It doesn’t matter what your job title or profession is, being productive at the end of a workday feels downright awesome. Unfortunately, we aren’t all at our peak productiveness on a daily basis. Let’s face it – we’re all looking for ways to be more productive at work. It’s time to stop draining the office coffee pot and put an end to the multi-page to-do lists. Our expert associates at High Profile have compiled some key tips that the most productive people do at work. Aim to reach your optimum productivity by utilizing these tips.
Narrow down that to-do list. We only have eight work hours in a day (often more for some of us) and we try to cram as much as possible into that allotted time. It might be out of the norm, but putting all your to-do items in the form of a checklist is actually counterproductive. ‘Less is more’ is better in this situation, so take those eight hours focusing on a few items that really matter.
Don’t be afraid to take a break. Whether you go for a walk, grab a bite to eat, or just sit peacefully, it’s important to take breaks each day. Many of us are used to working non-stop all day long, but it’s crucial to take some time to clear your head. Whether it is 5 or 15 minutes, taking a break allows you to tackle the tasks ahead with a clear mind.
Follow the 80/20 rule. 20 percent of what you do each day produces 80 percent of your results. For example, if you are working on a specific project, eliminate as many unnecessary parts as possible that won’t contribute to the 80 percent of results.
Take on harder tasks first thing in the morning. This one is simple – your brain is fresher in the morning, after a good night’s sleep. Take that time to tackle harder tasks and save the mindless work for your afternoon slump.
Use the phone. Thanks to the constant use of email, most people don’t feel the need to pick up the phone and make a call. Little do they know, often times email is often a distraction to the important tasks at hand. How many times have you received an email that multiple people are copied on? This is usually because the sender wants to get it off their plate and on to someone else’s. Do everyone a favor and don’t ‘Reply All’. Pick up the phone and call. As a general rule of thumb, if the email chain is longer than two replies, call.
These five steps should lead you down the path to a more productive workday. We know it’s difficult to overhaul your workplace methods completely, so try to utilize these tips one by one. For more information on how to be more productive at work, contact one of our associates today!
What’s your secret to a productive day on the job?