5 ways to boost productivity

Simple but Effective Strategies for Increasing Your Productivity at Work
 

Making the most of your time in today’s always-connected world has never been more challenging.

1. You’ve got mail!

Don’t allow your overflowing inbox to dictate how you’ll spend your day. Set aside time for responding to emails, but don’t let them take over. Have a plan of attack at the start of each day, and then do your best to stick to it.

2. Don’t put off the small stuff.

If you see a task or action that you know can be accomplished in a short period of time, don’t put it off. Turns out that completing a task right away often takes less time than putting it off until later.

3. Hold standing meetings.

Many leading organizations encourage standing meetings. They’ve been shown to enhance group collaboration and increase productivity.

4. Quit multitasking.

While we tend to think of multitasking as an important skill to improve efficiency, the opposite is often true. Psychologists concur that attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity. It’s best to commit to completing one task before moving on to the next.

5. Take exercise breaks.

Stepping away from your desk and stretching your legs occasionally throughout the day will help boost productivity. If possible, schedule specific times during the week for taking a walk or going to the gym.

Getting your blood pumping could be just what you need to clear your head and get your focus back.

Some people feel the need to put in long hours to be more productive. Instead, think about ways to work smarter, not harder.