A recent study suggests that only 28% of people in France believe their employers genuinely care about their mental health. This statistic reflects increasing worries about stress and overwork in today’s workplaces. Professor Cal Newport, from Georgetown University, explores these issues in his new book Slow Productivity. He challenges the common belief that being constantly busy means being productive, arguing that this idea is not only misleading but also harmful to both workers and companies. Newport introduces the term "pseudo-productivity," which he defines as using visible tasks as a substitute for real effort. This concept, he says, has its roots in traditional industries like manufacturing and agriculture, where physical labor was more straightforward to measure. Newport connects the rise in workplace stress to the computer revolution, which brought tools like email, Slack, and smartphones into daily work life. These technologies have made it easier to communicate and complete tasks constantly, creating a culture where the appearance of productivity—such as frequent messaging and task completion—is valued more than actual results. He argues that this mindset can lead to burnout and lower productivity, as time and energy are often consumed by administrative tasks, leaving less room for meaningful, creative work. According to a press release from a French news outlet, 64% or more of working-age people in France experience stress related to their jobs. This highlights how serious the issue is. Newport criticizes the way many people treat the human brain as if it were a simple machine for completing tasks. He argues that the brain is not designed for constant multitasking, and this can lead to cognitive overload and inefficiency. To address these issues, Newport looks to historical examples, such as the writer Jane Austen, who created her best works when she was free from household responsibilities. He suggests that reducing the number of tasks people try to handle at once and clearly distinguishing between tasks being worked on and those simply accepted can help improve focus. He also discusses perfectionism, suggesting that setting achievable milestones can reduce the pressure to achieve perfection, as seen in the way the Beatles approached the creation of their album Sgt. Pepper. Newport concludes that pseudo-productivity can damage self-respect and the quality of work. He emphasizes that true productivity comes from focusing on quality and doing what one does best, rather than simply being occupied.