70% of employees aren’t hitting their maximum productivity at work. About half of these aren’t even putting in any work. They are just sleepwalking through their day!
If you’re one of these people, you’re not just doing your employer a disservice. You’re shooting yourself in the foot. If you want to progress in your career and even in life, it’s in your best interest to put in the hard work.
However, maybe you’ve tried everything you can to be a high productivity individual but nothing seems to yield positive results.
We’re here to help.
Continue reading for effective tips to improve your productivity at work.
Plan Your Day
If you’re anything like most workers, you’ve probably tried creating daily plans and found them ineffective. At a minimum, you should create a “To Do” list for the following day at the end of each day. Simply take the last few minutes and write down the things you need to get done the next day. Don’t include too many things just the absolute essentials. This way when you arrive the next day you know where to start and you won’t waste time getting warmed up. Also, keep a list of small projects that you can do when you just have a few minutes to fill.
If you can create a daily plan and stick to it, you will see your productivity trending upwards. This is because a daily schedule enables you to have a clear picture of what lies ahead.
Got a meeting at 11 a.m.? An interview at 2 p.m.? A class at 5?
You’ll be aware of your tasks well in advance, which means, if you manage your time well, you won’t run late for any activity.
Once creating a daily schedule becomes a habit, graduate to a weekly schedule. This should be easy to prepare and stick to, considering that there are now mobile apps that makes scheduling a breeze. If you’re the kind of person who always needs a reminder, the app can remind you when an activity is coming up.
Is That (Physical) Meeting Necessary?
Office meetings have been the default way of getting things done since the invention of the workplace. But as the traditional workplace evolves into an ultra-modern space, the importance and of physical meetings is waning. In a recent Harvard Business Review survey of top managers, 71% of respondents said these meetings are unproductive and inefficient.
So, if your position empowers you to convene meetings, it’s high time you did yourself and everyone else a big favor. Drop those office meetings.
Sure, physical meetings still have their value, but unless it’s really necessary, avoid them. With digital collaboration tools becoming the order of getting things done in most workplaces, you need to rule out the possibility of holding a productive digital meeting before holding an in-person meeting.
Use the time shaved off such office meetings to complete other tasks on your to-do list.
Make the Most of Your Computer
Computers are powerful, efficient devices. Since their introduction in the workplace, productivity has dramatically.
But are you really making the most of your computer?
It’s hard to answer this question if you don’t have an in-depth understanding of just how powerful a computer can be. However, we can bet that unless you’re a techie, you aren’t utilizing your computer fully. The trend these days is toward larger screens and multiple monitors, thus allowing you to write on one while having resources open on the other. If you don’t have multiple screens but have a Mac, there’s a Mac split screen available. Also be sure to position your screen to avoid glare which causes eyestrain.
You Need Regular Breaks
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a concentration junkie who can focus on one task for hours on end or a coffee aficionado who believes the drink can power you through any task. You need short breaks regularly. Numerous studies show that taking regular breaks improves your concentration and memory. It also enhances your creativity.
As such, develop a habit of taking your mind off work for a few minutes. You could take these breaks after one or two hours depending on the nature of your work. What’s more, you can use these short breaks to put in some light exercise and keep your mind fresher for longer.
Avoid Distractions
Sounds easy enough, right?
Just focus on your task and get it done. Don’t talk to anyone. If you’ve got a closed office, put up a “don’t disturb” signage and lock the door.
Unfortunately, people are no longer the primary cause of distraction in the workplace.
Today, digital distractions are the enemy of productivity. App notifications pop up all the time, taking away your concentration.
You could simply mute these notifications, but most people don’t do it. And even if they hit mute, some will still open those apps and see whether they’ve missed anything.
It’s simple, really. If you want to improve your productivity, avoid distractions, digital or not.
Train yourself to avoid these distractions. You can start by setting a timeframe, say 30 mins, where you work without any distraction. Increase it to 1 hour, 2 hours and so forth.
Gradually, you’ll perfect the skill of avoiding distractions in the workplace.
Create a Physical Environment That Enhances Productivity
We want to work in offices with large windows, lots of natural lighting, air conditioning, ergonomics piece of furniture, and plants—for good reason. A conducive physical office environment has a positive impact on workers’ mental behavior, perception, and productivity.
If you’re in a position to recreate your office’s physical environment, do it. If you’re not, urge your employer to make the right changes.
High Productivity Awaits
We all want to achieve high productivity at work. However, most of the time, this is easier said than done. Not this time, though.
With this guide, you now have some of the most effective productivity tips. Put them to use.
And while at it, keep tabs on our blog for more workplace tips and insights.
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