by Matt Davida
Are you constantly staying late to complete projects? Do you feel like you're working for longer than 40 hours a week? In today's fast-paced world, many employees believe they must use the extra time to knock off their to-do lists; however, a study by John Pencavel at Stanford University turns this theory on its head. His work indicates that additional work time doesn't make people more productive; instead, it could prove problematic.
So, what do you do to complete tasks and achieve productivity? Is it possible to accomplish your goals without slaving away at your desk? Yes, it could be. Don't block off the weekend. If you're ready to up your game at work, adopt habits that make use of time and keep you fresh throughout the day. The following are five tips to implement now.
1. Prioritize Your Day
Planning matters/span>. Begin your day by reviewing your schedule and allocating it into chunks. When do you want to go through emails? When can you return phone calls? What about completing projects? Group like items together and get them a place on your schedule.
Write out a list of goals as well. Grab a sticky note, making a visual reminder. Note at least three things you must do and two things you want to tackle. Refer to this throughout your day, crossing off objectives as you complete them. This act gives you a sense of satisfaction and could improve morale and motivation.
2. Observe the Time
Time management is essential in staying on track. When you lose awareness of the day and hours, it becomes significantly harder to get through your assignments. For instance, did you hope online to respond to clients but get distracted by looking something up? Are you finding yourself stuck on one element of a project, and you took an hour to resolve it? While there may be times to dedicate long hours, often, you could solve these hiccups later.
Allocate a block of time to each goal. When that ends, move on. You could finish the others items and use the extra minutes to review and sort out the problems from earlier.
3. Embrace Resources
Use technology and systems to operate efficiently. Does your company invest in help desk software? The program could assist you in answering questions and prioritizing customer needs? Look at it and use it to cut down on your work. When you reduce the research and manual time, you could bolster response and accuracy.
In addition, do you have items in the office that you don't know how to use? It could be worth the time to ask. Management bought the resources for a reason. Educate yourself on them, and integrate them into your work.
4. Delegate When Possible
Do you have a team? Are you training others to rise to the top? If you have any extra hands, don't be afraid to share the work with others. Evaluate what you have on your desk. If you have a project that someone could assist on, reach out. Make it clear that you plan to do your part but think this person could offer assistance and skill in a particular area. Collaborate and knock it out.
5. Enjoy Short Breaks
The mind does tire. If you sit all day without stopping, you may wear out. Make it a habit to break at specific points. Work for an hour. Then, enjoy a stretch break. Don't leave for an hour, but a good 10 to 15 minutes could refresh you. Grab a cup of coffee. Say hi to a friend. Walk a bit around the office building. When ready, go back and refocus on work.
You shouldn't have to slave away at your desk into the evening hours. You could learn to accomplish more during regular office hours with the proper habits. Begin by setting clear, attainable goals; then, allot appropriate time to each to get things done. Stay organized and focused, and be sure to take a few mental breaks as well.
So, what do you do to complete tasks and achieve productivity? Is it possible to accomplish your goals without slaving away at your desk? Yes, it could be. Don't block off the weekend. If you're ready to up your game at work, adopt habits that make use of time and keep you fresh throughout the day. The following are five tips to implement now.
1. Prioritize Your Day
Planning matters/span>. Begin your day by reviewing your schedule and allocating it into chunks. When do you want to go through emails? When can you return phone calls? What about completing projects? Group like items together and get them a place on your schedule.
Write out a list of goals as well. Grab a sticky note, making a visual reminder. Note at least three things you must do and two things you want to tackle. Refer to this throughout your day, crossing off objectives as you complete them. This act gives you a sense of satisfaction and could improve morale and motivation.
2. Observe the Time
Time management is essential in staying on track. When you lose awareness of the day and hours, it becomes significantly harder to get through your assignments. For instance, did you hope online to respond to clients but get distracted by looking something up? Are you finding yourself stuck on one element of a project, and you took an hour to resolve it? While there may be times to dedicate long hours, often, you could solve these hiccups later.
Allocate a block of time to each goal. When that ends, move on. You could finish the others items and use the extra minutes to review and sort out the problems from earlier.
3. Embrace Resources
Use technology and systems to operate efficiently. Does your company invest in help desk software? The program could assist you in answering questions and prioritizing customer needs? Look at it and use it to cut down on your work. When you reduce the research and manual time, you could bolster response and accuracy.
In addition, do you have items in the office that you don't know how to use? It could be worth the time to ask. Management bought the resources for a reason. Educate yourself on them, and integrate them into your work.
4. Delegate When Possible
Do you have a team? Are you training others to rise to the top? If you have any extra hands, don't be afraid to share the work with others. Evaluate what you have on your desk. If you have a project that someone could assist on, reach out. Make it clear that you plan to do your part but think this person could offer assistance and skill in a particular area. Collaborate and knock it out.
5. Enjoy Short Breaks
The mind does tire. If you sit all day without stopping, you may wear out. Make it a habit to break at specific points. Work for an hour. Then, enjoy a stretch break. Don't leave for an hour, but a good 10 to 15 minutes could refresh you. Grab a cup of coffee. Say hi to a friend. Walk a bit around the office building. When ready, go back and refocus on work.
You shouldn't have to slave away at your desk into the evening hours. You could learn to accomplish more during regular office hours with the proper habits. Begin by setting clear, attainable goals; then, allot appropriate time to each to get things done. Stay organized and focused, and be sure to take a few mental breaks as well.
