As CEOs increasingly turn to employee productivity as a key driver for organisational growth, HR leaders in Asia face the pressing need to address four pervasive myths that hinder productivity. According to Gartner, a recent survey of over 450 senior executives reveals that talent management and workplace culture are paramount challenges for leaders aiming to enhance their enterprises.
“As traditional avenues of growth like market consolidation and cheap financing show signs of diminishing returns, CEOs are looking to employee productivity to fuel their growth ambitions in 2025 and beyond,” says Brent Cassell, vice president of Advisory in Gartner's HR practice
However, the complexity of defining and measuring productivity presents a significant obstacle.
Gartner defines productivity for knowledge workers through two key metrics: employee efficiency, which focuses on delivering quality work consistently and on time, and employee value creation, which emphasises aligning efforts with organisational priorities. To achieve these outcomes, HR must confront four critical myths about productivity:
Myth 1: Productivity is not HR’s job
Contrary to this belief, a December 2024 survey indicates that HR involvement can increase employee productivity by up to 11%. Swagatam Basu, senior director in Gartner's HR practice, notes, “HR is the glue that holds together differing views of productivity among employees, managers, and business leaders.”
For HR to effectively influence productivity initiatives, it must:
- Integrate productivity into HR strategies.
- Identify cross-functional collaboration opportunities.
- Communicate the talent trade-offs of productivity initiatives.
- Advocate for employee needs in productivity strategies.
Myth 2: Using AI equals quick productivity growth
Many leaders mistakenly believe that generative AI (GenAI) will instantly enhance productivity. However, only 8% of knowledge workers reported significant productivity gains from using GenAI tools. To maximise the benefits of these technologies, HR must focus on improving awareness, adoption, and effective use of GenAI. Addressing these areas can lead to an 8% increase in productivity and a 2.7-fold rise in speed and quality improvements.
Myth 3: Onsite employees are more productive than hybrid employees
Gartner's analysis reveals that both onsite and hybrid employees have similar productivity rates, with 21% ranked as highly productive in each group. Basu emphasises that productivity is determined more by how work is done rather than where it occurs. HR leaders can foster a supportive team culture that enhances productivity by promoting open discussions about productivity and allowing teams to define their own productivity values.
Myth 4: More data improves productivity
While data can provide insights, relying solely on quantitative metrics can lead to an incomplete understanding of productivity. Cassell warns that organisations might inadvertently encourage employees to manipulate data for personal gain. To mitigate this, HR should involve employees in shaping productivity metrics and consider local perspectives when interpreting data.
By debunking these four myths, organisations can enhance productivity by up to 35%, equating to nearly three additional productive hours per employee each day and generating significant revenue increases. As HR leaders navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, addressing these misconceptions will be crucial for fostering an environment where productivity can thrive.
