Boosting productivity at work doesn’t mean working harder or faster. Rather, it’s about working smarter so that at the end of a busy day you feel accomplished, not stressed!

So, what’s the secret boosting productivity at work? We spoke to the experts to discover productivity hacks that’ll have you out the office door before you hit the floor!

Sally Foley-Lewis, the author of The Productive Leader, says boosting productivity at work means first focusing on your personal productivity.

 

1. Identify the procrastination triggers

Procrastination triggers are usually based on stress, explains Ms Foley-Lewis. Ask yourself, what is the stress that is triggering this procrastination

“There are many types of procrastination and once identified it’s easier to minimise them. Given life is always full of ups and downs, it’s unrealistic to think you can rid procrastination forever. The trick is to identify it early and take positive and productive action.”

 

2. Set tomorrow up for success today

Develop afternoon and morning rituals – they’re good productivity boosters.

Afternoon

At the end of the day

• List tasks you know can trigger procrastination. Write them out in full, so you can’t waste time tomorrow
• Identify one thing you’re proud of achieving throughout the day and/or thank someone for their help
• Put on a timer for 2 to 5 minutes and tidy your work area, so it’s more inviting tomorrow.

 

Morning

At the beginning of the day

• Prioritise a list of tasks according to the most value-laden and important first
• Schedule those tasks into your calendar so you own your day first, and before others add appointments into your calendar
• Schedule a block of time in your day marked private, even just 10 minutes as wiggle room.

“If you set up your afternoons and mornings daily, it helps to keep flexibility in your day.

If you must shift your important work for someone else, move your important appointment, don’t simply delete it.”

3. Schedule you

Your health, wellbeing, self-awareness and personal development are how you fill up your tank to operate at your best, explains Ms Foley-Lewis.

“Most people want to perform well. It’s hard to give your best when you’re running on empty. Scheduling you into your daily or weekly calendar is essential.”

Beck Lomas, Marketing Director at Promotr, leads a team of busy and deadline-driven professionals in digital marketing and has the following productivity hacks.

4. Take regular short breaks

   It may seem counter-intuitive, but short breaks refresh the brain between tasks and ensure team members are at maximum capacity when tackling a new task.

5. Have fun

Fun is more invigorating than a food break, juice or even coffee, explains Ms Beck.

“I ensure there is a lot of ways to have fun at work during breaks, such as shooting hoops, funny quotes of the day, and sharing of funny social media content.

“A short laugh can invigorate both body and mind, boosting productivity.”

Boosting Productivity at Work – Happiness is Key

Eugenie Pepper, a counsellor, says science-backed research shows happy employees perform better and are more productive.

“The principles of positive psychology can be used in the workplace to improve wellbeing and productivity.

“When we are happier, our mood is up. And when we’re feeling positive, we are more motivated and efficient and therefore more successful and productive.

“Unhappy employees take more sick days – up to 15 more a year.”

Good leaders use positivity to motivate and maximise performance, and this positivity is contagious, explains Ms Pepper.

“Studies have shown that managers who provide recognition and encouragement increase productivity in their staff by 31 per cent.

“Just believing in your employees’ skills and intelligence can boost productivity. Positive belief is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“Giving employees the feeling that they have some control is also a driver of wellbeing and performance.”

If you’d like to boost your productivity at work, take a look at our Motivation Strategies for Success.