Productivity and focus are hard to achieve, especially in the age of technology where employees need to switch from one device to another, or from one place to another as part of their job tasks and responsibilities.
According to Udemy 2018 Workplace Distraction Report, 70 percent of research respondents admit they feel distracted when they are on the job, with 16 percent asserting that they are almost always distracted. The problem is clearly experienced by Millennials and Gen Zers, with 74 percent reported feeling distracted. Some of the problems likely come from the workplace itself, with many companies lacking private areas for employees. As consequences, not only employees feel less productive, they also find themselves like their job less. Workplace distraction also leads to a poor collaborative work environment that eventually will result in low company performance and productivity.
Albeit workplace distraction can be discussed and minimised using wellbeing program, employees still need some kind of inside push. These days, nootropic drugs are popular for helping employees and learners achieve their full potential and productivity.
Unlike marijuana or any illegal drugs that can make people feel high, nootropics are highly consumed and recommended by many experts. Nootropics are supplements, drugs, and other substances that might improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals.
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Nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, are quite tricky to use, however. Why? Because when the drug works and is suitable for your body, it can genuinely make you happier, more productive, more alert, as well as help you build better habits. On the contrary, when the nootropic does not suit your body, it can keep you up all night, make you even more tired the other morning and give you an excessive headache.
There are many nootropic products you can consume which is sold in the public market and those which need a doctor’s prescription, Healthline suggested. Some drugs that do not need prescriptions are Caffeine, L-theanine, Omega-3 fatty acids, Racetams, Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Rhodiola, Phenotropil, Creatine, etc. Some drugs that have strong effects and might need a doctor’s prescription include Modafinil, Adderall, and Ritalin.
As mentioned earlier, nootropics are not dangerous to consume but they might come with some warnings. Mike and Marius are two nootropic experts who both consume the drugs and encourage people to use it whenever they need. In their interview, Mike would recommend taking Modafinil, caffeine, or L-theanine as the first supplement to boost productivity. Meanwhile, Marius recommended Adrafinil as fairly noticeable to consume.
They warn, nevertheless, that different individuals would react differently to nootropics – what works for you might not work for someone else. Therefore, for employees who consider taking the drugs, it is recommended to try in a moderate amount and see what it is doing to you and if it is doing anything. A better way, you can consult an expert regarding medicine to take, especially since some nootropics need concern from doctor’s prescription.
That being said, one must understand that the first thing to do before consuming the nootropics is to get enough sleep, healthy diet, and regular exercise. These are the real key to productivity, not drugs, added Mike.
For employees who have been struggling with concentration, productivity, or creativity due to workplace distraction, they might get a positive impact when consuming the drugs. Nonetheless, albeit some types of nootropics are very well-known in the public stores and can be bought anywhere, HR must re-learn the drug legality, especially drug laws in your country.
For Singaporean law, HSA reported, Modafinil and racetams are not considered as legal drugs to be consumed. The law dictates that any individual convicted of supplying illegal health products can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years, and/or a fine of up to S$100,000. Other nootropics such as Adderall or Ritalin can be consumed with a prescription while caffeine or Omega-3 fatty acids can be easily found and bought in a pharmacy or supermarket.
Leaders who want their employees to have better productivity or creativity, allowing them or providing with nootropics could be beneficial. Yet, it should be noted to learn first about the country’s legal law regarding drugs and supplements. Otherwise, your company might have a legal issue for supporting employees taking illegal supplements.
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