When you are busy at work, it is important to make the most of your time. You need to come up with ways to work smarter, not harder. Sometimes too, a person can inadvertently make their own life harder. It may be necessary to come up with a system and implement it so that it becomes a habit. It can take a few weeks to make something into a habit.
Managing time properly is critical. Let’s take a look at some productivity tips for work that can help to ease some stress and give you more breathing space.
1. Track Time On Daily Tasks
Sometimes, it can be so easy to be engrossed in something that time just passes by. Not everyone can keep track of time. It’s important to keep track of the time when performing daily tasks. Unlike before, today, there can be so many other distractions that can take up your time. Things like emails and social media can cause productivity levels to plummet if you are not careful.
There are workforce management software tools available to help keep track of time so that you can optimize your energy and take back control. You will also get a clearer understanding of where your time goes.
2. Stop Multitasking
You may assume multitasking would be one of the productivity tips for work, but that isn’t exactly the case. While it may feel and look impressive, multitasking may not actually be productive. In fact, it may have the opposite effect. Research has indicated that multitasking may actually cause more time loss and lead to less productivity. The recommendation is to commit to one particular task, give it 100 percent of your attention and then move on to the next task or project.
3. Use Travel Time Wisely
Obviously, this is not directed at anyone who drives. We have all seen people texting and driving and performing all kinds of other circus acts while at the wheel. This is only directed at people who take public transit. A person can be more productive by doing certain tasks while traveling to work or traveling back home.
Instead of playing Candy Crush or snooping on what’s going on in Facebook, you could answer some emails. You could also be planning your day (or the next day) by creating a to-do list. You can also do some brainstorming to give you a head start. Why not leave the Candy Crush and Facebooking to people who are driving?
4. Take Breaks
This may not always be possible, but if it is, then you should try to take regular breaks. Though it appears to be counterintuitive, there is evidence to suggest that by doing this, it can actually improve a person’s concentration, making them more productive. Of course, when you are working for someone, you can’t just walk out every 5 minutes right under the boss’ nose. However, if it is possible, take scheduled breaks. Research has also shown that by working at a task without taking a break causes your performance to decline gradually.
5. Turn Notifications Off
While at work, try to turn notifications off. It is really tempting to keep checking voicemails, emails, texts and whatever else there might be. It can be hard to resist this temptation. It’s almost addictive. Instead, set aside a specific time to check on all these things.
6. Eat Healthy
It is important to stay well-fuelled for a healthy and productive day. Eating healthier foods or snacks can help boost brainpower. Besides, eating junk is not only going to affect your weight, it can also reduce your productivity levels. Keep some healthy snacks in the office at all times.
7. Exercise
It is important to look after yourself, because it helps to maintain your productivity, not just at work but outside of work too. Find what works best for you. Some people prefer to exercise in the morning while others prefer to exercise in the evening, or at night. Exercise reduces stress levels, so when you find something that fits, try to maintain it, so that it is consistent.
8. Prioritize
You will pretty much know, more or less, what tasks you have to do throughout the day. One of the best productivity tips for work is stay organized and prioritize the workload according to importance. Take care of the most important ones first and then work your way down accordingly.
9. Organize
Try to keep your work environment organized. This can reduce some anxiety while helping with productivity. Try to keep your workspace uncluttered and well-organized. This way, you won’t be looking for something because there is less of a chance of misplacing things such as documents. The less the distractions, the better for your productivity levels.
Another thing you can consider doing is to stand up often. Sitting too long is not going to help your posture. Besides, it is also not good for your back. You need to reduce the tension on your back. It can also help to reduce other health risks. Every so often, stand up, walk a bit and then sit down again. Try doing some of these productivity tips for work.