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Why has productivity become such a buzzword? It is naturally essential to be productive in business. Work productivity equals money, so managers must keep on top of how well their employees perform. If they find that employees are faring poorly, it is in everyone’s best interests to find out what is happening and what can be improved.
If you’re worrying about how productive you are and how to set achievable goals, here are our practical tips and tricks to help you be more productive at work.
What does “work productivity” mean?
Understanding what your managers and colleagues mean by “productive” can be difficult. In a business context, productivity refers to the quality of your work, how often you complete tasks on schedule, and how your work helps drive the company forward. You build a reputation as a reliable, competent person when you consistently deliver quality work, meet deadlines, and contribute to your organisation’s goals.
This means that productive workers become better recognised in the business. And visibility is vital to securing a promotion and the most exciting projects.
What stops employees from being productive?
Productivity can be a real challenge, especially in big offices where distractions are rife. If you are juggling various social media channels, have an open-plan office and are sitting next to a chatterbox, or have a grand city like London at your doorstep, you might risk being distracted in your work. Even over-checking your emails can disrupt your thinking and hold back an important project in favour of responding to a last-minute query with little impact!
The key here is to think of how to prioritise and keep yourself organised with daily to-do lists. Once you have finished writing your list in the morning, don’t stop there – give each element a rank of importance and work your way through. Doing this task at the beginning of every day will mean that some tasks can rise through the list and stop them from getting buried.
Become more productive at work by managing your time
Effective time management helps you make the most of your workday. Allocating your time wisely (which means sticking to the list you make each day!) helps you focus on maintaining control over your workload.
We like the Pomodoro Technique for managing our time at work. This time-management method breaks work into 25-minute intervals, followed by a short break. Such an approach can enhance focus by providing structured work periods and built-in breaks, preventing burnout and improving overall productivity. Many online Pomodoro timers are available for free in your browser. We find Pomofocus particularly helpful and easy to use.
Set clear and achievable goals to improve work productivity
Goals can give you the necessary direction and motivation for your work activities. Specific, measurable, and attainable objectives will give you clarity. And it feels great to achieve those goals—even if the reward is simply ticking them off your list!
Work on your workspace
An ideal work environment minimises distractions and maximises concentration. If you are struggling with a coworking space or open-plan office, try to find a quieter spot—many larger organisations have quiet areas for focus. If this is impossible, we suggest trying noise-cancelling headphones or suggesting to colleagues that the office has designated times for silence and focus.
An organised workspace can help you to become more productive. Give your desk a spring clean and remove anything that isn’t necessary or that you feel is providing more distraction than support.
When in doubt, take yourself out
If nothing else is working, take yourself outside for a breather or a short walk. We all have “off days”. Stretching your legs can help clear the mind and ensure you return to work a little more energised.
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Improving daily productivity is an ongoing process that you must tailor to your needs and situation. The mainstay for the most productive people is consistency in your efforts!
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