By the term “productivity” we actually refer to our ability to complete tasks successfully at the end of the day. However, your productivity can become affected in case you are unable to manage your time properly and also do not have any methods in place for the organization. It will be possible to increase our productivity by making some adjustments to our daily workflow. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will see some guidelines on how to improve our productivity at work.
1. Focus on one particular task at any given time
Even though it might be possible for you to get the job done by performing several tasks simultaneously, concentrating on any particular task at any given time will help you to become more productive. As a matter of fact, while focusing on several activities simultaneously, we have the propensity of using that time simply for transitioning between the tasks. For this reason, some tasks might remain incomplete or might be performed at a lower quality in the long run.
Moreover, while focusing on only a single project at any given time, you are actually setting only one objective at once rather than many. This will definitely inspire you to complete any particular task before switching over to the subsequent assignment. In case you perform multitasking on most occasions then it will be a sensible idea to prioritize your tasks according to the importance such that it helps you to end your day with lighter as well as less time-consuming chores.
2. Turn off notifications
It is a fact that in excess of 50% of smartphone users in the US are known to check their phones several times every hour. An effective way to avoid checking the phone continually will be to simply switch the device off – or at least the notifications – while working.
The same is also applicable to your computer. In case you have the propensity of accessing social media while working, make sure to switch off the notifications for getting the best results. Another beneficial tip will be to simply log out from the social media accounts.
3. Increase the productivity of your meetings
In case you need to attend meetings throughout the day, make sure to make them productive so that they can help you to improve your overall work progress. It will be a good idea to opt for standing meetings where all of you would be standing up for the meeting. This will help to increase your focus and alertness while discussing some essential topics during the meeting.
You can also record the time it takes for attending and concluding the meeting by making use of time tracking. For example, it will be a good idea to keep notes on the most essential topics or takeaways that have to be discussed and a particular amount of time has to be dedicated to each topic. Following this, make it a point to discuss with your team what will be included in the topic list while restricting the discussions to their allotted timings.
In the same way, if you attend the meeting by means of any web-based platform or phone, it might not be possible for you to increase the chances that not much time will be taken away by the meeting from your personal chores.
4. Make use of proper tools
It is important to work with the appropriate tools since this will help to enhance your workflow to a great extent. This will help you to complete your tasks efficiently while streamlining them as well.
In case you happen to be the business owner or the manager, make sure that your team has got the proper tools in place. If you happen to be an employee and are of the notion that the tools provided to you are not up to the mark, make sure to inform your manager regarding this. An efficient manager will comprehend the importance of having the appropriate tools and how these will be able to improve the productivity of the employees.
5. Set small targets
Instead of approaching large objectives that will need a considerable amount of time as well as multiple outlets for achieving them, it’ll be prudent to plan out small objectives during the day. Things such as responding to your client emails or filing the required documents happen to be small, everyday objectives that you can set and also accomplish during your work time. In the same manner, these short objectives can be used by you as milestones for figuring out your progress towards a bigger target.
6. Take breaks at regular intervals
Even though it might be tempting to perform a task without taking a break, this might be quite damaging to your overall productivity in the long run. This is because it can result in burn-out or fatigue. In case it happens, you might be lacking the motivation or inspiration to go on making progress. It will be sensible to plan out a number of short breaks while working during the day. The majority of the workplaces provide a schedule for having breaks in between so that the employees would be able to rejuvenate themselves at regular intervals while working. These breaks will help them to clear their mind, get recharged, and become ready for the subsequent task.
7. Drink plenty of water
It is a fact that most of the employees do not remember to drink adequate water during the day. Instead, many individuals tend to consume caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee to help them keep going. Nevertheless, it is important to take some short breaks and drink enough water for maintaining productivity levels while working.
You might suffer from dehydration if you do not drink adequate water which can result in tiredness, weight gain, as well as headaches. For this, it will be a good idea to keep a water bottle by your side so that it can remind you of drinking water at regular intervals. In case you think that the taste of water is somewhat dull, you may add lemon or cucumber to it for getting a better taste.
