Tag: Productivity Tips
Five Poor Work Habits We’re Leaving in 2023
It seems hard to believe, but the end of 2023 is already on the horizon. As we prepare for a new year, it’s important to take time and look back on the good, the bad, and the “needs improvement.” For many of us, making epic New Year’s resolutions is giving way to simpler, attainable goals to improve work-life balance and decrease stress at work.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at five poor work-related habits and explore positive ways to break those habits and start the new work year on a positive and productive high note.
Working through your breaks
Sometimes, you get caught up in your work and find that you’ve skipped your break or missed a meal. There is always time for a break, though, even if you can only spare 15 minutes. The key is to focus and be intentional. This year, stop ignoring your hungry stomach and the need for fresh air and a stretch; schedule breaks into your daily calendar to allow yourself a brief recharge of mental and physical energy.
Working while sick
Working while sick is a poor choice all around. You risk your own health and the health of co-workers, plus your limited productivity could potentially do more harm than good. If you’re genuinely ill, taking time off work to rest and recuperate is a must. If you must work, though, plan on working from home until you are well enough to give your best in the office.
Avoiding company culture events
Building a positive company culture takes time and participation. Even if you’d much rather be at home, try to participate more. Whether it’s joining the team for happy hour or attending a company party, take advantage of the opportunity to build and foster relationships with co-workers and others in the network.
Letting pre-work anxiety ruin your weekends
It can be difficult to enjoy your weekend when you’re worrying about the work week to come. Whether you’re dreading the Monday “to-do” list or stressing over work left unfinished on Friday, pre-work anxiety can ruin your weekend, leading to even more stress. Letting the “Sunday Scaries” go by shifting focus – give yourself something fun to look forward to each week, like a trip to your favorite café or treating yourself to a favorite drink.
Sweeping issues under the rug
Sometimes, it may seem easier to go along to get along, but sweeping issues under the rug and not taking a stand is detrimental to you, to the team, and to the whole organization. Break the habit of looking the other way and speak up! Even if the issues at hand are simple, make an effort to reach out, talk it out, and resolve them.
Whether you’re preparing for a new year at your current job or preparing to change careers, it’s a great time to look at your current work habits and make positive changes.
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Struggling to Stay on Track? 5 Ways to Stay Productive at Work
If staying focused and on-task at work is something you struggle with, you’re not alone. Interruptions, distractions, and stress can all decrease your ability to focus and get your work done.
In this blog, we’ll break down five tips to help you focus and stay productive at work, no matter your role.
Focus On One Task at a Time
When we try to concentrate on more than one task at a time, we use most of that time transitioning between tasks. Not only does it decrease the quality of the work, but it can result in tasks remaining incomplete.
Focusing on one task at a time can increase your productivity, motivating you to complete the current task before moving on to the next one. If you must multitask, consider prioritizing the tasks in order of importance, completing the most demanding ones before you finish with the less time-consuming tasks.
Set Small Objectives
This is especially useful for completing large projects. Planning out small objectives throughout the day allows you to progress step by step toward completing the day’s work or the project itself. This is also useful to measure your progress toward a larger work goal.
Time Block Your Schedule
Another way to maintain focus and increase work productivity is to use time blocks within your daily schedule. Blocking out 60-to-90-minute blocks for tasks gives you a dedicated time frame to work within and a target time for finishing the task. Don’t forget to schedule break times as well.
Use a Timer
Another time management tip is to use a timer. The Pomodoro time management method involves using a timer and dedicating 20 minutes to a task, followed by a five-minute break. This technique encourages you to focus steadily for a while, then step back and take a break before beginning work again.
Delegate Tasks
If getting everything done yourself isn’t working, delegation may be the key. If you have a variety of tasks to do, and the team is all capable of completing them, consider assigning some of the tasks to others. Not only does this help complete the project quickly and efficiently, but it also frees you to work on tasks assigned to you alone.
Whether you follow these tips or implement other strategies to improve your focus at work, the key is to be as consistent as possible. Learn what works for you, and you can be sure your focus and productivity will improve.
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