6 Easy Steps for Productivity

6 easy steps for productivity

Article by Katelyn Dawson our Well-being Consultant

We live in an age of distractions. Phone calls, emails, social media notifications, even your watch buzzes to tell you to take more steps! Not to mention the extra distractions in a workplace such as noisy co-workers, office gossip or colleagues coming by your desk to ask a “quick question.” How are we supposed to get any work done in these conditions?

Even if we feel like we are getting our work done, the studies show that these constant distractions to our day are affecting us. Did you know that once we are distracted (e.g. that phone notification pops up) it takes the average person around 23 minutes to become refocused. This, in turn, reduces our productivity and puts pressure on us, leading to increased stress levels. Not to mention that small distraction can double our mistake rates. Scarily enough, studies have also shown that being distracted by smart phone notifications actually lowers your IQ over double the amount that smoking cannabis does!

If we are working in this constantly distracted manner, our service to our clients will suffer, deadlines may not be met in time, and our business will suffer as well.

So, we know it’s bad for productivity, it’s bad for our health and it’s bad for our business. So, what can we do to help?

• Write out your daily schedule, putting activities into time blocks. Prioritise your most important/ challenging item by slotting it into the first hour of the day. If a task is very big, break it down into a few smaller goals. Schedule small blocks of time for answering emails.
• Set up your space. Ensure your desk is clean, your chair comfortable, your room the perfect temperature, have a water bottle and snacks near you.
• Limit distractions. Ensure your phone is on silent and facing down. If possible, put a block on internet and email pop ups. Close your office door or let your co-workers know that you have scheduled focus time and let them know the time you are available to talk instead. Wear ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones.
• Take breaks. A schedule of 52 minutes of uninterrupted work time and 17 mins of rest is scientifically proven to be the most productive for our brains. We cannot physically work to full capacity for 8 hours straight. Take note that in the 17 mins of rest we must refrain from all work-related tasks to reap the benefits.
• Avoid multi-tasking. Multi-tasking is essentially being distracted constantly. Focus on one task at a time.
• Take care of your health. Getting enough sleep, keeping hydrated and eating regular, nutritious meals is so important. Failing to take care of yourself causes your mind to be easily distracted.

These are simple steps to help avoid distraction and manage your time efficiently. By creating a balanced work schedule, you will feel calmer and more in control of your day. Your increased productivity will mean that you will meet your deadlines on time. You will have more time for the things that matter for you. You will be able to provide quality, focused service for your clients and your business will thrive. So, what are you waiting for? Give these tips a go and you will reap the benefits in no time.