Smartwatches in the Workplace How They re Increasing Productivity

10 ways to boost your productivity at work

You reach the end of your workday and glance down at your (now coffee-stained) to-do list.

Youre immediately overcome with frustration as you realize that barely half the tasks are checked off.

Seriously, what happened? Youve been at your desk for the better part of eight hours. Why didnt you get more accomplished?

Maintainin a high level of productivity is not intuitive or easy but you dont have to resign yourself to feeling discouraged and depleted at the end of every workday. We rounded up ten top-notch, rock-solid tips you can put into play to channel your focus, and defeat your to-do list plus a quiz to help get you started.

1. Manage your energy, not just your time

People naturally have ebbs and flows in their work processes or in how well they can focus, explains Dr. Melissa Gratias, a workplace productivity coach and speaker. These peaks and valleys in your focus and motivation are naturally occurring in your body, driven by your ultradian rhythms.

You cant compete with science. So rather than doubling down on your caffeine intake, the smarter move is to pay close attention to the times of day when you feel most energized.

Keep a journal for at least a week or two (one day isnt long enough to identify trends) and note how you feel. Youll have an easier time spotting your biological prime time the times youre most in the zone.

With that information, you can allocate your work more effectively. Plan your deep, complex, or creative work for your golden hours (you can even block off your calendar) and save menial tasks for the times when you feel a little more drained.

2. Build a better to-do list

The critical behavior that I advise people not to fall into is setting yourself up for failure before the day even begins, Gratias says. If we pull out a task list of 25 things to do, were guaranteed that were going to be disappointed in our progress at the end of the day.

Try whittling down to your priorities Gratias recommends choosing between five and nine tasks you want to make progress on that day. This ties back to a psychological principle called The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two.

Other people swear by the similar 1-3-5 rule for an empowering to-do list. Pick one big thing you need to accomplish that day, three medium things, and five little things.

If youre really struggling to figure out what deserves some real estate on your list, use an Eisenhower Matrix (sometimes called a prioritization matrix) to sort through your tasks and determine which ones deserve top billing and which ones can be delegated or fall off your list entirely.

3. Tune out distractions

Distractions and interruptions are for sure an impediment to productivity, says Gratias. She explains that these distractions fall into two different categories:

• Self-imposed: distractions within our control, like the notifications we receive from our devices, which we have the power turn off.
• Environmentally imposed: distractions that we cant control as easily, like a colleague dropping by our desks.

And its not only the distraction itself that robs you of your time its also the time and energy you have to spend refocusing (which research has shown can take upwards of 23 minutes).

While Gratias cautions that youll never completely eliminate distractions, you can reduce them by:

• Closing out your email tab or setting up an autoresponder
• Switching your phone and instant message platform to do not disturb mode
• Using a browser blocker (like StayFocusd) to avoid time-wasting sites
• Putting on headphones to block out environmental distractions

4. Focus on one thing at a time

I am a great multitasker! Thats my favorite misconception that I hear from employees, explains Dr. Larry Rosen, Professor Emeritus and former Chair of Psychology at California State University Dominguez Hills.

Heres the thing: Research shows that the human brain is actually incapable of multitasking. Instead, youre rapidly switching between different tasks appropriately referred to as task switching or context switching. Youre basically interrupting yourself, and you know now that those self-imposed disruptions only tank your productivity.

So how do you get your brain to do one thing at once? Say out loud the one thing youre going to work on (for example, Im going to finish this slide deck.). And thats it! Its called external self-talk, and plenty of research has shown that it can have a real impact on your behavior.

5. Batch your tasks

Even if youre technically focusing on only one task at a time, repeatedly switching between different types of work you answer an email then update a report then work on your slide deck then answer another email can be mentally draining.

You use different parts of your brain for different tasks, which means youre majorly straining your noggin by not having any sort of systematic approach to your work.

Try batching your tasks, which is essentially grouping similar tasks together and doing them all at once. You can even try time blocking, where you set specific time windows for certain types of tasks (for example, youll answer emails from 9am to 10am).

