Time is a limited resource that needs to be used optimally, especially in the workplace. The best way of increasing your productivity is by working smart, rather than putting in extra hours.
Working smart means that you increase your output without having to put additional efforts. It may sound unrealistic, but you can, in fact, increase your efficiency by observing the following hacks at your place of work.
Sleep and Wake Up Early
Freshness is a key contributor to increased productivity at the workplaces. Most probably, you have repeatedly encountered articles talking about the importance of adequate sleep. A good rest guarantees peak performances on a daily basis, whereas insufficient sleep can drastically reduce the quality of your output.
Make To-do Lists
Obviously, you take on tasks of varying complexity at work. It is advisable to start with the simpler jobs and then move onto the more difficult ones. Regardless, it is imperative to make a to-do list outlining all the tasks you intend to accomplish for a particular day.
To-do lists are known to assist in time management. Besides, you will find it satisfying to cross off an accomplished task on the list.
Take Regular Breaks
As mentioned earlier, the key to more efficiency is working smart. One way of achieving this is by taking regular breaks during your work period. The human brain loses its cognitive capacity as the days go on. In fact, researchers have established that the mind can work effortlessly for a period of 90 minutes. Thus, it is recommended to take frequent breaks to replenish this ability and maintain productivity.
Reduce Distractions
In this age, nearly everybody pays much attention to social media. The increased use of smartphones and ready access to the internet further increases the severity of this culture. According to LearnStuff.com, the US economy loses a whopping $700 million due to social media addiction.
The straightforward way of reducing such distractions is limiting the use of smartphones and the internet. Interestingly, your phone can also help you to reduce the compulsiveness to check social media. To do this, you should install apps that help you to stay focused such as MindNode, FocusBooster, SmartBreak, and so forth.
Avoid Unnecessary Meetings
Although communication is inevitable in the workplace, it is not mandatory to hold meetings for this purpose. A meeting should only be called when the matter at hand cannot be handled over a phone call or through email. Moreover, meetings should have a short time allocation because it encourages the attendees to stick to the most important topics.
One Job at a Time
A majority of people believe that multitasking is an effective way of managing time; indeed, nothing could be further from the truth. Attempting to accomplish multiple tasks at ago usually results in time wasting and reduced productivity. So, you are better off taking on the jobs one-by-one.
Set Achievable Goals
Once you develop a habit of making and adhering to your to-do lists, the next step should be creating goals – both short-term and long-term. The objectives must be high to motivate you to work smart.
Additionally, goals must be specific and have a deadline. Failure to include these has been discovered to be the leading cause of unrealized goals.
Improve Workplace Aesthetics
Scientists have continually stated that aesthetic workplaces are likely to inspire employees to be more productive. An appealing scenery makes people feel better, increasing their activity in the process. Furthermore, workers who have plants and flowers in their offices usually have lower stress levels as compared to those who do not have green places at their workplaces.
Designate Time for Emails
It is not strange to find that several unread emails have accumulated on your inbox – after all, working days are typically hectic and packed. Having a huge number of unattended messages is likely to cause anxiety and wastage of time. To avoid this, you should allocate a specific time for reading and replying to emails. Conversely, you can start replying to messages immediately after you receive them to avoid accumulation.
Conclusion
By now, you have learnt that increasing your productivity at work is not as difficult as it seems. That being said, it still requires unwavering determination and lots of compromises.
