Tips to Increase Productivity in the Workplace

We all strive for greatness in the workplace, even if it means extending our hours or managing multiple tasks simultaneously. The goal is to capture success, but we must also prioritize balance to remain motivated and positive. Thankfully, there are avenues both employees and employers can explore to increase productivity without compromising health.

The Employee: Taking Charge of Your Productivity

1. Give your brain some TLC. It seems counterproductive, but quick and frequent breaks will encourage you to return to work with more energy and focus. Drilling headfirst into projects for long durations will only drain your motivation and output. Instead, allow yourself to mentally recharge with self-care – take a short walk, practice deep breathing, or drink a glass of water. Your mind and body will thank you.
2. Start small, end big. Visualize a significant task in your life – now, rather than focus on the intimidating mountain in front of you, tackle the manageable hills that will carry you to your destination. Breaking each project into small and specific tasks will reduce pressure and increase efficiency.
3. Upgrade your to-do list. Are you overwhelmed by your page-long task list for the day? Thankfully, you aren’t required to complete everything; you’re only human, after all. If you’re stuck, try resetting your priorities with the 1-3-5 method - identify one significant task, three medium tasks, and five minor tasks. Make them your focal point to reduce mental clutter.
4. Limit external noise. Distractions are inevitable, but you can also take proactive steps to prevent those in your control. For example, you could switch your phone to silent, set your instant message status to “busy,” or wear headphones to block out noise (when applicable). Frequent distractions not only impede your time, but they also halt your concentration, making it more difficult to resume a task.
5. Do yourself a healthy favor. Mental productivity directly aligns with your physical functioning. Every habit you practice will profoundly impact your memory, concentration, and decision-making skills. Therefore, be a strong advocate of quality sleep, nutritious food, and exercise. When your body is in tip-top shape, your mind will soon follow.

The Employer: Creating a Productive Environment

1. Encourage wellness breaks or initiatives:
   1. Promote or offer short breaks for walking, stretching, or general movement to refresh and revive employees.
   2. Develop wellness initiatives that support productivity, such as exercise challenges, self-care tips, or free healthy snack options in the office.
2. Recognize and reward employees:
   1. Establish an employee recognition system for colleagues to provide positive and uplifting feedback.        
   2. Offer small incentives such as gift cards, company lunches, or complementary coffee to boost morale and strengthen employee bonding.
3. Provide an outlet for feedback:
   1. Encourage regular meetings to communicate any questions, concerns, or ideas employees may want to express.
   2. Create company-wide surveys as an anonymous platform for employees to provide constructive feedback or recommendations.

Whether you are setting the standard or embracing it, increased productivity can be achieved with a balance of healthy habits and organization. Tackle each day with energy but rest your mind when possible.
 
By, Coach Kaleigh