Staying focused in the office can be quite a task. Between conversing co-workers, avalanches of emails, and constant interruptions, losing your focus is almost inevitable. Making sure that you are consistently on-task and productive should be a priority for every employee, regardless of your office environment. Here are some ways to develop better work habits so you can work more efficiently, and waste less time.
Divide up Large Projects
Splitting a large-scale and multi-layered project into smaller, more manageable pieces can not only help avoid stress and mental blocks that come from these assignments, but also allow you to work more efficiently to reach targeted goals. Creating S.M.A.R.T goals are a great way to stay on track and continuously move toward the objectives of a project. S.M.A.R.T stands for:
- Specific – simple to understand
- Measurable – can you track it somehow
- Achievable – is the goal attainable
- Relevant – does it help your final project
- Time-bound – Set a date or time for completion
Make sure that you have all of these elements in place when set goals can help you stay on track and keep hitting your targets.
Make sure that you are prioritizing important tasks, and that you aren’t moving on from one goal without first completing it. Attempting to multitask can have a negative impact on your work. By focusing your energy and effort into one aspect of a project at a time, you not only maintain a single train of thought but you can also clearly mark points of progress and accomplishments. This is helpful for reporting purposes, as well as giving you a mental boost by allowing you to focus on visualizing individual achievements.
When you’re working on a major project or one with many different parts involved, don’t be afraid to delegate some of your work. Taking on the full burden of a project can often lead to lower-quality work. Distributing the work to fellow co-workers is a sign of good leadership and acknowledgment of your own limitations. Delegation is also key if objectives for a project don’t align with your skill sets. This will not only build team synergy but helps build the trust and credibility of fellow team members.
Make Sure you Enjoy Your Work
Not all aspects of your job will be enjoyable, but there are steps you can take to better your day-to-day responsibilities. Many people listen to music while completing individual assignments. A recent study in SageJournals shows that listening to music improves the mood of employees while simultaneously increasing the quality of the work they delivered.
Adding a splash of color to your desk or office can really lighten up the mood and create a more positive environment. Find a poster or a small item that you can display on your work area, and give it a sense of character. If you’re more comfortable in your workspace, it could potentially reduce your stress levels and help you feel more relaxed. A study performed by the University of Exeter shows that “employees who have control over the design and layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier– they’re also up to 32% more productive…” Being physically comfortable in your work environment is vital for your output and long-term happiness.
Whenever you’re having a hard time staying focused, or are just simply tired of doing a specific task, don’t be afraid to take a break. Allowing yourself to step away from you desk and mentally reset can increase your productivity throughout the day. Taking periodic breaks from your work can help you better retain information, keep you from becoming distracted, and better understand your goals. During your break, you can do any number of things: take a walk, grab a cup of coffee, or simply talk with a coworker. Just make sure you are giving your brain a chance to rest.
Automate The Repetitive Tasks
Repetitive tasks can often bring down the mood of even the most joyful employee, and reduce the quality of their work. By utilizing software that automates repetitive tasks, you can eliminate the mundane procedures that weigh down employees. Allowing workers to spend more time using their creativity can prove important for a business. Additionally, process automation can improve the distribution of resources among the many projects a company may be working on. Less wasted time and materials will result in greater profit margins.
Implementing automation into a business can help employees live more happy and productive work lives. Getting rid of certain boring and remedial tasks such as organizing a calendar or filling out forms lets companies focus on being more human. A study done by Dr. Chris Brauer, Director of Innovation in the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) at Goldsmiths, University of London found that an office became 33% more human-friendly when using automation software by allowing them to reinvest in their employees with now excess resources.
Making sure that you set reasonable and achievable goals through the S.M.A.R.T system can help keep you on track, and identify the specific tasks that should be prioritized. Don’t be afraid to delegate certain aspects of a big project, as they can lead to better results in the long run. Ensure you are at your most productive by making sure you are comfortable in your workspace. And lastly, use software to automate the repetitive aspects of your job can help improve your mood and allow you to focus on more important projects. Try your hand at any combination of these productivity tips to give yourself the opportunity to achieve more at work!
