The hottest Productivity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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If AI Is So Great, Someone Should Tell GDP

The Algorithmic Bridge • 222 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Economics Infrastructure Productivity Investment
  1. AI investments have been rising, but there's not much difference in overall economic growth or productivity. This makes us question if spending so much on AI is really worthwhile.
  2. Companies are unsure whether it's better to invest heavily in new AI technology or to optimize what they already have. It’s a tricky balance to strike.
  3. Despite the hype around AI, it hasn't significantly improved things like GDP or human well-being. It's clear that AI is still looking for its true role in boosting our economy.

Five possible reasons China's productivity slowed down

Noahpinion • 15529 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics International Trade Productivity Corporate strategy Market Trends
  1. China's productivity growth has slowed down due to hitting natural limits in technology absorption and an aging population. As they reached the tech frontier, it became harder to improve productivity at the same pace.
  2. R&D productivity in China is low, especially in state-owned companies. The focus has shifted to quantity over quality in research, leading to many low-quality studies and less innovation.
  3. China's economy is heavily reliant on investment rather than consumption. Unlike the U.S., which benefits from high consumer spending, China may be missing out on productivity gains from a robust consumer market.

The Generalist’s Productivity Stack

The Generalist • 5063 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Technology Workplace Tools
  1. Start your day by choosing three important tasks to focus on. This helps keep your day organized and priorities clear.
  2. Try speaking your emails instead of writing them. It saves time and makes responding easier, especially for tricky messages.
  3. Use tools like Claude to help take notes while you read. It saves you time and keeps your information organized for later use.

What does slow AI look like?

The Sublime Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Productivity Software Human-Computer Innovation
  1. People often feel stressed because productivity tools are designed to make us work faster, but that doesn't match how we naturally want to create things.
  2. Instead of rushing to produce more content quickly, we should focus on making fewer things but doing them better and with more care.
  3. It's okay to take time in the creative process; in fact, taking time can help us create something truly wonderful.

Developer Productivity Metrics: Education Necessary

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2098 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Productivity Metrics Engineering Communication
  1. Metrics can help improve productivity, but they can also be misunderstood or misused. It's important to communicate them clearly and use them to support developers instead of pressure them.
  2. Goodhart's Law reminds us that when a measure becomes a target, it can lose its value. This means we need to be careful about how we use metrics to avoid gaming the system.
  3. It's crucial to focus on improving the developer experience, not just making them happy. Measuring effectiveness can help identify and eliminate roadblocks that slow down productivity.
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At least five interesting things: Nerdy economics edition (#54)

Noahpinion • 16529 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Taxation Health care Regulation Productivity
  1. The Destination-Based Cash Flow Tax (DBCFT) could help companies invest more and boost U.S. exports. It changes how corporate taxes work, making it easier for companies to grow and innovate.
  2. Construction productivity in the U.S. has been dropping, partly due to strict land-use regulations. These rules lead to smaller, less efficient construction firms, which impacts how quickly and effectively projects are completed.
  3. Not all so-called 'irrational' decisions people make are true mistakes; sometimes, it's just that the choices are too complex. We need to rethink how we view human decision-making in economics.

Introducing RunLLM: The first AI Support Engineer

Generating Conversation • 163 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Product Development Customer Support Productivity
  1. RunLLM is an AI designed to help support teams by managing technical questions and documentation, making the process easier for both support staff and customers.
  2. One challenge for support teams is that technical products often create complex questions that can overwhelm them. RunLLM helps lighten that load by providing quick and accurate answers.
  3. Instead of just answering questions, RunLLM engages with users, helping to boost their confidence in seeking help and improving overall customer satisfaction.

Problems Sublime solves—at least for me

The Sublime Newsletter • 554 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Productivity Innovation Knowledge Management
  1. Sublime helps you remember important information by letting you save articles, notes, and quotes in one place. This way, you can easily find what you need when you need it.
  2. It collects inspiration from various platforms and organizes it all in one location. This makes it simpler to access ideas without searching through multiple apps.
  3. Sublime is designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require a steep learning curve. It focuses on making knowledge management easy and enjoyable for everyone.

The Loneliness Epidemic - Five Ways Employers Can Improve Belonging

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 341 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Productivity Human Resources
  1. Loneliness is a major issue at work, affecting both mental health and productivity. It's not just a personal problem but also a business problem that can lead to high turnover rates.
  2. Many young workers feel lonelier now, with fewer social connections compared to previous generations. This is concerning as strong social ties at work contribute to overall well-being.
  3. Employers can help reduce loneliness by creating environments that promote connection. This includes redesigning workplaces, using technology wisely, and training managers to support their teams with empathy.

