It can be hard for Canadians to stay productive while working long hours and tackling many different projects at once. In fact, Canada only ranks 18th in the world’s most productive countries. In order to become a more efficient, effective workforce, Canadians need to work smarter, not necessarily harder. In this post, we highlight ten easy ways to do so in an effort to help you become a more productive and valuable employee.
Eat breakfast
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but fewer know the effect it can have on brain power and productivity. A filling breakfast not only prevents distracting hunger pains, but it also fuels your brain. A hearty breakfast made of whole grains and veggies can boost cognitive function and give you the energy needed to tackle various tasks.
Declutter
A messy desk, or even desktop, can cause unnecessary stress and distraction while you’re trying to be productive. Put your pens into a cup, take down old post-it reminders, and organize your papers into a file rack with designated groupings. This will make it much easier to get started on projects and cut back the time you waste searching for things.
Take walking breaks
A sedentary workstyle isn’t only unhealthy, it can also slow your brain activity. Physical activity helps stimulate your mind, so it’s important to take walking breaks every hour to clear your head and avoid becoming overwhelmed. If you have the time, it’s even better to go outside for fresh air and sunshine so you can return to your desk feeling rejuvenated.
Don’t multitask
Focusing on too many things at once can sap your energy and lower your ability to concentrate. Instead, focus on one specific task at a time so you can stay in one mindset and finish projects sooner. Keep in mind that you should prioritize your timelier tasks that are most important to finish first.
Sleep more at night
A rested mind is much better at processing information, focusing and problem-solving, the necessary ingredients for efficiency. Therefore, sleeping well should make it easier for you to dive right into your work in the morning. Comfortable pillows, bedding and mattress are key to sleeping through the night, but nighttime yoga or meditation can also help you fall asleep faster.
Turn off your phone/chat
The constant distraction of pings, whether from your phone or computer, can interrupt your workflow and process, slowing productivity. Make sure you block out time for yourself by silencing your phone and chat. This should help you ignore distractions and focus more on completing your work efficiently.
Listen to classical music
Music can heighten your productivity and concentration for a few different reasons. First and foremost, it drowns out distractions, but it can also lower stress levels and stimulate the emotions that help you focus. If classical isn’t your preference, any instrumental music will do the trick.
Make a schedule
Much like a to-do list, a schedule will help you organize your tasks and assign mini-deadlines for different projects. Working within a strict timeframe will help you stay motivated and focused on finishing one project at a time, boosting productivity and sense of accomplishment every day.
Don’t panic
The worst killer of productivity is worrying over the speed at which you’re working. While it’s important to work with purpose, keep in mind that not everything can be completed quickly. Many projects take a lot of thought and work to do well, so panicking can make you rush through and produce a mistake-riddled project. To avoid these concerns, set realistic timeframes for each project ahead of time and find additional time from smaller tasks if necessary.
Find stress relief methods
A stressed-out mind will have difficulty focusing and managing time effectively. If you still find yourself worrying about your project, it’s important to find ways to blow off steam so your work doesn’t suffer. Whether it’s a quick meditation session over your headphones or a coffee break outside, determine the best way for you to de-stress so you can come back to your work relaxed.
We have mentioned ten effective techniques to boost your workplace productivity, but there are many more that can be incorporated into your daily routine. Recognizing where you may lag behind in efficiency is the first step in improving your own productivity. Follow these tips or discover your own– just do whatever you can to be the most effective employee possible.