You might still need to occasionally handle things outside of their designated time slots, but any effort to stick related tasks together will give your brain some welcomed respite.

6. Prioritize healthy habits

Its not just the stuff you do during the workday that impacts your productivitythe things you do outside of work carry a lot of weight too.

Maintaining healthy habits is a lot easier said than done, but even seemingly small changes can have a big impact on your energy levels, focus, and overall mood. Here are a few quick things to try:

• Drink an entire glass of water before your morning coffee
• Set a timer every hour to get up from your desk and stretch
• Move your bedtime up (even a half hour helps) to get a little more sleep

7. Take a break (or a few)

Its tempting to think that more time at your desk means youll get more done. But in reality, studies show that taking regular breaks can can actually boost your productivity.

If youre prone to getting sucked into your work and forgetting to step away, using a time management method like the Pomodoro Technique will ensure you get up for a five-minute break between every 25-minute work period.

Want to maximize your impact in that short time away? Head outside for some fresh air. Studies show that getting out into nature can alleviate mental fatigue.

8. Refine your workspace

That majority of us who suddenly found themselves working from home in Spring 2020 (shudder) know how less-than-ideal surroundings can affect our productivity. Thats why its well worth curating a workspace that helps you feel your most focused and motivated.

That can mean something different to everybody, but here are a few suggestions:

• Invest in some ergonomic desk accessories (like a chair, cushion, or wrist rest) to support your body.
• Position your desk near a window. Natural light can boost your work performance.
• Add a plant to your workspace. One study found that people with plants nearby had a 12% faster reaction time on computer tests.

Other efforts, like relying on a password manager, creating templates, and using a centralized project management platform mean you can spend less time searching for what you need and more time focused on your actual work.

9. Change your scenery

When your environment can have such a big impact on your focus and productivity, its worth trying to switch it up every now and then too.

Move from your desk to answer some emails on your couch. Or bring your laptop out to your patio. Or do a few hours of work from your favorite coffee shop.

Not only does this build in an extra break (you have to pause what youre doing and relocate), but it also helps you buckle down. Your brain loves novelty and releases dopamine when its presented with something new and exciting. Dopamine isnt just a feel good brain chemical its a powerful motivator too.

10. Let go of perfectionism

I think one of the most insidious beliefs that limits productivity more than anything else is perfectionism, explains Gratias. This perfectionism not only leads to failure to start things because if we cant finish them perfectly, we dont even begin, but it also eventually leads to failure to finish because if its not perfect, we keep working on it and keep tweaking it.

While this desire to do spotless work is admirable, it can also significantly hinder your progress and productivity.

How can you stop obsessing and focus on progress over perfection? When you have a task or a project, set a timebox (i.e. a certain span of time, such as 15 minutes or an hour) that dictates how long youll work on that specific item. When the timebox ends, that task is as done as its going to get for now.

Not only does this tactic instill a sense of urgency (which inspires you to get moving), but it also removes some pressure youre more focused on seeing how much progress you can make in that time period, rather than working until the entire task is completed.

Take control of your productivity at work

Most of us have a lot to do. But even with high expectations and the best intentions, its hard to muster the motivation and make the most of your time at work.

The truth is that youre human you wont operate at peak efficiency all day every day. But there are still plenty of things you can try to boost your productivity levels and transform that end-of-day glance at your (reasonable) to-do list from disheartening to gratifying.

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15 effective tips to increase productivity in the workplace

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Wondering how to increase productivity in the workplace?

A successful business owner understands how important productivity is in a work environment.

Employee productivity can help companies use the capacity of their available workforce efficiently. And most enterprises that focus on productivity usually have healthy and happy employees,which adds to their overall success.

However, trying to use a single approach for every employee will most likely fail because one might not easily understand everything. Knowing which method to use for each employee would offer a better solution and can create a happy and healthy environment for both the employee and the company making it easier for employees to achieve their goals.

In this article, well take a look at 15 practical tips for increasing workplace productivity.