6 Must Have Software Engineering Templates

High Growth Engineer • 2002 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Productivity Documentation Templates
  1. Using templates can help software engineers write better documents quickly and effectively. They save time and improve communication.
  2. A good feedback template divides suggestions into categories, making feedback clearer and more constructive.
  3. Having a brag doc or weekly update template helps track progress and makes performance reviews easier.

9 Things Product Owners Should Stop Doing

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Agile Productivity Development Leadership
  1. Product Owners shouldn’t act like team managers. They should focus on the product goals and let Developers decide how to achieve them.
  2. It's important for Product Owners to be part of the team. They should engage with the Developers regularly and not just during official meetings.
  3. Product Owners need to avoid over-managing the details of tasks. They should trust Developers to find the best ways to reach the goals set for the product.

TBM 360: "Wait! I Thought the Team Was Overloaded?!"

The Beautiful Mess • 383 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Team Dynamics Productivity
  1. Teams often feel overwhelmed with too much work, but managers might deny there's a problem. It's important to listen to the team on the front lines.
  2. Sometimes, leaders want to cut down on projects, but managers are afraid to suggest it due to fear of losing resources. Clear and honest conversations can help break this cycle.
  3. If there are too many options with no clear priority, it's necessary to focus on one important goal at a time. This helps to reduce confusion and improves team effectiveness.

OpenAI’s Deep Research: The "Big Bang" Event for AI Agents

Enterprise AI Trends • 400 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Productivity Research Innovation
  1. OpenAI's Deep Research feature allows users to get thorough research done quickly, acting like a smart research assistant. This can save a lot of time compared to traditional searching methods.
  2. Deep Research is designed to work on its own, leading the research process instead of needing constant input. This makes it more productive and user-friendly.
  3. As Deep Research becomes popular, competition in the AI space will change. Companies will now need to clearly explain how their offerings are better than Deep Research, raising the standard for AI tools.

Top Links 634 Amerikanizm, tariffs and inflation. The UK's productivity stagnation, & the war-risk business.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Trade Inflation Productivity Geopolitics
  1. Amerikanizm can have impacts on tariffs and inflation. This means policies can affect prices and trade in significant ways.
  2. The UK's productivity is not improving much, which suggests challenges in its economy. This stagnation can lead to slower growth and less innovation.
  3. There are increasing risks related to war for businesses. Companies might face uncertainties that could influence their operations and profits.

✨⏩ What DeepSeek means for faster AI-driven economic growth

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Investments Productivity Global Trade
  1. DeepSeek's AI models show that effective technology doesn't always need expensive equipment, which could change how companies develop AI.
  2. Goldman Sachs believes AI could significantly boost productivity and global GDP, similar to tech booms seen in the past.
  3. The rise of cheaper AI models could lead to faster adoption of technology in businesses, which may help improve overall efficiency and economic growth.

AI: Productivity vs Performance

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Workforce AI Impact Productivity
  1. AI can create both big opportunities and greater inequalities in the workforce. While some people will thrive, others might struggle even more.
  2. Current pay models based on time may not work well anymore. Focusing on how much work gets done, rather than just hours worked, could be better for both companies and employees.
  3. The future job market may see more freelancers and solopreneurs. Schools should prepare students for entrepreneurship, as many people might choose to work for themselves.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Has Thoughts on AI Agents, Automation, And The Future of Your Job

Big Technology • 4753 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI agents Automation Customer Service Productivity
  1. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff believes AI agents will work for companies rather than individuals. This means businesses can use these agents to handle customer service and other tasks, making things more efficient.
  2. Benioff sees AI as a way to boost productivity, not just replace jobs. By using technology, companies can enhance the skills of their workers and make them more effective without necessarily hiring more people.
  3. The future of business software could change a lot. Instead of traditional programs, companies might start using chatbots to manage data and interact with customers, creating a new kind of relationship with technology.

7 proven mental models for engineering managers

Leading Developers • 218 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Decision-making Team Dynamics Productivity
  1. Use mental models to help make better decisions as a manager. They can guide you to avoid mistakes and think more clearly.
  2. Consider the opposite of what you want to achieve. This helps in identifying what to avoid and improves decision-making.
  3. Always think about the long-term effects of your choices. It's important to consider not just what happens now, but what could happen later.

✨ The Age of AI, an update: A Quick Q&A with … economist Michael Strain

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Productivity Economy Workforce
  1. Generative AI has the potential to change how businesses work and boost productivity, but we are still in the early stages of using it in everyday jobs.
  2. It's important for workers, especially in white-collar jobs, to adapt by learning to use AI tools to enhance their productivity and value to employers.
  3. Instead of fearing job loss, workers should focus on developing new skills that complement AI, allowing them to stay relevant in their fields.

