8 Tips to Enhance Productivity at Work

Do you ever feel like you’re wasting time at work? Or not getting the production results you should, given the amount of time you spend working? Truth is, as hard as one may work, struggling with sustained productivity is not uncommon in the workplace. People struggle with productivity for a number of different reasons, all the way from poor time-management to emotional distractions. Therefore, no matter what the reason behind your lack in production is, it’s important to know to help yourself to getting back on the right track. As a matter of fact, it’s not always about working harder, but learning how to work smarter for better results. 

Working Smarter, Not Harder – 8 Tips to Enhance Productivity at Work:

1. Take 5 Minute Breaks Every 1.5 Hours

• Not only has it been proven that one can only focus up to 90 minutes before concentration levels start to decline, but the idea that much of our creative thinking happens during leisure time has also been a hot-topic among corporate world recently. With this, taking quick 5 minute breaks every hour and a half while working will allow you to recharge your “concentration batteries,” and might even enhance creative insight. Also, stop eating lunch at your desk!  Although simultaneous eating and working may seem more productive, a good mid-day lunch break away from all  work will allow you to return with a fresh perspective and enhanced attitude.

2. Get Daunting Tasks Done First
   

• Every now and then, we are faced with a daunting task at work. When this happens, make it a priority to complete this task first thing in the morning. This way, it won’t be hanging over you the whole day and you’ll be able to approach the rest of the day’s tasks with a clear mind.

3. Avoid Constantly Checking your Email

• With an overwhelming number of media platforms today, it can be hard not to get distracted from the task at hand. With this, many people make the mistake of keeping their email open in a separate tab while they’re working. Constantly responding to various emails throughout the day ends up consuming lots of time. Continuously reverting your priorities from tasks at work to email creates a lack of focus and unnecessary chaos in the life any person looking for success. Instead, try designating two to three specific times a day to check your email.

4. Make “To Do” Lists 

• One of the main reasons people aren’t productive at work is because they simply forget things they needed to do. No matter what position you’re in, most jobs require us to accomplish a number of tasks, both big and small, everyday. If we forget any number of these tasks, by the time we remember we typically end up in a last-minute frenzy to get the task done before anyone notices that it was forgotten. With this, it’s important to keep an ongoing “to do” list. In doing this, every time another task comes up, we can easily write it down on our “to do” list and cross it off when it has been completed.
  

5. Be Aware of How to Avoid Burning Out

• Stress, the root cause of burnout, costs U.S. businesses $300 billion in lost productivity each year. However, taking some simple preventative measures to avoid burnout can go a long way in helping you to be more productive. Signs of burnout include sleeplessness, frequent illness, general lack of interest, forgetfulness, depression, irritability, and working hard and feeling drained without signs of higher production. Therefore, in order to reduce stress and avoid burning out it’s important to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, get outside, take breaks, and take vacations. Check out this resource to avoid burnout. 

6. Don’t Work Too Late!
   

• Constantly working long hours numbs your mind, hurts your relationships, and slows down creativity. Therefore, instead of working long-hour days into the night, try and figure out how to manage your time better in fewer number of hours. After getting the hang of it, you should start to see increased production results. 

7. Organize your Work Space

• This one is fairly self-explanatory. If your work space is full of clutter, your mind will be cluttered.

8. Continue Learning

• Progressive learning is essential to staying motivated. If you don’t continue to grow and develop, how can you expect to sustain production levels and make the most of your time? Productive workers are always ahead of the curve by knowing how, and with whom, to spend their time. 
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