5 Tips to Increase Productivity at Work

What Is Work Productivity?

Productivity at work refers to how fast you can perform tasks. In general, this is measured by how much output your labour can create.

The amount of output that a person or a company can produce is significant because it is one of the major fundamentals that define an organization’s profitability.

By using these five tips on how to be productive at work, you’ll become more effective in your role and increase your contribution toward crucial business goals.

How to be Productive at Work

1. Create a Work Zone

Consider if noisy, disruptive workplace environments are a part of the issue when looking for the source of your lack of work productivity.

A clean, clutter-free environment free of distractions is key to starting each day on a productive note.

To be productive, you need to have a dedicated space for a quiet environment. Many people don’t have this luxury, so they need to find a way to create their own private space.

This is not always possible, but once you’ve found a place to work, it’s essential to create the right vibe and make it a productive zone where you can focus.

To enhance productivity at work, you must eliminate distractions. Studies show that when your concentration is interrupted, it takes more than 23 minutes on average to return to your task.

Distractions can include anything that causes you to look away from your computer screen, from emails to television, cell phones, and even pets and colleagues.

You can be the most fruitful at your job when you turn off your phone. Don’t let social media or emails distract you from the tasks at hand.

Furthermore, by blocking off parts of your office space, you can create a clear zone for work. Your colleagues may not see you, but they will know when you are in the zone.

2. Work in Sprints

Working in sprints is a process that ensures that projects are completed on time and with target quality. If daily meetings and constant email exchanges seem like time-wasters, try something different.

A sprint is a block of work completed in batches, and the goal is to accelerate the execution of tasks.

Working vigorously for short periods with daily breaks is preferable to occasionally working for long periods.

Consider it more of a sprint than a race. For brief periods, you can push yourself to your limits as long as you have a strong stopping point. You can sprint again after a short breaks

Suppose you’re having trouble finishing your tasks, set aside a few uninterrupted 90-minute periods per day. This could address your work productivity woes.

3. Take a Break

It’s essential to take some time off to recharge your batteries. Being mentally drained during a big project or a long task is a sure-fire way to get yourself into a state of unproductive chaos.

When you have long tasks that require focus, like studying for an exam or preparing your taxes, it’s best to take brief breaks. You’ll find that a short mental break will help you stay focused on the task.

Take a physical walk, go out for a run, or grab a cup of coffee. Give yourself a proper, phone-free mental break before a sprint, regardless of what you do, and you’ll return relaxed and ready to accomplish more.

4. Do not Multitask

The human brain is incapable of handling several complex tasks at a time. Multitasking at work can make you less productive. This is why companies with strong work-life balance programs are more effective.

Multitasking might be an asset in specific environments. However, it can also be a source of stress and distraction.

Practice scheduling particular chunks of time to complete particular tasks, and try to make sure that you accomplish one task before starting another.

5. Leverage Technology

There are a lot of technologies and software available to help you manage your time better. By using those tools, you can improve your productivity at work.

A popular work productivity tool for managing tasks and the internet is Slack. It integrates with other software and tools and is a great way to communicate with co-workers and customers.

Marketers can use it to communicate with customers and co-workers without having to train them.

Conclusion

While there isn’t one best way to boost your productivity at work, there are specific tools and techniques that will help you be competent, more effective, and ultimately achieve more.

About the Author

Eugen Spivak is a multi-award-winning author, business strategist, and a business coach. Eugen is the founder of the Canadian Institute of International Business, an organization focused on a better way to learn business!