Productivity is crucial in the workplace.
To succeed at work you must get things done and demonstrate your value to your employer. But how can you be more productive at work?
Indeed, Psychology Today and Michael Page have tips on how to make yourself more productive at work.
How to make yourself more productive at work?
Focus on one task at a time
By focusing on one task at a time, you increase motivation to complete the task and eliminate time spent transitioning between tasks. In addition, completing one task at a time will ensure each task is completed to maximum quality.
To decide which tasks to work on first, consider which are most important.
Keep An Organised Workspace
Who hasn’t spent hours looking for something on their desk? A clean and tidy workspace can help you maintain focus for longer and reduce distractions.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking a break seems counterintuitive to productivity. However, taking regular breaks can give you the energy and motivation needed to complete tasks. You could take a small break every hour, or a longer break less often. Try to move around or get some sunshine during your break to help you re-energise.
You can also try the Pomodoro method, which involves setting a timer for 20 or 30 minutes during which you work intensely on a task. When the timer goes off, you take a short break before returning to work.
Focus on biggest tasks first
You should work on your most complex tasks at the start of the day when you are most energised. Save smaller, more manageable tasks for the end of the day when you may need motivation.
Set small objectives
Setting small objectives can allow you to measure your progress towards a larger goal. By breaking large tasks into smaller increments, you can help keep yourself motivated.
Apply the two-minute rule
Complete any task that would take you two minutes or less to complete and take two minutes to get started on a complicated task.
Block out your schedule
Work out how long a task should take to complete and map this out in your schedule. Try not to spend too long on tasks that aren’t important. Equally, don’t expect to complete a task in an unrealistic amount of time.
Delegate tasks
Trying to complete too many tasks will reduce your productivity. If there are tasks that you can hand over to others, you should do so. If a colleague asks you to do something, learning when to say no is important.
Make meetings more productive
Try to set a specific amount of time for each meeting item and keep to this.
Reduce interruptions and distractions.
To maximise productivity, you should take steps to reduce distractions and interruptions at work. Consider closing your office door for part of the day or using noise cancelling headphones. Try to check your email only twice a day. You could also try silencing email or mobile phone notifications. Being hungry or tired at work can also be a major distraction.
Prepare
At night, write down three to five things you would like to accomplish the following day.
Take care of yourself
Productivity requires physical and mental energy. Taking care of yourself will help improve your concentration and increase your motivation, making you more productive. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Try to reduce stress. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
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