Boost Your Productivity & Get Organized At Work

 

The workplace is fast-paced with a lot to do each day and we all want to be more productive. It’s not as hard to be productive as you may think with these simple ideas.

Clean up your desk

This may sound way too obvious, but many of you start your day with a cluttered desk and spend precious time getting things in order before you can start your day. Make sure you have the necessary items to keep your desk clean and clear and put them all away when you’re done. Remember the old saying, “cluttered desk, cluttered mind”.

Clean up your computer

Another obvious one but I have seen so many computers with so many icons you don’t know where to start to look for a file.

Keep your screen clear for easy access to files and less visual distractions. File electronically when you can and delete email that you don’t need right away.

Make a list for your next day

I like lists and I don’t know how anybody can get things done without one. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to cross a completed task off the list. Take a minute each morning and make a list of the tasks that you need to complete during the day. Make sure that your list is manageable meaning you should be able to complete them all that day. Knowing what you have to do and the time in which to do them will help keep you focused.

Start early if you are constantly interrupted

I know for many of you, your day is already long but if you have one of those jobs where interruptions are expected perhaps start your day a little earlier before those “interruptions” start arriving. You would be surprised at how much you can get accomplished when left alone.

Look at email 3 times per day

Email is both a blessing and a curse. You can be to the point with an email avoiding all the niceties and avoid a prolonged phone call with it, but it can also be very distracting with the notifications, junk email and the sheer number of emails you receive.

Reduce the number of times you check your email to 3 per day. The start of day, after lunch and mid-afternoon, are great times to check your email and stay focused on other tasks at hand. Turn your notifications off unless you are expecting a very important email to come.

Be healthy at work

While chained to your desk it’s certainly difficult to remain healthy at work. Get up and move around occasionally. Will your boss spring for one of those stand-up desks or an ergonomic chair? How about a live plant at your work station? They help clean the air and 12% of people with live plants in the office actually feel more relaxed at work.

Find your productive time

Not all of us have the same time of day when we feel most productive. Find your sweet spot and try to tackle the harder tasks at that time of day. You won’t be able to give your best to a task if you’re not at your peak.

Being organized will reduce wasted time and will have a big impact on your productivity. If you find it challenging to stay organized in the work place try these suggestions and let me know how you make out after a few short weeks.