{"id":2737,"date":"2016-05-19T15:23:01","date_gmt":"2016-05-19T22:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.knowledgecity.com\/?p=2737"},"modified":"2024-04-17T09:35:56","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T16:35:56","slug":"productivity-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.knowledgecity.com\/blog\/productivity-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Productivity in the Workplace: Tips from the Pros"},"content":{"rendered":"

The average person gets interrupted once every eleven minutes<\/a> throughout the workday. \u00a0When these interruptions occur, it can take up to 15 minutes to re-engage with our tasks. While it\u2019s nearly impossible to manage every interruption throughout the day, we can all benefit from productivity in the workplace to ensure we stay on track towards our goals. So, what do the most productive people do differently, and how can you apply these secrets in your own life?<\/p>\n

Tips for Increased Productivity in the Workplace<\/h1>\n

To help you get more out of your day, here are a few workplace productivity tips to help you get more done.<\/p>\n

Consistency Is Key<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whether it is saying affirmations when you wake up, reading a book with your morning coffee, or running a mile before breakfast; creating a healthy ritual you do every day reduces stress and promotes feelings of well-being and confidence.<\/p>\n

Everyone has patterns or habits that they do every day. The difference between most people and the most productive<\/strong> people are the types of habits they choose.\u00a0 Successful routines are those that inspire you every single day, not just on workdays.<\/p>\n

Making \u201cThe List\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ah yes, the ever-present \u2018To do\u2019 list. There are so many different methods for creating daily lists to keep you focused, but which actually increase productivity in the workplace?<\/p>\n

Pro tip: Long \u2018To Do\u2019 Lists<\/a> Don\u2019t Work.<\/p>\n

Writing down everything<\/strong> you have to do for the next decade is called a 10-year plan, not a to-do list. Face it\u2014you never accomplish everything on that list anyways.<\/p>\n

When creating your list, first identify your current big picture goal. The completion of a campaign, meeting an important deadline, closing on a large deal\u2014whatever that goal is, write it at the top of your list in bold letters. Below this, list the 5 attainable tasks to do today<\/strong> which will carry you towards this end goal. \u00a0Now, do them.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

As Walt Disney said, \u201cThe way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t spend much time on your list. Keep it focused on things you can do today which lead to your end goal. In structuring your list like this, you create driving tension\u2014a constant reminder that everything you do today leads you to your big payoff. This will keep you focused and working productively.<\/p>\n

Scheduling Distractions<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It was Thomas Edison who first said, \u201cBeing busy does not always mean real work.\u201d Though he was not talking about the emails and push notifications of our time, it still rings true. Busy work and distractions can make you feel <\/em>productive, but they are actually just sapping energy from your current projects.<\/p>\n

This is why it is important to schedule <\/strong>distraction time for yourself. Counter-intuitive as it sounds, when you try to force yourself away from your phone, email, and social media sites all day, the draw only becomes greater.<\/p>\n

Plan 30 minutes each day to be distracted. During these thirty minutes, do not work. Instead, take out your phone, send text messages, check your social media feed a hundred times, send emails, watch cute puppy videos, and generally disengage yourself. A great time to do this is after eating lunch as your body focuses on digestion.<\/p>\n

Creating Productive Eating Habits<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Speaking of lunch, what you eat also drastically affects your productivity in the workplace. Do you experience that \u201cafter-lunch lag\u201d as your body is trying to digest what you ate, but your brain is trying to focus on work? This division of energy results in both poor digestion and poor productivity.<\/p>\n

The brain only averages about two percent of your body mass, yet it uses 20 percent of your daily calories. As such, proper brain fuel means a more productive workday.<\/p>\n

Take 5 minutes out of your evening to pack a brain boosting meal for the next day, making sure to include brain-boosting foods<\/a> such as:<\/p>\n