Why Doesn’t Business Efficiency Improve Without a Sense of Crisis?

When a company’s performance declines, there’s often a sudden push for overtime restrictions and resource reductions. Conversely, people who constantly complain about being “too busy” suddenly become more productive when they have vacation plans.

This phenomenon represents one of the common workplace paradoxes we often observe.

Why Do We Wait for a Crisis to Act?

The key insight is that many organizations and individuals struggle to pursue efficiency improvements or reforms without a sense of urgency. Even when overwhelmed, people often prefer the perceived stability of the status quo, resisting change.

This reveals a pattern where:

• Business efficiency is often a matter of mindset
• The status quo feels comfortable and safe
• Without a crisis or compelling need, meaningful change rarely happens

“Busy” Is a Choice, Not a State

People who constantly say they’re “too busy” suddenly find ways to work more efficiently when they have vacation plans. What does this tell us?

This phenomenon demonstrates that “busyness” is often a subjective choice rather than an objective state. When sufficiently motivated, our brains can find creative solutions to seemingly impossible workloads.

The Ideal: Proactive Efficiency Improvements

In an ideal world, companies would prepare in advance by improving efficiency and reducing costs before financial troubles arise. However, the reality is that most organizations only react after problems become apparent—often too late.

This reactive approach stems from:

• Status quo bias and resistance to change
• Lack of shared urgency
• Absence of continuous improvement culture and systems

Creating the Right Conditions for Change

To overcome these barriers, organizations should:

• Regularly communicate current challenges and risks clearly
• Foster a culture of continuous small improvements
• Articulate the benefits of change and build on early successes

These approaches gradually reduce resistance to change, making it easier to implement efficiency improvements proactively.

Conclusion

• Human nature resists change until it becomes necessary
• While we should act before crises hit, we often delay until forced
• That’s why building awareness, culture, and systems for change is crucial

In business improvement and organizational transformation, facilitating mindset shifts represents the greatest opportunity.

Do you recognize these workplace paradoxes in your organization? Consider what you could do before the next crisis hits.