Being productive at work is a science. It requires more than simply sitting at your desk, going through emails, and hoping to finish everything on time. With a million and one things happening simultaneously, it’s not always easy to stay focused. However, by making a few small changes, you can significantly increase your productivity and impress your boss with what you accomplish in a short span of time.
1. Prepare in Advance:
Take a moment to review your calendar for the day and assess what you’ll need and where you’ll have to go. Being well-prepared allows you to be more productive and avoids last-minute panic. This could involve having a pen and paper ready for an upcoming meeting, preparing notes for a conference call, or gathering data to provide your supervisor with client information. Use the first few minutes of work to set yourself up for the rest of the day, as unexpected meetings may run longer than anticipated.
2. Start Early:
Getting to work earlier than your colleagues makes it easier to accomplish tasks. It’s gratifying to have already had your cup of coffee and tackled half of your inbox before others arrive. Give yourself extra time in the morning to begin working and close your office door if needed. Mornings are often the most productive time of the day, as crises are less likely to arise. If arriving early is not feasible due to a long commute, you can use that time to check emails, dictate your goals using the voice memo function on your phone, review your calendar, or send out meeting invitations.
3. Set Goals:
The first hour of the day is typically the most productive before meetings, calls, and other work demand your attention. Take a few moments to assess the day ahead and establish your goals and intentions. Consider the following:
- – Identify three tasks that must be completed today.
- – Determine who you need to connect with or seek support from, checking their schedules to find a suitable time.
- – Address any outstanding work from the previous day or week.
- – Prioritise tasks by identifying those that can be postponed without affecting overall priorities.
4. Develop a Plan of Attack:
Ensure you create a plan to accomplish the identified important tasks by the end of the day. You can:
- – Block off dedicated time on your calendar, indicating the specific task you’ll be working on, so colleagues and supervisors are aware of your focus.
- – Practise the Pomodoro technique by setting a timer for 25 minutes of concentrated work followed by a 5-minute break.
- – Close your office door (if applicable) or find a quiet space where you can work without interruptions.
- – Group similar tasks together to enhance efficiency rather than constantly switching between different types of work (e.g., answering emails, editing documents, updating spreadsheets).
- – Identify your most productive time of day and concentrate on tasks requiring more mental effort during that period. Save less demanding tasks, such as email responses, for less productive times.
5. Plan Your Lunch Break:
Some days might present challenges when it comes to taking a full 30-60 minute lunch break. However, regardless of the time available, it’s important to schedule a break in your busy day. Breaks actually contribute to productivity rather than detracting from it. Without taking proper breaks, your mind may wander later in the day, resulting in tasks that would usually take five minutes to consume an hour of your time.
By implementing these small changes, you can optimise your work productivity and make the most of your time at the office.
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