Top 10 Things that Destroy Developers’ Productivity

Wonder what’s slowing your productivity when writing code or building software?

Better developer productivity leads to more software fixed or developed, which means higher revenue. It also means higher work efficiency, less stress, and thus, improved quality of life.

Are you a developer looking to increase your productivity? Here are 10 things that can destroy developers’ productivity and how to deal with them.

1. Unnecessary Meetings

While meetings are necessary for software development, too many are one of the top 10 things that destroy developers productivity.

For instance, stand-up meetings often go beyond the allotted time. On many occasions, project managers and other employees engage in problem-solving instead of briefing one another.

Other times, some employees start detailing their tasks or issues for way too long. Such waste of time impedes software productivity as a result.

Also, when software developers know that there’s a scheduled meeting, they lose focus. They know that they’ll have to stop at some point to attend the meeting; thus, they can’t get in “the zone.”

To increase developer productivity, cut any unnecessary meetings. Instead of having daily stand-up meetings, schedule them once a week. Timebox the meeting and make sure to finish in 15-20 minutes.

When meetings are necessary, plan them out efficiently. Stick to a fixed and specific agenda during the session. Invite only necessary individuals who can contribute or benefit from the meeting.

2. Poor Working Environment

A working environment that encourages employees to work closely and engage with each other is excellent. However, too many of these interactions can keep you from finishing your work.

In a like manner, a rigid working environment degrades employee morale. This can lead to demotivated software developers. Concentration is also taken away when you’re working with plenty of distractions. Thus, there’s a need to create an interactive, comfortable, but efficient working space.

3. Problems with Software and Hardware Used

When you use outdated tools, your work progress will be slower for obvious reasons. So update your computer programs and computing applications to help you keep up with your work demands.

Similarly, having a big screen instead of a laptop impacts work speed and accuracy. Upgrade your hardware to optimize the working process.

Note that too much updating can also reduce developers’ productivity. After all, using updated software and hardware requires an adoption period.

This can impede the progress of your new software as you spend a lot of time getting accustomed to your new tools. Therefore, it’s best to upgrade your devices only when needed.

4. Vague Instructions

Vague instructions can lead to reformatting or redos if it doesn’t meet expectations. If the instructions aren’t clear, this means more work, wasted time, and resources for a software developer. 

For instance, the indicated feature that you worked on was to show a location map. After working on the first assigned scope, you review that the map should be 3D.

So it’s best to ask for a more specific description and detailed instructions.

5. Technical Debt

Due to tight deadlines, computer programmers resort to writing and implementing an adequate solution rather than truly solving the problem. On the other hand, technical debt is unavoidable and can hasten software development. However, this can lead to system failures that can slow down developers’ productivity in the long run.

Proper time management is key to meeting deadlines, which is also key to avoiding technical debt.

6. Lack of Task Prioritization

Most developers work on their backlog on a first-come, first-serve basis system. Others randomly pick up a task to work on or even multi-task. However, approaching your work like this might lead to one of the While meetings are necessary for software development, too many are one of the top 10 things that destroy developers productivity.

You might find yourself panicking because you still haven’t finished the most important or most time-consuming assignment. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to rush through and even spend a night at work trying to complete the task.

Making a list of priorities helps you know which specific task needs your attention the most. This allows you to spend your productive hours on such tasks.

7. Developer’s Ego

Instead of reusing codes that can do the task, developers write a new one. This is because developers take pride in their code, so they write everything from scratch. Unfortunately, this practice wastes a lot of time, resources, and technical skills.

Don’t be afraid to reuse existing code in your project. Existing codes are already tested and validated, which means using them can save you time and resources. It’s also helpful to use existing third-party APIs, especially when you’re out of time.

8. Micromanagement

There are instances where managers express distrust in their entry-level development team. Thus, they often over-monitor them. They schedule many meetings and nitpick every aspect of the project.

Such actions are frustrating for a developer as it creates unnecessary pressure. It’s also demotivating and stressful, which will inevitably impact your work.

Ultimately, this will affect the quality and efficiency of your work, impacting productivity. Try talking with your manager to see if you can put some boundaries in place instead.

9. Social Media Distractions

You might feel that a quick glance at your social media helps you relax. Of course, you do so thinking that you can quickly get back to work after a few minutes.

However, you’ll soon find yourself wanting to keep browsing through your feed. Once you log in, your 5-minute break can turn to 20-30 minutes of wasted time.

It’s best to avoid using social media during breaks. Instead, focus on rejuvenating your energy level by resting your eyes, taking a walk, or meditating.

10. Poor Work-Life Balance

Developers find it hard to stop working, especially when deadlines are a few days away. As a result, most assume that continuous working, even during breaks, creates more productivity.

However, long working hours lead to more stress, anxiety, and energy loss. In addition, it hinders proper brain function and makes it hard to focus on the task.

As such, if you want to increase your productivity, learn to rest. Don’t overwork yourself as you’re not only putting your health at risk; you’re also sacrificing your work’s quality.

Discover More Today!

Proper time management and a healthy working environment can increase developers’ productivity. Moreover, a good understanding of what obstructs productivity can help you take steps to counter them.

As such, keep a close eye on these ten productivity-reducing factors. Then, ensure that you take the necessary measures to protect yourself from them.

Are you looking for a trustworthy source of developers’ information? Then you’re in the right place! Check out our productivity archives for more articles like this!