How to Be More Productive at Work
Which comes first, the productivity or the job satisfaction? It’s a two way street - happy employees are more productive and productive employees are happier.
Productive workers are generally happier because they feel accomplished with project completion and results. Plus, completing tasks quickly frees time you can allocate towards fun projects, brainstorming, research, or relaxing.
7 hacks to increase productivity
We understand that some productivity factors (*cough cough* your coworkers) are out of your control. But no matter your environment, here are 7 easy tips that you can employ on your own.
1. Keep organization out of your browser
Always organize in Desktop apps! Not your browser. That means, your project management tool might not be your best place to make tasks lists and take notes.
When you organize within your browser, it tends to get lost in a sea of tabs. This leaves you with your memory to plan work… or opening even more new tabs in a vicious cycle.
Instead, your organization homebase could be Evernote, Simplenote, or one of the many note-taking alternatives. These are great places to plan your days, create simple checklists, and take meeting notes without opening a browser window.
2. Task batch to save time
Following the theme of reducing open tabs, task batching is another way to zero in and work faster. The key here is to group tasks that use the same tools and thought processes (and likely browser tabs).
For example, blog productivity increases when writers spend one day outlining, one day writing, and one day promoting. If you were to do the opposite - ideate, research, outline, write, publish, and promote a blog in one day - you’d waste time switching tasks and reframing your mindset.
3. Tap into the flow state of mind
You know that time you felt completely in the groove, speeding through tasks and coming up with the most creative ideas? You may have been so focused that you forgot to eat or use the bathroom.
These times don’t have to be fleeting moments that strike when the mood hits. “Flow state of mind” specialist Stephen Kotler tells you exactly how to set yourself up for success.
Achieve the flow state by:
Creating one overarching goal. For example, you might have the goal of launching a new product by the end of the year.
Determining smaller sub-goals that will help you get there. What research, pricing models, and content do you need to produce to launch this product? Understanding the larger picture of each task helps you complete them. If there’s no larger goal, your brain will wander as it wonders if this is the best thing to work on.
Finding feedback loops to check in on your work regularly. Again, if you have no sort of check-ins with teammates, your brain will wander and search for its own feedback. You might look at competitor products aimlessly for hours or feel your wheels spinning. Try passing your work to peers for feedback or schedule regular meetings to share progress.
4. Play focus music
Structuring your goals is your foundation for hyper focus, but background music can give you an extra boost. Search for “gamma beats”, “binaural beats,” or “focus music” and play for a few hours to see if it helps you work faster.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states:
“While the neural mechanisms underlying this illusion are still unclear, very recent studies have shown that beat stimulation significantly affects functional brain connectivity (Gao et al., 2014) and modulates intracranial power and phase synchronization (Becher et al., 2015).”
Just remember, the effect of binaural beats depends on individuals and their concentration styles.
5. Respond to and delay requests
How annoying is it when someone interrupts your deep thought? You might feel a wave of rage as you drop everything to listen. Your focus is completely derailed.
There may be emergencies or times when responding to your boss is crucial. But for the most part, requests can wait.
Instead of stopping what you’re doing to answer or switching tasks same-day, try responding immediately but delaying the work. For instance, you might reply “Okay, I will look into this tomorrow and let you know if I have questions.”
Now, you’re creating task lists for future days based on requests. Plus, you’re establishing two way respect. The requester sees that they must respect your busy schedule and pre-planned day, and you are respectful for responding quickly and committing to the work.
6. Create a relaxed vibe
A zen space helps you feel more positive, focused, and relaxed. This will help you with more than productivity - a relaxed mind is also known to boost creativity.
Set your office up like a spa to put your mind at ease and focus. Try dim lighting, a soft cushiony chair, and limited clutter.
7. Dress for success
Similar to creating a relaxing environment, the way you dress can help you feel more confident and ready to tackle your work. That doesn’t mean you need to be uncomfortable. As evidenced by the Academy of Management Journal, outfits that help you feel sharp and put together will translate to performance by building self esteem.
Is productivity a double-edged sword?
If you’re worried that becoming “too productive” will turn you into a company worker bee… you aren’t wrong. Finishing work quickly and asking for more will bury you in increased responsibility. And then what happens when you burn out or need a week to crash?
Your speedy work pace should be your best-kept secret. Avoid burn-out and overload by completing required tasks and silently relishing in your free time.
