There are only so many hours in the day, so making the most of your time is critical. There are only two ways to increase your output, either put in more hours or work smarter. I don’t know about you, but I prefer the latter. Here are 15 simple but effective strategies for increasing your productivity at work.
1. Track and limit how much time you’re spending on tasks
You may think you are pretty good at gauging how much time you are spending on various tasks. However, research suggests only around 17% of people are able to accurately estimate the passage of time. A tool like Rescue Time can help by letting you know exactly how much time you spend on daily tasks, including social media, email, word processing, and apps.
2. Take regular breaks
It sounds counterintuitive, but taking scheduled breaks can actually help improve concentration. Research has shown that taking short breaks during long tasks helps you to maintain a constant level of performance; while working at a task without breaks leads to a steady decline in performance.
3. Set self-imposed deadlines
While we usually think of stress as a bad thing, a manageable level of self-imposed stress can actually be helpful in terms of giving us focus and helping us meet our goals. For open-ended tasks or projects, try giving yourself a deadline, and then stick to it. You may be surprised to discover just how focused and productive you can be when you are watching the clock.
4. Follow the “two-minute rule”
Try implementing the “two-minute rule” to make the most of small windows of time that you have at work. The idea is this: If you see a task or action that you know can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately. Completing the task right away actually takes less time than having to get back to it later.
5. Just say no to meetings
Meetings are one of the biggest time-wasters around, yet somehow we continue to unquestioningly book them, attend them and, inevitably, complain about them. We are told that the average office worker spends over 31 hours each month in unproductive meetings. So, before booking your next meeting, ask yourself whether you can accomplish the same goals or tasks via email, phone, or Web-based meeting (which may be slightly more productive).
6. Hold standing meetings
If you absolutely must have a meeting, there’s some evidence that standing meetings (they are just what they sound like–everyone stands) can result in increased group arousal, decreased territoriality, and improved group performance.
7. Quit multitasking
While we tend to think of the ability to multitask as an important skill for increasing efficiency, the opposite may, in fac,t be true. Psychologists have found attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity. Instead, make a habit of committing to a single task before moving on to your next project.
8. Take advantage of your commute
This goes for any unexpected “bonus” time you may find on your hands. Instead of Candy-Crushing or Facebooking, use that time to pound out some emails, create your daily to-do list, or do some brainstorming.
9. Give up on the illusion of perfection
It is common for entrepreneurs to get hung up on attempting to perfect a task. The reality is nothing is ever perfect. Rather than wasting time chasing after this illusion, bang out your task to the best of your ability and move on. It is better to complete the task and move it off your plate. If need be, you can always come back and adjust or improve it later.
10. Take exercise breaks
Using work time to exercise may actually help improve productivity, according to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. If possible, build in set times during the week for taking a walk or going to the gym. Getting your blood pumping could be just what is needed to clear your head and get your focus back.
11. Be proactive, not reactive
Allowing incoming phone calls and emails to dictate how you spend your day will mean you do a great job of putting out fires, but that may be all you get accomplished. Instead set aside time for responding to emails, but do not let them determine what your day is going to look like. Have a plan of attack at the start of each day, and then do your best to stick to it.”
12. Turn off notifications
No one can be expected to resist the allure of an email, voicemail, or text notification. During work hours, turn off your notifications, and instead build in time to check email and messages. This is all part of being proactive rather than reactive (see number 11).
13. Work in 90-minute intervals
Researchers at Florida State University have found elite performers (athletes, chess players, musicians, etc) who work in intervals of no more than 90 minutes, are more productive than those who work 90 minutes plus. They also found that top performing subjects tend to work no more than 4.5 hours per day. Sounds good to me!
14. Give yourself something nice to look at
It may sound unlikely, but some research shows outfitting an office with aesthetically pleasing elements, like plants, can increase productivity by up to 15%. If you are into Feng Shui, a fish tank is a must!
15. Minimise interruptions (to the best of your ability)
Having a colleague pop her head into your office to chat may seem innocuous, but even brief interruptions appear to produce a change in work pattern and a corresponding drop in productivity. Minimising interruptions may mean setting office hours, keeping your door closed, or working from home for time-sensitive projects.
If you feel the need to increase your productivity at work, resist the temptation to put in longer hours or pack more into your already full calendar. Instead, take a step back, and think about ways you can work smarter, not harder.
