With the influx of automation, internet, and wanting to give the best customer service, increased productivity is naturally expected in companies and the workplace in general. Productivity refers to how much the organization’s workers perform in their output, and it is considered the life source of any business. By this definition, most people would think productivity means putting in a lot of hours. It’s not always the case.
Sometimes, all you need to do is work smart to get the best of out of the time of your set schedule. Efficiency is a key ingredient in increasing productivity, and fortunately, there are ways to improve it. If you’re looking for ways to improve productivity in the workplace, then read below.
Track Your Time
It sounds like a lot of pressure, but knowing how much time you’re working on certain tasks and breaks will help you understand your work habits better. A suggestion on keeping on track is to make a to-do list for work on the day to keep yourself accountable. However, make sure to make the items on your to-do list are realistic and you allow time for breaks in between.
Time-management apps are becoming increasingly popular in the last several years. In fact, there are already thousands of similar apps out in the market.
What you need to realize is that you or your workers themselves have the solutions to their own productivity. A good suggestion for getting work moving on open-ended tasks is to set a personal deadline along with some goals.
Make the Most Out of Your Commute
Unless you work from home, most people actually commute to work, and those who do this regularly know that there is a lot of downtime during the travel. Instead of using a smartphone or tablet to play minigames, use it instead to brainstorm the tasks you are supposed to do in order to make it in time for the deadline.Â
You can also use this time to make your to-do list too. Either you can write it in your phone, laptop, by hand on a piece of paper, or use a portable smart typewriter to make your list more legible. The great thing about a dedicated gadget for writing is that it’s less distracting than opening other mobile tools.
Breaks Are Important
Taking multiple breaks during the workday actually helps improve productivity. In fact, it is backed by research, saying that workers are able to maintain their focus and performance when they take breaks, versus working straight for hours and hours.Â
Besides, sitting for a long time is also unhealthy, so apart from a mental rest, breaks encourage workers to stand up and walk around. You can try alternating sitting and standing up while working if it’s possible to encourage more movement.
Make sure to walk around as well. Take the opportunity to move your legs and hydrate at the same time by frequently getting up for a glass of water or two.
Naps Work
A little snooze can actually help increase your energy. In fact, it has been explained scientifically that a nap can help clear the brain of adenosine, a compound that encourages sleep. If possible, nap between 20 and 30 minutes.
If you want to make the nap more effective, drink a cup of coffee before dozing off because the caffeine takes about 20 minutes to affect the body. You’ll wake up more energized and more focused, enabling you to accomplish tasks easily.
If there is simply no time to nap, give yourself a little break by moving about. Drowsiness and sleepiness can be challenging especially after taking your midday meal. If you have colleagues you can talk to and they are free, engage in friendly office chatter to take your mind off post lunch lethargy.
Get Enough Sleep
When you are tired and you go to work that way, there is little to no chance that you will be able to accomplish tasks or be half as productive as when you are well-rested. Chronic sleep deprivation resulting from stress and overtime at work can lead to many health problems, and there is no better cure than getting a good night’s sleep daily. It has been studied that sleep helps repair the brain, which affects the short-term and long-term memory.
Of course, it also depends based on your personal sleeping needs. There are people who are able to function on less than the prescribed eight hours a day. Try listening to your body to gauge the amount of rest you need to be able to function well the next day.
Remote Working
Companies should get on the trend of encouraging workers to work remotely or from home. This, in conjunction with flexible hours, allows people to be more focused on tasks ahead. There are some people who thrive on working from home because they are motivated to work because they don’t have to put in energy to prepare for the long day at work. Understandably, remote working is not for everyone because socializing with others may be a part of their day.
Offer Incentives and Perks
Big companies are known to reward and motivate their workers with perks and incentives, and there’s a reason everyone should be on board—they work. Extras like gym memberships, free movie tickets, and discounts can make workers feel appreciated, which can increase their morale at work. Furthermore, not all people are motivated by increased salary over more responsibilities at work, so perks are a great option.
Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to workers and productivity. The most important thing to remember is to provide honest, open communication and a safe space for employees to air out their thoughts and complaints. When workers are happy, it shows in their performance.
What strategies do you know about improving productivity at work? List them in the comments below.
