Productivity Practices for Professionals - Zinny Factor

The notion of productivity in the workplace can sometimes throw up a number of issues on part of any worker. Sometimes we can feel that our working day would fare better from the right notions of productivity.

Perhaps we need to schedule it better or figure out ways to ensure the workplace can keep ticking over. But what does it really take to make a business more productive? 

Take Time to Exercise

Exercise is such a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So many people sit at a desk which isn’t healthy and can lower your motivation. You could always invest in a standing desk, but it’s always vital to get up and move around. This gets the blood flowing, which means that you are exercising your grey matter in an indirect way. 

Multitasking = The Big No-No

One of the problems the modern workplace has is thinking that multitasking is the best way to hit targets or deadlines. Many companies use productivity automation tools to handle multiple tasks at once, which allows us to focus on the more important things, which is a major lesson in what multitasking actually does to us.

When we have so many things to juggle, it leaves us more open to errors. We are stretched too thin and, inevitably, burnout arises. By focusing on a very limited number of tasks and doing one at a time, we are always going to be more productive. 

Tracking the Task’s Time

It’s not just about how much time it takes to do something, but how time is being used. When we start to understand how long it takes to complete a certain task in a specific way we can, in effect, bring in A/B testing. Doing a task in one way vs another way can highlight which is more productive and can give you a greater insight into making those adjustments so you can be more productive. 

Building in Breaks

When we look at how long it takes to do a task, breaks are an incredible tool for productivity. And this is why tools like the Pomodoro technique have been invaluable. Because the very notion of this technique incorporates breaks, allowing everyone to remain focused when they are doing their work, but also utilizing break times efficiently. It’s important to make sure that people are using their breaks in the right ways, by not thinking about work and actually “powering down.” 

Minimize Interruptions

This is not an easy thing in the modern world. When you are focused on one task, you’ve got to commit to finishing it. But with the numerous emails and phone calls people can expect during the course of a day, what is the best way around this? The reality is that while you may have to answer emails, you don’t need to respond to them as soon as they arise. Productivity in the workplace is such a complex component, but there are commonalities that every individual and organization can always benefit from.