This article contains:

(Click on the links to jump to a specific section)

Lets get started.

How to increase productivity in the workplace

Here are 15 tips for increasing productivity in the workplace:

1. Keep employees accountable

When youre giving orders to your employees, always be precise and avoid giving general orders.

You should also designate the task to each assigned individual and ensure that they fully understand that theyre the ones responsible for their duties.

Holding your employees accountable for their tasks and goals means that theyll put in extra effort and be more meticulous with their tasks.

How?

Having them feel that theyre held accountable would strengthen their sense of ownership of the kind of work handed to them. So with this sort of mindset, they tend to achieve it as best as they could.

This process is also another way to ensure that fewer mistakes are made.

2. Motivate your employees

Employee motivation is an essential factor in improving workforce productivity.

Why?

Employees lacking motivation get bored quickly, especially those employees that do routine tasks every single work day.

Another issue is that unmotivated employees dont have any joy in finishing any tasks handed to them.

So how do you motivate your employees?

One effective way to raise an employees motivation is through gamification.

As the word gamification suggests, make something enjoyable out of the task handed to them.

Like how RPGs (role-playing games) use repetitive elements like boosts, rewards, life powers, and rankings to level up, your employees need something thatll motivate them to achieve more, such as:

• Being the weeks top sales leader.
• Having the highest attendance percentage.
• Completing the most tasks in a month, etc.

This kind of game environment also boosts employee morale and employee motivation.

With this type of process, employees are motivated to work hard and work more efficiently because they can earn something from it.

Many companies usually forget to recognize a job well done or even thank the employees for working hard, which can result in a negative impact and unmotivated employees.

Employees might think that their efforts arent recognized, so they stick to doing mediocre work, which leads them to boredom.

A word of encouragement, a simple thank you, and little rewards for working hard will show how much the management and the company value their jobs. It may also be possible to convert rewards, points, and rankings to monetary bonuses.

But always remember that rewards can come in many forms, such as mandatory leave or time off from work.

This will keep them motivated and engaged because theyre both recognized and valued for doing their best for the company.

Looking for more ways to boost employeeengagement?

Here are the best employee engagement software.

3. Conduct regular reviews

One way to create a productive and engaged employee is to explain whats expected of them.

This is the main reason why companies introduce employees to their companys vision, core values, and company culture during the onboarding process.

However, always be mindful of how you delegate tasks, and dont forget to follow up with each employee about their assigned task.

Remember to ask for the status of the task given to them. This way, youll know that progress is being made and your employees are doing their work.

Its also important to provide feedback after they give you an update.

Why?

Feedback is one way to ensure that the employees arent stuck with whatever ideas they have.

Additionally, employees like to hear feedback from their employers because it lets them know what parts of the task need tweaking, whats lacking, and anything else they need to change.

You should also acknowledge their accomplishments but also address their errors and faults while providing them with solutions.

The key is to giveconstructive criticism of their performance.

4. Avoid micromanaging

It might be difficult to determine the difference between micromanaging and managing.

However, always keep in mind that with micromanaging, youre teaching your employees to become dependent on you or their supervisors.

Employees need direction and should have initiative while doing their jobs.

But spoon-feeding every detail of their job can hinder an employees growth.

Project managers are responsible for assigning tasks, defining duties, and providing employees with the resources they need to complete their work. However, its the employees responsibility to figure out how they should go about their tasks.

To avoid micromanaging, encourage employees to work the way they want.

Ask them to learn, work, and think independently, benefiting the company.

And if they make any mistakes, always speak to them first before jumping to any conclusions. This way, your employees will try their best to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

5. Assign realistic tasks

Pushing your productive employees to the limit of their ability is fine, but do not overdo it.

Employees are humans, and humans get tired.

Some employees may feel completely overloaded with their never-ending task list.

Being overburdened by tons of daily tasks may be why employees are procrastinating. This can lead to frequent delays and unproductiveness.

