RDEL #71: How do protected blocks of time improve engineering outcomes?
A look at how computer assisted protected (CAP) time changes the performance and burnout for information workers, and how that can be applied to engineering teams.
Welcome back to Research-Driven Engineering Leadership. Each week, we pose an interesting topic in engineering leadership and apply the latest research in the field to drive to an answer.
Engineering teams are always trying to make the most of their time while balancing individual tasks with team-level collaboration. Swinging too far in either direction is not good, and hybrid work environments have exacerbated challenges like fragmented schedules and constant interruptions. This week we ask: how does protected time (ie calendar blocks) improve outcomes for engineering teams?
The context
In today’s hybrid work environments, engineering teams face unique challenges in managing their time effectively. Deep-focus tasks, such as coding or designing, often compete with collaborative demands like meetings and instant communication. This constant toggling between work modes can lead to fragmented schedules, decreased productivity, and heightened stress.
While flexible work arrangements promise greater autonomy, they frequently blur the boundaries between professional and personal time. Many workers find themselves unable to prioritize tasks that require sustained focus, with collaboration and interruptions dominating their schedules. Traditional time-management techniques, such as manually scheduling focus blocks, can be difficult to maintain consistently amidst competing demands.
The research
Researchers studied whether computer-assisted protected (CAP) time, which preemptively blocks calendar slots for focused work, have an impact on interruptions and productivity. They conducted two studies: one observational study of 27 workers already using CAP time and a randomized controlled experiment with 89 participants new to the tool. Both studies analyzed behavioral data and self-reports.
Key Findings
Increased Deep Work Engagement: An hour of CAP time afforded 8-11% more time on coding and development activities compared to other calendar periods, demonstrating its effectiveness in prioritizing deep-focus tasks.
Reduced Interruptions: CAP time significantly decreased the use of synchronous communication tools like meetings and instant messaging by up to 16 minutes per hour compared to unscheduled time, protecting workers from collaboration demands.
Improved Work-Life Balance: CAP time was associated with a reduction in after-hours work activity, with participants reporting fewer late-night tasks, helping them maintain clearer boundaries between work and personal life.
Enhanced Perceived Performance: Participants using CAP time self-reported higher levels of productivity and focus, with significant increases in job performance metrics compared to those without access to the intervention.
Interestingly, work pace and work load were comparable between the Control and Cap Time conditions.
And finally, a surprising finding: job resources were significantly higher for workers in the control group vs the CAP time group. Researchers hypothesized that this is because workers have contiguous periods of uninterrupted time where they can seek out resources, contributing to a greater “peace of mind” that they have time to prepare.
The application
The research underscores the value of structured focus time for engineering teams, especially in hybrid environments. Creating structured blocks of uninterrupted time not only facilitates deep work and increases overall performance, but also supports well-being by reducing stress and after-hours workloads.
To introduce improvements on your engineering teams, consider the following tips:
Promote Automated Focus Interventions: Encourage the use of tools to create non-negotiable blocks for focused work. Make sure that the block is reinforced both in calendar and in chat (ie Slack). Having it done “for you”, versus asking engineers to manage blocks of time independently, will improve the impact of the block.
Build a Culture of Respect for Protected Time: Foster norms where team members respect these blocks and avoid unnecessary interruptions. A shorter, well-respected block of time is always better than a longer, poorly-respected block.
Review and Adjust: Regularly assess the effectiveness of focus time on team productivity and well-being, getting feedback from engineers on how effective the blocks are and how they would improve the experience.
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Thats it for this week’s RDEL. Have a wonderful week!
Lizzie