Experts Warn Against ‘Toxic Productivity’ as Eight Warning Signs Emerge

A growing number of professionals are falling into the trap of “toxic productivity,” a condition where constant output comes at the cost of personal health and wellbeing, according to workplace culture expert Jennifer Moss.

Toxic productivity is defined as “working and needing to be productive, even at the detriment of your own health and wellbeing,” says Moss, author of "Why Are We Here?: Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants." While often mistaken for burnout, toxic productivity differs in that individuals continue to stay engaged and meet goals—though at an unsustainable pace.

Woman leaning on laptop | Source: Pexels

“You feel like no matter what, you’re in a sense of urgency,” Moss explains, attributing the issue to societal pressure to always perform.

The signs of toxic productivity include:

• Reduced time with friends and family
• Frequently working beyond set hours
• Sending emails during nights or weekends
• Eating lunch at a desk
• Neglecting hobbies and passions
• Ignoring personal health
• Constant task-chasing
• Not prioritizing rest

Left unchecked, these behaviors can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and hopelessness.

To combat the cycle, Moss advocates for “productive rest.” “Rest is hugely beneficial to us getting things done,” she says, pointing to the “7 Types of Rest” outlined by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. These include physical, mental, emotional, creative, social, spiritual, and sensory rest.

Woman leaning on laptop | Source: Pexels

Research backs this approach. An Ernst & Young study found that every 10 additional hours of vacation increased year-end performance by 8%.