The Procrastination is a common activity in the lives of many people and its negative impact not only has repercussions on the personal level. In companies it can limit growth in several ways, as it affects productivity and can have a negative impact on the company’s reputation.
The above is not about a refusal to work, but a way to deal with emotions and moods such as anxiety, frustration and even stress.
There are no precise figures on how many employees tend to procrastinate their activities, but it is more common than we assume; This is not an issue related to laziness or poor time management; but a problem of emotions, where priority is given to repairing the short-term state of mind over objectives or actions planned for a longer time.
He adds that, although sometimes this activity is related to poor time management skills, in reality it is about deeper problems, since procrastinating tasks in itself is not a mental health diagnosis, however, it can be a characteristic feature. of some problems associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), depression or anxiety.
Therefore, the act of delaying or postponing tasks in a company can manifest itself in different ways, ranging from postponing important projects to avoiding making crucial decisions.
Effects of business procrastination
According to Affor Health, some effects of procrastination that limit business growth are:
- Loss of opportunities. When employees procrastinate, the company may be limited in its ability to expand, invest in new technologies, or execute new projects.
- Operational inefficiency. Postponing tasks or rushing them can affect the quality of the product or service and negatively affect the company’s reputation.
- Less innovation. When some employees procrastinate, others may feel demotivated due to lack of commitment, which in turn impacts innovation.
- Stress and exhaustion. An employee who procrastinates often experiences higher levels of stress due to the accumulation of pending tasks, which can lead to greater staff turnover that influences the growth of the company.
The reasons why employees postpone their tasks are diverse, it depends on each worker, which is why it is important to receive support; Most underestimate the frequency of their procrastination and the importance of self-regulation and discipline to complete tasks without procrastinating.
How to stop procrastination in your business?
There are various strategies to inhibit procrastination in companies, such as:
- Establish clear objectives and priorities with work teamswhere leaders effectively communicate goals and deadlines in order to meet these objectives.
- Courses and training for proper time managementworkshops and technological tools can be useful to improve efficiency and organization.
- Foster a culture of responsibility and self-awarenessrecognizing achievements and providing constructive feedback
- Provide support and flexibility, guaranteeing a balance between work and personal life in order to reduce stress factors and burnout.
Implementing strategies against procrastination not only benefits the company but also its employees, who experience less stress and greater job satisfaction when they manage to complete their tasks and responsibilities in a timely manner.