Employee Advice: Increasing Your Own Productivity at Work – Stewart, #

Being productive isn’t just beneficial for the employer; it’s also beneficial for the individual employee as well. When we complete the tasks we are given for the day, we feel better that we have accomplished our goals. Yet, being productive isn’t always easily accomplished, especially if there are external (or internal) factors that are contributing to distractions which cause productivity to decline.

A productive atmosphere consists of specific attributes, which include a safe and clean workspace and office building, as well as comfortable conditions with accurately working heaters and air conditioning.

Controllable circumstances which are detrimental to productivity

While you may not be able to control where your office building is located, the temperature, or even where your desk is situated, there are other other controllable circumstances which can help benefit your overall productivity levels at work.

Distractions of all kinds play a significant role in decreasing productivity, and there are few factors less distracting than alerts for emails and text messages sounding every few minutes. Consider turning off alerts and setting aside a specific time (or window of time) when you check and respond to emails and texts.

We all know that stress can negatively impact all aspects of our lives, and the workplace is no exception. Stress is actually thought to be the number one cause of lowered productivity levels. While eliminating all stress is virtually impossible, finding ways to reduce and manage it will increase stamina, stimulate the creative process, and also help prevent certain health issues.

Tips for becoming more time-efficient and productive

What can employees do to ward off the effects of stress as well as the opportunities for distraction?

• If you use public transportation to get to work, take advantage of the commute to answer emails or messages, read through memos or project information, or just to go over the plans for the day.
• Keep your tasks in plain sight. Take the time to write down your tasks and keep them on a tablet or piece of paper next to you. As you complete them, cross them off of the list. Not only does this help to keep organized, it also provides a sense of accomplishment and will give a little boost of energy to keep going.
• Take regular breaks where you actually leave your desk and/or workspace and get away. Your brain needs the chance to break away from the work so that it can recharge and get back to work. Sitting at your desk during a break and playing online games or posting on Facebook does not get you out of the environment.
• Make your workspace inviting. Spruce up your work area with personal pictures and other items that make you smile. From time to time, you will need to look away from your computer, and being able to focus on positive, familiar images will give you a little mental boost.
• Get some exercise; even if you only take a 15-minute walk during your lunch break. Studies have shown that employees who get at least a moderate amount of exercise and pay attention to their overall wellness, both during and after work hours, are generally more productive on the job.

The Takeaway

Being productive is not only healthy for the company, but also for the individual. Stress is a monumental factor in regards to productivity loss, and yet being unproductive also causes stress when tasks drag on longer than they should and deadlines are missed. Taking the time to be organized, enhancing your individual workspace with familiar and pleasant items, and taking regular breaks with exercise will go a long way toward improving your individual productivity as an employee.

Fred Coon, CEO

Stewart, Cooper & Coon, has helped thousands of decision makers and senior executives move up in their careers and achieve significantly improved financial packages within short time frames. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200