We all want to be productive at work. However, not every day pans out quite as we hope all the time. You will get side-tracked occasionally, you will feel sluggish and your mind will sometimes wander.
Of course, there are some instances when constant low energy at work could be a sign that you might need a new job. There’s no shame in that, and if you think that might be the case, simply upload your CV here and let us help you find your dream job. However, for those who are just looking for a few tips and tricks to help boost their productivity at work, we have some advice for you too.
One of the biggest productivity mistakes employees can make is cancelling their own breaks in a bid to maximise the time they have to get work done. In reality, not taking breaks will slow you down, exhaust your brain and actually make you less productive.
Resist the temptation to power through your entire workload and take a few minutes’ break after each task to recharge your brain and help maximise your energy levels when you actually are working.
Your inbox is where productivity often goes to die. Each email will most likely require you to read it, decide on its importance, figure out a response or launch right into a new task. Repeat that cycle for every unread email and suddenly half your day is gone and you’re left feeling like you’ve done very little.
Instead, scan for any high priority emails – and by high priority, I mean ‘require immediate attention’ – and leave the rest for now. Designate one or two times during your working day where your task is to go through your emails, but make sure that those specific times have an ending so you don’t get bogged down once again.
To-do lists are the holy grail of productivity at work. Start each day with a to-do list of what you hope to achieve that day and keep an eye on it to make sure you stay on track.
The important things to remember about to-do lists is not to fill it up with too many. If you make your list unrealistic, it can be overwhelming and you may revert to avoiding the work altogether. Be realistic about what you can achieve and also be willing to be flexible.
If you have a big important task to tackle, don’t put it off until the end of the day. When you have a task that you’re dreading, not only will it slow down your other tasks, but there’s a chance that you won’t have left enough time to actually complete it.
Additionally, if you’re more likely to have an afternoon slump, you’ll be even less in the mood to complete the big task than you were in the morning. Getting the big jobs out of the way first will improve your productivity and make the rest of the day easier.
Even with the best to-do lists in the world, unexpected tasks will come up through the day and throw your plans slightly off track. However, half the battle of mastering your productivity levels is making sure you actually feel productive every day.
Every time a new, unexpected task comes up, be sure to add it to the list. It’s a small ritual that might not seem to make a difference, but at the end of the day when you see a couple of task on the list that you didn’t get to, you’ll feel better seeing other tasks you did complete that had to take priority.
Similar to taking regular breaks, it can be tempting to stick to your desk in order to power through your workload, but even taking breaks at your desk won’t quite be enough to recharge the batteries.
Your work environment has an effect on your productivity levels, so it’s important to actually get up and leave your desk for a few minutes every so often. A change of scenery or even some fresh air can be just what your body needs to stay on top of your workload.
Feeling confused about your career? We’ve got everything you need to know about progression, new jobs and happiness in your career right here.
By Jenny Darmody
Jenny Darmody is the growth editor at RECRUITERS
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
