Do you find yourself working around the clock and still not getting your work done? If you’re spinning your wheels at work, all you may need are some good organizational tips. If you are a leader in your workplace, these tips can help teach others to be more productive. Learn more with an organizational leadership masters degree and help others to increase their workplace productivity.
Try these eight tips to help increase your productivity at work:
- Use lists. People who use lists get more done. Whether you use paper, an app or web tools, lists can help prioritize your tasks and help you make sure that nothing falls through the cracks. If you don’t keep a list you’re probably not getting a lot done.
- Schedule your day wisely. Be mindful of the time you schedule certain types of activities. If you tend to be more productive in the morning, set aside time to take care of the most pressing things on your list first. If you tend to be more social after lunch, schedule your meetings during that time.
- Start a work diary. Make a commitment to start a work diary for at least 30 days. Keep it simple by writing about the one thing that stands out to you on that day. It will be easier to stay consistent if you set aside a specific time of the day to write. Over time, your work diary will start to reveal really interesting things like what type of projects motivate you, where you tend to stall or what most challenges you.
- Get up early. There is some truth to the old saying, “The early bird gets the worm.” You’ll get more done if you start your day early. Early mornings are quiet and you’ll be less likely to get interrupted so they can be a great time to do work that requires concentration. You can also use your extra time to exercise, take a walk or eat a healthy breakfast. Changing your work routine may also change your energy or creativity level.
- Feng Shui your desk. If you’re desk & work area is a mess it will impact your work. Try to organize your space and keep papers and trinkets to a minimum. Keeping your area clean will help you stay better organized and help you create the space to get things done.
- Get up and move several times a day. Sitting behind a screen all day gets tiring. It’s also bad for your health. Get recharged by taking a walk about the block or getting up for a quick stretch. If you can, try a standing desk.
- Check your email once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Email can be a huge distraction and keep you from taking care of things on your list. If you’re used to checking your email several times an hour, this can be a difficult habit to break. Once you do, however, you’ll see how much more productive you can be when you’re not taking so much time to review email.
- Sharpen your saw. Spend time on Sunday night to get organized for the week ahead. Review your calendar, clean out your email inbox, and prioritize your tasks and the things you need to get done. That way, you can start the week with a bang.
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About the Author
Guest post by Lisa Hirst Carnes. Lisa lives in Minneapolis where she heads up the interactive marketing department at ArcStone. For more information about ArcStone's interactive design and marketing services, like ArcStone on Facebook.
