For the last decade, improving productivity has been at the forefront of many companies. There are only so many hours in a day, so making the most of your working time is important.
Productivity in the workplace refers to how efficiently and effectively work can get done. It’s not measured by the hours someone works, but instead measured by the work they put into those hours. Being productive at work requires being deliberate with how you spend your time.
Whether you are a remote worker or a manager, increasing productivity levels is something everyone can benefit from. Here are six simple but effective tips for improving productivity in the workplace.
Remove Distractions
It’s important to stay focused while working, so try to remove distractions like social media and email. For many of us, social media and email can demand a lot of our attention.
To improve your productivity, try powering off your mobile phones completely or putting them on Do Not Disturb or Airplane Mode. If this is not possible given the nature of your work, you can also place social media time limits on your phone.
Be Accountable
Being accountable for your work and deadlines will help you increase your own productivity. If you work remotely, set deadlines for yourself and communicate those deadlines to your coworkers through internal messaging systems. You can also make your deadlines visible to your colleagues by adding them to your shared calendar. Having to answer to someone else can help you get the job done more efficiently.
If you are a manager, try designating tasks and goals to individual employees. Holding your employees accountable can strengthen their sense of ownership of their work and may improve productivity levels.
Have the Right Tools
Being underprepared can significantly lower productivity levels. Employees who do not have the right tools, such as the proper technology, are found to be less productive and increasingly frustrated and stressed.
Having the right tools also includes training resources. Up-skilling your employees will widen their skill sets. Providing tools for progressing and developing will help keep employees engaged.
Incorporate Movement and Exercise Into Your Day
Many studies have shown that exercise promotes brain function. Sitting at a desk all day can be unhealthy and may lower your motivation and focus. If you are a remote worker, set aside calendar time every day for a short walk around the block.
One study showed 65% of employees who exercised during their lunch break at their company gym were more productive. If you have a gym accessible, try scheduling a mid-day gym break into your day and see if your productivity levels go up.
Efficient Meetings
Lengthy meetings can eat into productivity levels. Ensuring meetings are the right use of everyone’s time is important. Between the pre-meeting planning and the switching time after the meeting, meetings can affect productivity levels.
Ask yourself; is this meeting necessary? Strategizing and touching base with your team is important, but make sure the meeting is actually needed. If it can be an email, make it one. Otherwise, ensure the purpose of your meeting is clear and simple. This will help keep the meeting on track and will discourage people from wandering off topic.
Pay Attention to Your Workplace Environment
Your workspace should be both physically and visually enjoyable. Is the temperature comfortable? Does the visual appearance of your workspace allow you to tap into your creative brain and/or help you stay focused? These are questions you should ask yourself if you find your environment is affecting productivity levels.
If you are a remote worker, getting a change of scenery may improve your productivity levels. At Caddo, we offer a variety of memberships, including day memberships, for remote workers who need a different workplace environment now and then. Our spaces are intentionally designed so everyone can get their best work done.
The Bottom Line
Happy and motivated employees are essential for any company that wants to increase productivity levels. Being efficient with your time will naturally improve your productivity levels. Remember, time is valuable and making the most of your time will benefit you in the long run.
At Caddo, we have spaces and memberships that will allow you and your team to make the most of your working time.
Book a tour at one of our offices and see if Caddo is the right fit for you.
