What if productivity wasn’t just about how much people worked—but how they worked, who they collaborated with, and whether they were truly engaged?

In this episode of The Future of Less Work, host Nirit Cohen sits down with Sam Naficy, CEO of Prodoscore, to explore the evolving science—and ethics—of measuring work.

As more organizations embrace hybrid, digital, and AI-enhanced models, the old ways of tracking productivity are falling apart. Sam shares what live behavioral data from over 14,000 employees reveals about real-world performance, collaboration, burnout, and even AI’s impact on output. Together, they unpack how organizations can use data not just for oversight, but to empower employees, coach managers, and build systems where great work is easier to recognize—and replicate.

From organizational network analysis to predictive signals for attrition, this conversation sheds light on the blind spots leaders face in distributed teams—and what becomes possible when we move beyond gut feel to data-driven trust. Whether you're leading a team, shaping workplace policy, or just trying to do meaningful work in less time, this episode challenges how you think about productivity—and offers a glimpse into the new social contract between people and work.

If you're grappling with return-to-office debates, tool overload, or how to use data without surveillance, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

https://youtu.be/MvBuwnr8jZc

Guest Information:

Sam Naficy is the CEO of Prodoscore, an AI-powered productivity intelligence platform helping organizations gain real-time insights into how work happens. A serial entrepreneur by nature, Sam has over 25 years of senior executive experience in SaaS and technology-enabled businesses across industries including pharmaceuticals, retail, distribution, quick service restaurants, and enterprise software. He has raised more than $300 million in debt and equity throughout his career. Early on, he founded Daru Nardin, a pharmaceutical brokerage firm focused on the Middle East, where he secured exclusive distribution rights to Merck Sharpe & Dohme and Faulding Pharmaceuticals for sales into Iran. He went on to launch The NORG Group, entering into joint ventures with the 99 Cents Only Corporation (NYSE: NDN). Prior to Prodoscore, Sam was the founder and CEO of DTiQ, which has become the global leader in intelligent video surveillance and loss prevention, serving over 45,000 customers. Beyond the business world, Sam is a passionate supporter of nonprofits focused on underprivileged children and has served on the board of the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club. His philanthropic contributions include support for the National Kidney Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Juniors of Social Service, and Northridge Hospital. He is an active investor in SaaS and tech-enabled ventures and a longtime member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) Los Angeles, where he previously served as Chapter Chair. In 2013, Sam was recognized as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Greater Los Angeles.

• https://www.prodoscore.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/samnaficy/

Chapters:

00:00 – What Productivity Data Can Reveal
01:25 – How Prodoscore Measures Productivity
02:45 – Activity vs Impact at Work
04:33 – Measuring Quality of Work Engagement
06:17 – Giving Employees Their Own Data
08:03 – Why Hybrid Workers Are More Productive
11:04 – How Organizational Network Analysis Works
12:45 – Identifying Hidden Influencers in the Workplace
14:46 – Using Data for Objective 360 Reviews
16:19 – Predicting Employee Attrition with Data
18:33 – Can Productivity Tools Be Gamified?
20:38 – Good Employees Want to Be Measured
22:05 – AI and the Future of Work Productivity
24:00 – Linking Activity to Business Outcomes
25:23 – Redefining Trust and Visibility in Hybrid Work
27:03 – Why Culture Still Needs a Human Touch
30:04 – Will We Work Less or Just Smarter?
32:30 – Balancing Flexibility and Accountability with Data