstances, but using it for every job task can directly lead to information overload. Communication breakdowns are also common when relying on emails, as referenced in a previous HR Leader article.

Dash has two solutions. “Employees should prioritise face-to-face or phone conversations for important discussions and utilise email for less critical matters. Also, limiting the use of email outside of work hours can help employees disconnect and recharge, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction,” he said.

4. Going through things over and over again

Constantly revisiting tasks is a terrible habit that employees can pick up. This not only hinders productivity but also affects overall progress throughout a career.

“Start by setting clear goals and deadlines for yourself. This will help prioritise tasks and shift focus to completing them within a given time frame. Trust your abilities and accept that mistakes are a part of the learning process. Acknowledge that there will be limitations to productivity and not every task can be completed perfectly,” Dash said.

5. Excessive perfectionism

Chasing perfection can result in a fear of failure, causing individuals to procrastinate and avoid challenging tasks. This limits growth and development opportunities, leading to stagnant career progression.

To combat these tendencies, Dash suggested, “simple changes such as setting realistic goals and timelines, accepting constructive feedback, and learning to prioritise tasks can help individuals overcome their perfectionistic tendencies”.

“Beyond these productivity killers, there are other subtle habits that can derail careers. Chronic procrastination, resisting change, and avoiding difficult conversations are three that often fly under the radar. These habits hinder personal growth but also impact team dynamics and organisational progress. Tackling them is vital for long-term success,” Dash said.