3 Ways to Increase Productivity At Work
How often do you find yourself getting distracted in the midst of completing a task at work? Your attention may be diverted to your mobile phone that is constantly receiving messages, social networking sites every time you use the computer, or that colleague who likes to strike conversations of minimal importance. Thus, we are unable to complete the tasks at hand as we fall prey to procrastination.
Distractions are hard to avoid and procrastination is a hard habit to break. However, you can increase productivity in the office by practicing these three habits:
1. Learn To Prioritize
Many of us tend to develop the habit of multitasking in hopes of being able to complete as many things on our list as possible. Multitasking may work for some, but not others. Make a list of the things you need to do and list them according to their importance. When are these tasks due? How long will they take? Avoid tasks that would take too much time to complete as the first to cross off your list.
2. Minimize Low Value Conversation At Work
We tend to find ourselves engaged in conversations with our colleagues while working. These conversations can range from topics of high importance especially when they are related to work, to those that carry little value. Minimize unproductive conversations by not encouraging your colleagues to talk to you. Show that you are busy and minimize eye contact.
The lack of eye contact usually relays the message that you are not interested in engaging in a conversation.
3. Say ‘No”
Do not agree to everything, especially when you already have a lot on your plate. Should you be assigned a challenging task before completing a current one, politely turn it down or ask if you could work on it with a colleague. Do not pressure yourself to take on a task you know you will have difficulty completing.