Can Your AI Strategy Be Future-Proof? | Galileo’s Vikram Chatterji

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Data Analysis Productivity
  1. AI models sometimes miss important details, like humans do. For example, they may overlook obvious outliers in data visualizations.
  2. Banks are changing their hiring tactics to attract tech talent by offering more flexibility and modern tools. This helps them stay competitive against tech firms.
  3. In a world where AI is growing, the ability to focus deeply is becoming more valuable than just knowing how to use AI tools. Staying focused can help engineers excel.

The 5 intensity zones of software teams

Leading Developers • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Team Dynamics Productivity Work Culture Employee Wellbeing
  1. Software teams can operate in different 'intensity zones' ranging from very light to maximum effort. Understanding these zones helps managers know when their team can relax or when they need to ramp up work.
  2. Switching between intensity zones is important for a team's success and well-being. It's crucial to have a balance and prepare the team for high-pressure times while also allowing them to unwind afterward.
  3. Effective 'intensity management' is key to keeping a team adaptable and preventing burnout. Setting clear expectations about workload and work intensity helps everyone understand what to expect.

What if tanker crew deaths are intolerable?

Gordian Knot News • 783 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Regulation Manufacturing Safety Productivity
  1. When building ships, having clear rules helps keep everything running smoothly. If everyone knows the guidelines, they can work together to create quality ships on time.
  2. Bringing in third parties like the Ocean Safety Directorate can disrupt the process. Their focus on preventing accidents leads to extra paperwork and slowed productivity.
  3. If the rules are too strict or unclear, it can result in delays and lower quality. Maintaining a balance between safety and efficiency is key to successful shipbuilding.

Social media malaise

My Home Office Hacks • 2 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Remote work Productivity Social media Workplace culture Subscription services
  1. Many people are feeling bored or less interested in social media lately. It's not just you if you find yourself using it less.
  2. A good read for those working from home is about improving feelings of belonging in the workplace. It's essential for your mental health and work vibe.
  3. If you want access to home office tips, there's a subscription deal ending soon. You can save money if you sign up before the price goes up.

Learning in the Forest

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2032 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Learning Engineering Productivity
  1. Learning should come before production. It's important to focus on what team members need to learn, even if it slows down work at first.
  2. Juniors are still learning, so we shouldn't rush them. It's better to allow them to choose tasks that will help them grow, and to support their learning through pairing with seniors.
  3. Investing time in learning pays off. Gaining skills and knowledge today will help create better projects and more capable engineers in the future.

Future is Lean, Mean, and Scary for UX Agencies

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 50 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology UX Design AI Impact Productivity Innovation
  1. UX agencies are facing tough times because more companies are building their own in-house UX teams. This means less need for outside consultants.
  2. AI is changing the UX game by making work more efficient. With AI tools, one UX professional can do the work of three, leading to smaller, more effective teams.
  3. The future of UX will split into two paths: high-end firms offering specialized strategic consulting and low-end providers using AI to deliver basic design services. Mid-sized agencies may struggle unless they adapt.

Group meetings waste time

Respectful Leadership • 108 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Marketing Teamwork Productivity Collaboration
  1. Group meetings can take too long and often don't use everyone's time well. Fewer people in meetings may lead to better and faster decisions.
  2. It's helpful to have a single person from each team act as a bridge during meetings. This keeps the focus on their main jobs while still solving issues together.
  3. A good manager knows when to end long discussions and helps keep teams on track. The best solution may be to avoid unnecessary meetings altogether.

Let's make 2024 the year of saying no to productivity culture

Changing The Channel • 8730 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Rest Productivity Culture Mental health Self-care
  1. Taking time to rest and relax is essential for our well-being, even if it goes against the pervasive productivity culture.
  2. Rest should not be tied to productivity but should be seen as a natural cycle to be honored.
  3. During challenging times, like January, it's okay to embrace the idea of taking a break and not succumb to the pressure of always being productive.

The Illusory Learning Curve

Gordian Knot News • 241 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Nuclear power Engineering Regulation Productivity Manufacturing
  1. There is not much of a learning curve when building ships or power plants. Each project is unique, so little efficiency is gained from past projects.
  2. Regulation plays a big role in increasing costs for nuclear power plants, making them expensive to build. Regulations can limit the benefits of any learning curve.
  3. Despite claims of future savings, history shows that costs for nuclear plants often do not decrease significantly with experience. The actual savings are minimal.

