Whether you’re running your own business or working for somebody else’s, you’re probably all too familiar with feeling like you are chasing your own tail at work. When you’ve got back-to-back meetings and so many emails flying into your inbox that it’s hard to keep up, it’s frustrating to get to the end of the day and feel like although you’ve barely stopped working hard, you still feel like you haven’t actually managed to get all that much done. There’s not much worse at work than having an unproductive day at the office.
Here are the best strategies to read to boost productivity:
#1. Be More Comfortable:
Being comfortable at work might seem counterproductive to getting more done – but the truth is you’re less likely to be productive throughout your working day if you are uncomfortable, irritated, or feeling pain. If you’re sat at a desk most of the day, this can quickly start to take a toll on your back and neck, not to mention that sitting for long periods of time can lead to serious health problems further down the line too. Invest in a standing desk or speak to your boss about getting standing desk options for the office – these are great for fixing your posture and give you a chance to stretch your muscles without having to pause your work.
#2. Focus on Output:
Rather than focusing on the amount of time, effort, and energy that you are putting in, shift your mindset to think about the results that you are getting out of your day at work instead. The sad truth is that too many people don’t actually care all that much about results at work; instead, they are heavily focused on being busy and working long hours for the sake of it. But when you switch your mindset to focus on results you’ll find smarter ways to work that won’t have you slaving at your desk for hours.
#3. Prioritize:
When you’ve got a lot on at work, it can be difficult to figure out what to do first and what to leave for later. So, start focusing on a maximum of three priorities per day – everything else can be figured out tomorrow. This is a great way of working through your to-do list as not only will it suddenly make the list of things you need to do a little less overwhelming, but you’ll also find it easier to stay on top of things that need doing quickly.
#4. Take Control Over Your Emails:
Sorting through your email inbox and replying to emails can take a massive chunk of your day, so put some strategies in place to take back control. An automation system can be a huge help here – that way you can make sure that anybody trying to get in touch gets an instant reply without you having to check your inbox all the time. And, remember that you don’t have to reply to every email straight away – only the really important ones. The rest can wait.
If you’ve been feeling unproductive at work recently, try out some of these strategies and let us know if you see any improvements.