Employers need to assign achievable tasks and give employees enough time to do those tasks. This way, employees will feel motivated because theyre accomplishing all the tasks youve provided to them.

Burning them out with a crazy job and unachievable deadlines are major motivation killers.

So what can you do?

Set realistic individual goals and targets for your employees. This way, you can increase their effectiveness, awareness, and impact on their role in your company.

6. Be strict with breaks

Encourage employees to have breaks and other recreational activities.

Why?

Stress from overworking can lead to two things:

• It can demotivate the employee.
• It can also lead to procrastination, which is a major productivity killer.

Taking breaks from work can help reset your employees tired brains.

We suggest a 10-minute break after 50 minutes of work.

A short break can help you feel refreshed when you need to start a new task or work on the current task.

You should also ask them to take a 30-minute break every 3 hours.

And remember to encourage your employees to have a change of scenery during that break.

They can use this time to go out for a walk, grab a coffee, or plan their weekly grocery list.

7. Encourage exercising

Your employees health should be your top priority. Your business cant be successful when your workforce is often sick or absent.

Sitting down in front of a computer all day can pose major health risks.

Some ideas that can prevent employees from being ill or stressed are:

• Encourage employees to stand up for a few minutes every day.
• Add standing desks to the office.
• Allow employees an opportunity to do some remote work to avoid the stresses of commuting.
• Opt for a weekly yoga / Zumba/ aerobics session after work hours.

The bottom line is you should encourage employees to have a physical fitness schedule in their daily activities.

It could be stretching, a little workout or maybe some home done aerobics exercise or even an athletic team building exercise, which also improves worker engagement.

Another benefit of this is that team building activities could also lead to better teamwork in your workplace.

This kind of activity will not only keep them fit and healthy but also boosts employee engagement and helps employees have a clearer mind, especially when working.

Its proven that employees who are physically fit and mentally active will perform better at work and have a positive attitude towards work and its workplace.

8. Break job routines

While its good to allow an employee to focus on a particular core task, doing that same job for about 40 hours can become exhausting.

To break this dull job routine, try rotating the responsibilities and introducing new roles to different employees.

This way, you can expand their abilities and can give your team an overview of the type of roles their co-workers have. Theyll also gain insights into how the company works.

9. Always set the bar high

Different organizations have their standards, and its essential to introduce employees to those expectations for long-term success.

Let your employees know the rules your business is imposing and what you expect from them.

Your employees also need to know that theyll get more promotion opportunities by developing new skills or acquiring new knowledge.

Every work day should be a challenge for each employee.

Your employees should not be complacent and just stick to manageable tasks. This would reduce their value, and consequently, affect work productivity.

So you should let your employees understand that trust, opportunities, and respect are something that everyone should earn.

10. Provide training

Just like how we update our technologies, your employees need an upgrade as well this will help them reach a higher level of productivity.

Learning is a continuous process, and providing your employees with seminars and training courses will improve their skill sets.

Introducing your employees to innovative solutions will also motivate them to be more creative while they work. Always remember, a motivated employee is a happy employee.

But it doesnt mean that you need to spend a considerable amount of money just to give them the necessary training. You can always hire a speaker or trainer that would like to teach or motivate your employees.

11. Avoid multitasking

We know this sounds strange.

Usually multitasking is considered a skill and helps employees reach targets quickly.

Nowadays, there are tons of productivity tools out there that can streamline daily tasks for you.

So theres no need to encourage your employees to multitask when they actually have the time to focus on a specific task.

Although multitasking can lead to short-term achievements, working on many tasks every day can also lead to burnout.

Once employees are burnt out, theyll struggle to concentrate, which can lead to several mistakes on projects.

12. Remove distractions

Letting your employees have access to their mobile phones at all times can be a bit of a time waster.

We dont mean that you should initiate a cell phone ban.

However, creating a cell phone policy that encourages employees to turn off their phones while they work can lead to increased productivity.

Its also important to give them the time to check for any messages, so theyre not distracted by the thought of incoming messages, their social media, or phone calls.

