The uncomfortable truth about productivity

It’s no secret that organisations invest heavily in improving productivity. Yet, despite a slew of systems, tools, and processes designed to optimise output, a disheartening reality persists: most employees feel disengaged at work.

According to McKinsey research, half of the working population admits to being unproductive at work, and 53% feel actively disengaged. These are sobering numbers for HR and L&D leaders tasked with fostering thriving, productive teams.

But what if the real problem isn’t tools or processes? What if it’s the behaviour of leaders?

Productivity is an output, not the problem

Too often, organisations focus on productivity as the problem, but Elke Edwards – Founder of Ivy House – suggests that this approach misses the mark.

At its core, this is about people – how they feel, how they’re led, and the environment in which they operate.

The mirror every leader needs

Here’s the uncomfortable bit: If there are productivity issues in your team, start by looking in the mirror. What is it about your leadership style that might be contributing to the problem? Are you providing clarity, fostering trust, and recognising effort, or are you inadvertently stifling growth with unclear expectations, poor communication, or an overly task – focused mindset?

Leadership behaviours profoundly impact team dynamics. Every interaction, every decision, and every behaviour sends a message about what’s valued and how people should operate. Teams mirror their leaders, and unproductive behaviours at the top often cascade through the organisation.

Shifting focus from tasks to people

Modern workplaces are riddled with task – orientation. Leaders and teams alike are drowning in checklists, deadlines, and firefighting, leaving little space for reflection or strategic thinking. This relentless focus on tasks leads to stress, overwhelm, and diminishing returns. Yet, paradoxically, prioritising ‘being’ over ‘doing’ often results in more work getting done, and at a higher quality.

Elke’s advice? “Cultivate a quiet mind. When leaders operate from a state of clarity and alignment, they create an environment where teams thrive.” The clarity this brings allows leaders to set priorities, make thoughtful decisions, and bring their teams on the journey with them. When leaders shift their focus from simply completing tasks to creating environments where people feel valued, inspired, and capable, productivity naturally improves.

Creating a productive environment: vision, plan, and emotional engagement

There are three critical components of effective leadership:

1. A compelling vision
   Teams need to understand the bigger picture. What are they working towards, and why does it matter? This sense of purpose fuels engagement, aligning individual effort with organisational goals.
2. A clear plan
   A strategy is essential, but it must be broken into actionable steps. Leaders must ensure their teams understand their role in delivering the plan and feel equipped to execute it. This clarity fosters alignment and accountability.
3. An environment where people thrive
   We can break this down into two aspects: structural and emotional. Structurally, teams need resources, clarity, and processes that facilitate success rather than hinder it. Emotionally, they need trust, recognition, and a sense of belonging. Do your employees feel seen and valued? Are they growing in their roles? These emotional drivers are not just nice – to – haves; they’re foundational to productivity.

The leadership behaviour conundrum

Leadership is experienced through behaviour. Your intentions, knowledge, or expertise only matter insofar as they translate into visible, tangible actions. If your behaviour fosters confusion, micromanagement, or distrust, it’s no surprise your team struggles with productivity.

On the flip side, positive behaviours – offering feedback, setting clear expectations, and showing genuine appreciation – can transform team dynamics.

Leaders need to take stock of their own behaviours. What’s working, and what’s not? Are there habits you need to drop, like showing up to meetings unprepared or reacting impulsively under pressure? Are there behaviours you could adopt or amplify, such as listening actively or creating space for others to lead?

Practical steps to unlock team productivity

This framework can be useful to rethink leadership behaviours:

• Clarity and communication: Adopt tools like Ivy House’s PPCCR (Purpose, Process, Content, Commitment, Review) framework to run efficient meetings and ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Focus on growth: Foster a culture where people feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn.
• Prioritise state over tasks: Encourage your team (and yourself) to work from a place of balance and alignment rather than urgency and overwhelm.

The cost of inaction

Studies show that replacing a technical or executive position can cost up to twice the annual salary of the role. Employees who feel trusted are nearly five times more agile and responsive to change, and those connected to organisational culture are almost four times more likely to be engaged in their work. These statistics highlight the financial and cultural benefits of getting leadership right.

The productivity challenge for HR and L&D leaders

HR and L&D leaders are uniquely positioned to influence leadership behaviours at scale. By investing in transformational leadership and talent development, you’re not just ticking a training box – you’re equipping your leaders to create environments where people thrive. The ripple effect? Greater engagement, lower attrition, and yes, higher productivity.

So, what behaviours will you change? What steps will you take to foster an environment where your teams can truly thrive? Because at the end of the day, productivity isn’t just about doing more; it’s about creating the conditions where more gets done – better, faster, and with greater joy. And that starts with you.

Ready for action?

At Ivy House, we specialise in transforming leadership behaviours to unlock the full potential of your teams. By equipping your leaders with the skills and insights to create environments where people thrive, we help you drive real, sustainable results.

If you’re ready to explore how transformational leadership could reshape your organisation, get in touch with us today.