Do you ever finish your workday feeling like you weren’t able to accomplish everything on your to-do list? If this is you, then don’t worry as it is something that many of us experience from time-to-time, and in this article we will explore ways to increase productivity in the workplace.
Not completing our set daily tasks, with new competing priorities coming in, is often a regular occurrence to many of us who work in high pressured working environments. However, if you don’t feel in control of your workload, it can cause unnecessary stress, decrease your productivity and lead to burn out.
Many of us strive to be productive at work, but it can be difficult to maintain the motivation to do so, particularly in high pressured working environments and when our workload piles up. There are numerous ways to increase productivity and efficiency at work, and it’s important to remember that not all methods work for everyone. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on the task at hand, increase productivity and manage your time in ways that are conductive to your productivity.
How to increase productivity at work
Decorate and Personalise your Workspace
Add pops of colours or live plants. Use bright coloured post it notes, notepads, calendars etc… Take time to organise your workspace and files. Doing so will help you stay on track and get things done more efficiently. Add personal items to your desks, like photos to give you some relief in stressful moments.
Establish a comfortable workspace
It will help you feel more organized and efficient. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a well-lit desk, and all the tools you need to get the job done.
Establish a routine
Making sure you stick to a regular schedule can help you stay focused and organised. Use calendars and to-do lists to plan each day. By scheduling blocks of time for tasks, will help you stay on track and keep productivity levels high.
Create lists and use weekly planners
Create a plan for each day. Make sure to break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and set specific goals for each task. This will help you focus and stay on track.
Don’t multitask
Attempting to do too many things at once can be overwhelming and lead to mistakes. Focus on one task at a time. Sometimes, we have distracting thoughts about other tasks we have to do it. Make a note of these, so you don’t forgot. Doing so will allow to fully concentrate on the task at hand and prevent productivity levels dipping.
Limit Distractions
Put personal technology in your bag or a drawer. Turn off email notifications to help you concentrate. However, have set times to check your emails to ensure you don’t miss anything urgent.
Take regular breaks
Frequent breaks are important for staying energised and productive throughout the day. Take a few minutes to step away from your desk and give your mind a break. Go for a short walk, make a drink or grab a healthy snack.
Set yourself realistic goals
Setting achievable goals can help to motivate you and keep you on track. Think about what you need / would like to achieve and set SMART objectives. Objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Further reading
Click here to read our tips for making your return to work easier after periods of leave.