While a remote worker has the benefit of being able to work in a quiet home, an in-office employee can get distracted by casual conversations and background noise.

So how can you prevent distractions at the workplace?

Here are a few solutions:

• Ask employees to speak softly when taking phone calls.
• Encourage employees to use headphones to listen to music or podcasts to block out the noise.
• Cut down the number of unnecessary meetings at the workplace.

13. Let employees decorate their office

A study conducted by Tim Harford shows that employees are 30% more productive when theyre allowed to decorate their offices.

This means that the more comfortable your employees feel, the less stressed and more productive theyll be. It also boosts morale and leads to a more productive workplace.

Additionally, your employees will look forward to seeing and working in a well-decorated office environment.

14. Reward employees with great perks

This one is all about employee satisfaction.

What do we mean?

Well, lets take a look at Google.

Google is well-known for providing employees with massage rooms, nap pods, and complimentary haircuts.

The point here is to offer your employees some perks, so they have a better employee experience and feel comfortable in their work environment.

According to the Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report, 87% of employees would like their current employer to offer healthier workplace benefits like wellness rooms, company fitness benefits, healthy lunch options, and ergonomic seating.

Here are some other examples of perks you can introduce to improve employee job satisfaction:

• Bookstore vouchers.
• Spa day passes.
• Monthly movie tickets.
• Gym memberships.

15. Use productivity software

Productivity software helps people get more done at work through features like time trackers, reminders, reports, and checklists, along with automated invoicingsoftware meant to streamline payment processes.

On top of that, productivity software also offers project managers a visual representation of the organizations workflow, which improves task delegation and team coordination.

A. Know the new applications in the store

Theres a new app sold in the market or even downloaded for free each day.

Apps like language tutorials, to-do lists applications, and even apps where you can check and jot down your expenses are available today.

With the various types of iOS, Android, and Windows apps in the market, do some research and find an app that fits your business. After that, try to suggest it to your employees.

You can also look for browser extensions designed to help boost employee productivity.

B. Install and use an instant messenger

You should install an instant messaging software app to your employees stations for effective communication.

A group messenger app like Slack where you can quickly give instructions or feedback can be an excellent tool for improving communication.

Sharing information quickly through an instant messaging app is incredibly useful for large companies and companies that focus on remote work.

C. Install a time tracker

Its important to be aware of how your employees use their time.

To do this, you need a tool that can track the amount of time your employees take to complete individual tasks and larger projects in real time.

This type of metric shows which employees are productive and which ones need more training.

Additionally, a time tracker tool also shows you which areas of your workflow are taking up the most time. And by using this info, you can implement a strategy to help your employees take less time on those tasks.

A well-rounded time tracking tool like Time Doctor not only tracks time spent on tasks but also an employees idle time.

What is Time Doctor?

Time Doctor is the ultimate time tracking and productivity management tool.

Used by incredibly productive companies and small businesses, Time Doctor is suitable for any business that wants to get more done.

With features ranging from advanced time tracking to excellent integrations with leading project management tools like Jira, Time Doctor is the best app for increasing employee productivity.

Heres a quick overview of how Time Doctor can help you with time management:

• Track how much time it takes for teams to complete tasks.
• Create projects and assign tasks to team members right within Time Doctor.
• Use productivity ratings to select which websites and apps you want to be classified as unproductive.
• Access comprehensive work productivity reports so you can gauge each employees productivity level.
• Take screenshots of your employees computer screens during work hours.
• Track time on the go with the Android app.

Final thoughts

Boosting workplace productivity can be a challenging task.

But dont worry!

Just implement the productivity tips we covered above and your employees will have the right resources to be super productive.

And remember, a healthy and happyenvironment is the key to higher productivity in the workplace.

About the Author

Susan Culp is a blogger specializing in business articles. She writes on behalf ofMoneybanker, a company that provides the best options when it comes to loans. Aside from being a blogger and writer by heart, she also loves discovering innovative ways in improving ones leadership and management skills.