How much work do you accomplish in a typical workday? Even if you finish your tasks with time left over, chances are you can improve your productivity levels by following some simple steps. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the different ways to boost workplace productivity…
Cut Back on Email
Email is arguably one of the most influential inventions of the 21st century. It has revolutionized the way in which we communicate and send documents. However, it can also have a negative impact on your productivity. If you find yourself clicking the “refresh” button in your email dozens of times per day, you may have a problem. A smarter solution is to set aside several points during the day to check your email, avoiding it during the remaining hours.
Say ‘No’ To Social Media
I think we’ve all been guilty of using social media while on the clock. While checking your Facebook page may seem harmless enough, it can have a significant impact on your productivity. Every minute spent on social media could be used for more productive tasks, so wait until you are finished working to update your Facebook status or tweet your friends. If this sounds too difficult, try using a program like ColdTurkey to place time limits on Facebook and other social media sites. Once this time limit is reached, you’ll be automatically disconnected, whether you want to or not.
Stay Active
How can staying active lead to higher productivity levels? Studies have shown that people who exercise on a regular basis get more work done. While there’s still some debate over why exactly this is, the general belief among medical professionals is that it’s related to an increase in hormones like endorphins and serotonin. Staying active promotes the release of these hormones, which gives workers the drive to work harder and longer.
Eat Right
Just as staying active can boost your productivity levels, so can eating right. Far too many workers choose convenience over nutrition, opting for fast food meals. Unfortunately, such meals rarely contain any real nutritional value. Furthermore, the high sodium and sugar content causes them to feel sluggish, which is reflected in their working habits. Try to base your daily diet around lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. It may take a little extra time to prepare your meals, but the boost in productivity it offers will be well worth it.