Because there are only so many hours in a day, making the most of your time is essential. There are two ways to increase your productivity in the workplace or any aspect of life: working more hours or working smarter. I’m not sure about you, but I prefer the second option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being more productive at work isn’t rocket science, but it does necessitate being more deliberate in time management. This article will walk you through simple but effective strategies for increasing your workplace productivity. But in the meantime, let’s cover some basic concepts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In simple terms, productivity is a measure of economic or business performance that indicates how efficiently individuals, businesses, industries, and entire economies convert inputs like labor and capital into outputs like goods or services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Productivity is important in a competitive market or at work because it is a measure of efficiency. Increase your productivity, and you can earn more money \u2014 or charge lower prices and steal customers from your competitors. Conversely, if your productivity falls or rises more slowly than competitors, you may be unable to operate profitably or experience sluggish growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Productivity can be measured in terms of units produced, customers served, or other output measures. Setting individual employee productivity goals has the long-term effect of increasing overall company productivity, allowing a company to complete more work in the same amount of time and with the same number of employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using the four characteristics of an effective goal, an example of a great productivity goal for an assembly line worker could be “to increase the number of units produced per hour by 5% between each semi-annual performance review.” A great productivity goal for a data-entry clerk might be ‘increase typing speed by five words per minute each month until reaching 60 words per minute.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If and when you decide to increase productivity in your workplace whether you work from an office space or from home, here are 4 essential components to keep in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are your plans for tomorrow? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the surface, that appears to be a ridiculously simple question – but it isn’t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As humans, we frequently set unrealistic targets and goals for ourselves, sometimes without even realizing it. As a result, it is impossible to get to the bottom of a growing to-do list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To avoid this, make a strategic plan for each day. Write down everything you want to accomplish, then narrow it down to the tasks you know you can complete and are the most important. Everything else can be postponed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is perhaps the most difficult aspect of productivity, but it is one that you can master over time. To stay focused, you should only work on one project at a time, which goes back to the to-do list planning mentioned earlier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can tackle each job one at a time if you know what you need to do each day. Instead of switching between tasks, devote all of your attention and effort to one task until it is completed. Repeat that process throughout the day, every day, and you’ll make quick work of your to-do list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We only have a limited amount of time to play with each day, so it stands to reason that it should be used wisely. This is only possible if you make the right decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is truly important? What tasks or projects can be postponed until tomorrow, next week, or next month? Where are you most likely to make money and please your customers? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always prioritize what matters by selecting tasks that provide the most bang for your buck within your limited time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We all work at different speeds, but keeping a consistent pace is the key to remaining productive. That could be lightning fast for you. Others may find it much slower. There is no right or wrong way; it is whatever works best for each individual. So, keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you move as long as you don’t stop doing whatever you’re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try incorporating these strategies to increase your productivity and work smarter at work or in any capacity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be tempting to complete several tasks at once, especially if they appear minor or simple. However, it simply does not work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Multitasking is not humanly possible,\" says neuroscience professor Earl K. Miller. <\/pre>\n\n\n\nWe’re delusory if we think we can easily juggle phone calls, presentations, and eating lunch. My advice is, concentrate on one task at a time, and you’ll finish it faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#2. Take Frequent Breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We may believe that working longer hours means we are getting more done, but we never work as well when we are exhausted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking regular breaks has been shown in studies to improve concentration and mood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, take a five-minute walk around the office, or take 15 minutes to get that mid-afternoon coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#3. Establish Small Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking at our goals can be overwhelming at times. Having a number of large projects on your calendar can be stressful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you divide it into smaller tasks, you will feel more in control and be much more productive. Rather than writing “finish project,” break it down into all the tasks that will be required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will keep you on track in your daily activities and make larger projects seem less intimidating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#4. Complete the Most Important Tasks When You Are Most Alert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We all put off big goals because we’re not sure we’ll be able to complete them. And by the time we get to them, we’re too exhausted from the day to give them the attention they require. That’s how projects end up extending into extra days, giving the impression that productivity has vanished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, understanding when and how you work best is critical to completing large projects on time. But then, there is no one-size-fits-all schedule. If you are a morning person, tackle the major tasks first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5. Follow the \u201cTwo-Minute Rule\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fill those tiny windows with actual tasks to make the most of your time at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding and completing tasks that take two minutes or less, according to entrepreneur Steve Olenski, actually saves you time. So, if it only takes two minutes, do it now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two-minute rule also states that any goal or habit can be started in under two minutes. Setting new goals does not imply that you will be able to complete every task in 120 seconds, but it is the first step toward achieving them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#6. Be Proactive Rather Than Reactive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The term reactive implies that you do not use or have initiative. You let others tell you what to do and make decisions at work, while you’re the ‘doer’ who gets things done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In contrast, the term “proactive” implies that you anticipate things, find new ways to work, and come up with new ideas on your own. Nobody needs to tell you what to do because you’re always a step ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To become more proactive and use your time more productively and efficiently, not to mention impress your colleagues more, remember three key points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n