8 tips to maximise your productivity at work

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8 tips to maximise your productivity at work

Do you sometimes feel, at the end of your working day, that you haven’t been able to finish everything on your to-do list? You start off with a plan, a goal ... but at the end of the day you notice that your to-do list has grown even longer.

For people who share a physical workspace, be it a coworking space or a coffee bar, staying productive can be a challenge. Managing and prioritising your time in a way that promotes productivity is the key to success, but how do you start? We will give you 8 simple tips to maximise your productivity at work!

1. Avoid noise

Some people prefer silence and may use noise-cancelling headphones or retreat to dedicated silence spaces. Others prefer music and still others like the bustling noise of people talking. If that’s you, it can boost your productivity to work in a bar or restaurant or communal areas in coworking spaces where you are welcome to use the WiFi while enjoying a delicious coffee and the dynamics of the passers-by.

2. Make sure you are not chased away

Choose a workspace where you know you can sit for a long time. There is nothing worse than finally getting into the work flow and then being interrupted by someone asking you to move. Many coworking spaces give you the security of being able to stay seated and not be interrupted. If you choose to work from a coffee shop, pick one that is known as a workspace and choose a place away from the door to avoid distractions.

3. Make yourself comfortable

Whether you are in the office, at home or in any other environment, your sitting posture has a huge impact on your productivity. Provide a comfortable chair and desk at an appropriate height. Stand up from time to time to keep your body active and drink enough water to avoid headaches.

4. Stop multitasking

It can be tempting to want to complete tasks simultaneously and interchangeably, especially if they seem small or easy. But you really shouldn’t. According to research, multitasking is not humanly possible. So stop answering just that one email (which will be five before you know it) while you are preparing a presentation and trying to cram in your lunch at the same time. Concentrate on one task at a time and you will see that you finish them faster by the end of the day.

5. Take breaks

You may think that by working longer you will get done more, but you never work optimally when you are tired. Studies show that taking regular breaks improves concentration and boosts your mood. Walk around for five minutes or take 15 minutes for an afternoon coffee.

6. Set small goals

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to look at your entire to-do list. Seeing a lot of big projects in your calendar can be stressful, but if you break them down into smaller tasks, you feel more in control and more productive. Instead of writing down “finish project x”, divide the entire project into all the subtasks that need to be done. This will give you a clear roadmap and make sure that your bigger projects will scare you less.

7. Apply the 2-minute rule

The 2-minute rule is simple: “If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” We know, this contradicts tip 4 but it is true. The reason for this is that otherwise it will take longer to schedule the task in your calendar for later than to actually finish it when you first notice it.

8. Turn off your email/app notifications

Turn off your email, Slack, Teams, Skype or other communication apps and other notifications if you want to get into the flow. In addition, you can literally schedule ‘concentration blocks’ in your calendar. That way, your colleagues know that they cannot disturb you during those hours or schedule any last-minute meetings.

You can't be equally productive every day, so don't be too hard on yourself if you have an off day. Probably not all the tips will apply to you but once you have found an approach that works for you, you will be surprised how much more work you can get done. Both at the office and outside of it.

Looking for a dynamic workplace where you can work in peace? With its 2 coworking locations in Herentals and Brussels Airport, Frame21 always offers a formula that suits you, more info here: www.frame21.eu/en/working/