Ten ways to increase productivity at the office
The Eid holidays draw to a close today. As most of you head back to your offices and workplaces tomorrow, here are a few tips to increase productivity while working.
1. Plan and prioritize
Plan your day the night before or first thing in the morning. It helps keep you focused on the important tasks. In case of urgent work that comes up at a moment’s notice, attend to it first, and then resume the work as planned.
Make four categories of your to-do tasks:
Important + urgent
Important + less urgent
Less important +urgent
Less important + less urgent
This will make your schedule a lot easier to follow, with less hassle and confusion.
2. Focus
You need to have your full concentration at the task at hand. Keep your mail notifications off while you are working and set target goals. After 30 minutes (or your set target time) of constant work, check your mails and see if anything new has come up. This way you will not be distracted by checking your mails frequently during work.
3. Ergonomics
Nowadays companies aim to ease working conditions in terms of physical comfort and ease. Sitting for long hours, having the wrong posture, lifting heavy items, straining physically all contribute to the risks of muscle strain and injuries. Make sure that safe workplace practices are implemented at your workplace.
Don’t push yourself to work beyond your physical and mental endurance.
You can find your desired chair here that complements your posture.
4. Regular night sleep
This is an important factor that often goes ignored. Set your sleep schedule at night and make sure you get at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep. A sleep deprived mind poses risks; not only in reduced work efficiency, but by possibly contributing to driving hazards as well.
5. Take breaks
Take regular breaks during the work. Don’t keep sitting in the same posture for long periods of time. You need to keep your blood circulating efficiently. Take a quick walk now and then and just stretch your legs at certain intervals. Try some leg and arm exercises while sitting if you cannot get up very frequently.
6. Stay hydrated
Your body and brain need to stay hydrated for optimum efficiency. Keep a water bottle with you at work. Coffee and tea are good beverages to stay hydrated, just don’t consume a lot of caffeine; the recommended dose is up to 400 mg per day.
7. Cordiality with coworkers
A workplace environment determines the efficiency of individuals as well as that of coworkers as a team. Be compassionate and try not step on anyone’s toes. At the same time, don’t let anyone cross your boundaries or give unsolicited interference. A professional attitude harbors efficient communication, airing out concerns when necessary, problem-solving as a team and individually.
Respect your time and space, and that of others around you as well.
8. Deal and delegate
If you find a lot of work on your plate, set your priorities and then delegate the tasks that do not fall under your area of direct expertise to a willing coworker. If that doesn’t work out, communicate the delay to all parties concerned.
9. When in doubt, ask
You live, you learn. Don’t assume that you know everything, even if you are the top expert in your field. There is always something new to learn, and unforeseen challenges test your mettle the most. When in doubt, ask, and ask some more. It will build communication and establish solutions through trial and error.
10. Color
Add a splash of color to your workplace and a few plants to keep the atmosphere lively. The University of Texas conducted a study recently which found that colors affect our productivity. Green and blue help increase focus and concentration as well as improve retention.
For those of you who are looking to transition their jobs or find new ones, this is a good place to start.
