The Importance Of Keeping Your Productivity Skills Sharp

18th August 2026

In a world that’s always evolving, productivity is a skill that requires ongoing development, not a one-time lesson.

As workplaces, industries, technology and customer expectations change, productivity skills must continually evolve to keep pace with new challenges.

Why productivity skills need regular maintenance

Productivity skills can deteriorate

Just like technical or leadership skills, your approach to productivity can become outdated. It can be easy to settle into a way of working when a fresh approach will unlock new value.

Constantly-changing workplaces

Industries, workplaces, technology and customer expectations are continually changing, meaning the way teams work is also changing. New techniques are needed to identify productivity opportunities in a changing world.

Better productivity improves business performance

By improving your business productivity, you can:

• Streamline the way your business operates
• Free up your team to focus on what your customers value most
• Identify opportunities to grow sales
• Better deliver your strategies
• Make better business decisions
• Reduce wasted time
• Drive efficiency and save money

It’s about working smarter, not harder

Productivity doesn’t mean working harder and faster. Instead, it’s a combination of:

• Focusing on what’s most valuable to your customers
• Tackling non-value added activities
• Using time and resources more efficiently

Strong productivity skills support employee wellbeing

A focused plan that helps teams prioritise and manage workload reduces stress and the risk of occupational burnout. A healthier work environment also supports better mental wellbeing and improved productivity.

Data and measurements matter

Regular business analysis and accurate data collection help measure performance, identify inefficiencies and drive improvement.

Gain a competitive edge

Developing productivity skills enables you to adopt a more agile approach to your operations, where small, consistent improvements deliver long-term gains and a competitive advantage.

The impact of Artificial Intelligence

We are expecting AI to bring huge changes to the workplace, but exactly what those changes will look like remains to be seen. Maintaining strong productivity skills helps you maximise the benefits of digitisation and automation while navigating potential challenges in a rapidly changing environment.

ReThink Resources

The ReThink Productivity Forum

In a month’s time, on 10th September, we will be hosting the ReThink Productivity Forum – the UK’s leading productivity event – bringing together discussions on overcoming today’s business challenges.

It’s also a great opportunity to meet like-minded professionals and network with productivity teams, with attendees consistently sharing positive feedback on the value they take away from the day.

So if you’re looking for an opportunity to share your productivity experiences – and learn from others – there’s still time to book your spot.

Introduction to Productivity course

• Do you want to think like a productivity professional?
• Are you looking for a practical overview of the techniques required to spot and capture ongoing productivity gains?
• Do you want to learn how to spot, prioritise and plan productivity improvements?

Our two-day ‘Introduction to Productivity’ course uses hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, and is perfect for new arrivals in operations, as well as veterans looking for a fresh perspective.

Find out more about this, and our other courses, by visiting the ReThink Academy.

Business productivity podcast

Since 2020, our Co-Founder, Simon Hedaux, has hosted a business productivity podcast. Featuring industry leaders, episodes contain valuable insights and advice on how to improve your business’ operations.

Subscribe now and start truly rethinking your productivity.