Today’s ultra-competitive business landscape has reinforced the fact that every minute matters. But more than ever, interruptions and distractions leading to decreased productivity has become even more abundant. In the US alone, costs for productivity loss are estimated to reach a staggering 605 billion USD per year. Once derailed from a certain task, it takes an average employee 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on track. Staying productive can be a big challenge, but here are some ways to increase productivity at work:
- Set realistic goals.
Goal setting ensures that a certain direction and timeline is being followed. The SMART goal concept (making sure that a particular goal is: Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) is a great guideline to consider. Some people find that to-do lists are helpful – because through them one can actually see what else needs to be done, manage bigger tasks by breaking them down into smaller ones, and tick things off.
- Learn how to delegate.
One of the biggest pitfalls one can have, especially on a management level, is not being able ask for help when needed. Some projects require collaboration and trying to do everything alone can suck up a lot of time and resources.
- Quit multitasking.
Psychologists have found that attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity. Resist that urge to overwhelm yourself and allow ample time for each specific task.
- Take regular breaks.
According to a Tork survey, nearly 90% of North Americans employees claim that taking breaks help them feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. Working for long periods of time without pauses in between can lead to stress and exhaustion.
With only twenty-four hours in a day, making the most out of your time can be the best resolution to make for the new year. Instead of putting more hours to get the output you desire, take a step back and think about working smarter, not harder.
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