Happy 2025 High Growth Engineer 🎉

High Growth Engineer • 493 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Engineering Personal Growth Productivity Mental health
  1. Prioritize your mental health and learn to say 'no' when needed. This helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused on what really matters.
  2. Adapt your systems to align with your goals. If your priorities change, make adjustments to ensure your daily actions support your personal growth.
  3. Embrace change and keep learning. The tech industry evolves quickly, so being open to new skills will help you stay relevant.

Rolling out developer productivity metrics

Engineering Enablement • 7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Developer Tools Productivity Change Management Leadership Metrics
  1. Communicate openly with leaders about new productivity metrics to avoid surprises. It's important to have conversations, not just send emails, to build trust.
  2. Be clear about what the metrics cover to reduce fear. Focus on process-related data, and explain how it helps teams improve.
  3. Invest time in change management, as it’s crucial for success. Engage key players early, ask for their input, and keep everyone informed through various channels.

Parkinson's Law: The Power of Deadlines

FutureIQ • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Workplace Project management Time management
  1. Work tends to fill the time you give it, so if you set a shorter deadline, you'll likely finish faster. This is known as Parkinson's Law.
  2. Setting tight deadlines can actually improve quality instead of harming it. It helps you avoid distractions and keep your focus where it matters.
  3. Finding the right balance in deadlines is key. They should be tight enough to challenge you but not so tight that you feel overwhelmed.

5 Lessons I learned the hard way from 10+ years as a software engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1462 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Mentorship Productivity Leadership
  1. Always learn from your mistakes, as they can teach valuable lessons for your career. Embracing failure can help you grow and improve.
  2. Networking is important; make connections in your industry. Relationships often open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
  3. Keep your skills updated and be open to new technologies. The tech field is constantly evolving, and staying current helps you stay relevant.

13 Super Useful Chrome Plugins for Front-End Developers

JavaScript Development Substack • 46 HN points • 22 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Web Development Software Tools Productivity User Experience Digital Design
  1. Chrome extensions can make front-end development easier and faster. They help with tasks like inspecting CSS, testing forms, and analyzing website technologies.
  2. Tools like CSS Peeper and Fake Filler let developers quickly see styles and fill forms automatically. This saves time and simplifies the testing process.
  3. Extensions like Wave Evaluation Tool and Ahrefs SEO Toolbar help improve website accessibility and SEO. They offer insights that can help boost a site's performance.

Can We Take a Break, for Fuck’s Sake?

antoniomelonio • 341 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Productivity Work Life Mental health Existentialism
  1. Many adults feel exhausted because life doesn't offer enough breaks. Once school ends, it's like the work never stops.
  2. Society puts pressure on us to always be productive, turning hobbies into jobs and making weekends just a time for chores.
  3. We need to recognize that rest is essential for happiness. Taking time to recharge should be a priority, not a luxury.

I made a simple tool to save you from online distractions

12challenges • 257 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Digital Tools Internet Usage Productivity Activism
  1. A tool named Nudge helps you block online distractions like news feeds and comments. It's like an ad blocker but for things that distract you from what you want to focus on.
  2. Nudge is free, open source, and has a good user rating. It makes it easier for you to avoid scrolling through unnecessary content while browsing online.
  3. The creator wants feedback and suggestions to make Nudge even better. You're invited to try it out and share your thoughts with him.

✨ 📈 The AI Paradox: When will artificial intelligence boost US economic growth?

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Artificial Intelligence Productivity Innovation Growth
  1. Alan Greenspan raised questions about why technological advances in the 1990s didn't seem to improve productivity statistics. He suggested that it might take time for new technologies to show their full effects.
  2. Greenspan believed that traditional methods of measuring productivity might not capture the real progress happening, especially with services. This mismeasurement could lead to bad decisions on economic policies.
  3. The role of artificial intelligence in boosting productivity is still uncertain. There's hope that AI can help workers produce more, but it's unclear when we will see these benefits reflected in economic growth.

Scrum Is No Excuse To Avoid Accountabilities

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Agile Productivity Teamwork
  1. Scrum helps teams work better, but it doesn't mean people can ignore their responsibilities. Everyone needs to step up and be accountable.
  2. Self-management in Scrum isn't just about freedoms; it also includes taking on duties and being responsible for their work.
  3. It's important for everyone in a Scrum team to communicate clearly and understand what is needed to succeed, especially regarding project timelines.

How gardening teaches you this crucial lesson about scaling your business

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 59 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Productivity Scaling Automation
  1. Create systems that allow you to enjoy what you love, even when life gets busy. This gives you the freedom to step away without worry.
  2. Think about tasks you do daily that take more than 10 minutes. Find ways to automate them or get help to save time.
  3. Building these efficient systems might take time upfront, but once they're in place, they let you scale your business and work more smoothly.