The Productivity Report aims to bridge the gap between what we know about productivity from research and how we carry out our work.

Too much advice about maximizing personal productivity comes from self-appointed gurus and their own experiences. People who write self-help books about productivity often cite their own habits and routines as the evidence, sometimes adding that “other people like them” do the same things and get the same results.

But their personal habits have not been tested across a wide range of people with varying personality types, motivations, and experiences. We need to rely instead on research. Research results tell us what’s true and not true for a large number of people.

Research results tell us what’s true and not true for a large number of people. Research uses controls to look for effects. There is a large body of research about personal productivity, but it is not covered very thoroughly in the media.

Most of what you think you know about personal productivity isn’t true at all.

The Productivity Report, started in 2015, is an attempt to summarize research about productivity and point to concrete actions that people and organizations can follow to improve their productivity.

About Jill Duffy

Jill Duffy is a writer covering technology and productivity. Her latest book is The Everything Guide to Remote Work (January 2022), a comprehensive guide to working remotely in a way that leads to a better and happier lifestyle.

She speaks about personal productivity and digital organization at conferences, universities, and private corporations. To inquire about speaking engagements, please fill out this online form, indicating the topic of interest, potential dates, and any other relevant details about the event.