Shallow work explained
Shallow work is not bad. Invoices need paying and emails need answers. The trouble starts when it fills the whole day and pushes out the work that actually moves things forward.
The fix is to contain it: batch it, cap it and keep it out of your best hours.
Try it today
- Label yesterday's tasks as deep or shallow.
- Set a rough cap for shallow work, such as half of your day.
- Move shallow tasks into batches after your deep work block.
Where it comes from
Cal Newport introduced the term alongside deep work in his 2016 book Deep Work.
Frequently asked questions
- What is shallow work?
- Shallow work is logistical, low-concentration work like email, routine meetings and admin: it is often necessary, easy to do while distracted and easy for someone else to replicate.
- Where does shallow work come from?
- Cal Newport introduced the term alongside deep work in his 2016 book Deep Work.
- How do I start with shallow work?
- Label yesterday's tasks as deep or shallow. Set a rough cap for shallow work, such as half of your day. Move shallow tasks into batches after your deep work block.
- Which tools help with shallow work?
- Tools in our directory that help include Shortwave, Zapier, Raycast, Reclaim.ai. Each has its own page with pricing, pros and cons.