Body doubling might make it easier to crack on with the job

If you have found yourself tumbling into a productivity black hole at work and cannot seem to find your way out, “body doubling” might be the performance hack you are looking for.

Also referred to as “parallel working”, body doubling describes the practice of two people working alongside each other to improve each other’s focus and productivity.

A person’s body double can work on the same type of work or something completely different. They are not there to judge or direct.

A body double is like a gym partner whose presence pushes you to do more than you might achieve if performing the workout on your own.

The idea is that an individual will get more work done in less time, resulting in an increase in personal productivity. 

What is body doubling in the workplace?

Originally a strategy used with those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, to counter struggles with motivation, the use of body doubling has been extended to counter the increasing number of distractions in many workplaces. 

Open-plan offices and remote working arrangements can compromise attention spans and cause productivity levels to plunge. In the case of remote working, virtual co-working sessions are gaining traction to assist individuals in making a mindset shift from a home environment to a job context. 

Many who make use of this work practice choose to begin the day with an hour or two of body doubling to get off to a productive start. 

Some find it more useful to resort to the body double mid-afternoon when energy levels start to wane. 

Others schedule a body doubling session around getting started on a specific task they know they have had a mental barrier to completing.

Many maximise the effectiveness of body doubling sessions by eliminating regular distractions like switching off phones or moving into a quiet space.

The pros and cons of body doubling

While the concept of body doubling has not been extensively researched, experts generally agree that this form of parallel working can boost productivity.

For one, having someone work alongside us can enhance our personal accountability. It helps us avoid distractions and keeps us on task.

On top of that, working side-by-side with a colleague can provide emotional support on tough assignments and reduce feelings of isolation.

There are, of course, some drawbacks. Some workers might become too reliant on having someone to help them to be productive.

And a failure to choose a suitable body double can result in less rather than more focus on and engagement with the work task. 

It goes without saying that a good body double should be committed to their double, stay focused and maximise productivity. 

Body doubling will help many who struggle to maintain a focus in the workplace.

But if you cannot see how body doubling might serve you well in your job, there is always the possibility it might meet your needs outside of work.

This might include getting through the garage clean-up you have been dreading for so long, a gym workout you have been resisting or the garden project you have been avoiding.