10 Essential Productivity Tips to Get More Accomplished
Posted by Kelsey Caldwell
 Productivity is a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot in the workplace and in life. Companies often have initiatives to boost productivity, but how do you accomplish and measure it? First you first have to understand that productivity is not a one-size-fits-all concept. What makes one employee more efficient at their job might not work for the rest of the staff.
Instead, employees should have a voice in how they can improve their own workflow. It's also important to aim for quality as well as quantity. Putting too much pressure on your team can backfire and create more stress that slows down productivity. Find a balance so you can prioritize both efficiency and employee wellbeing.
Read through these productivity tips and tricks to find what works best for your team. Find a technique that supports everyone, or let employees tell you what they prefer!
Benefits of Increasing Productivity
So why is everybody so obsessed with increasing productivity? For employees, increasing their work output in a shorter amount of time means more freedom to enjoy. For employers, the benefits are cost-saving. Plus, increasing productivity can also be helpful for mental health. Crossing items off your to-do list can boost your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment. And of course, more free time means more opportunities for things like relaxing, exercising, and social events. Below we have ten tips and tricks to help you find the motivation to get to work and start crushing your goals.
- Make a Plan - It's difficult to be efficient when you don't have a game plan for how to tackle your list of tasks. You can wind up wasting a lot of time thinking about what to do next. Instead, take some time at the beginning of the day to create an outline of work you need to do. That way, if you are in the mental groove and feeling productive, you can just keep knocking off to-do list items instead of pausing your momentum to figure out what to do next.
- Brain Breaks - Taking time to rest your brain or step away from your desk is another way to increase productivity. This might seem counterintuitive because it takes up time. However, giving yourself a little mental break can make you more efficient when you get back to work. So set aside a few minutes to get a snack or take a short walk every hour or two.
- Triage Your Tasks - Figuring out which tasks are the highest priority and moving them to the top of the list can help boost your productivity. Look at your plan for the day and figure out which projects have the most urgent deadlines. Get them out of the way first and then move on to lower priority items.
- Beautify Your Workspace - You might not realize it but where you work can have a big impact on your personal productivity. Walking into a drab or boring office space probably doesn't fill you with energy to get cracking on work. Take a little time to turn your office into a place that makes you feel relaxed and happy. Purchase (or create) some artwork or decorations for your desk and try to make the space one that you enjoy being in.
- Organize - While you're prettying up your office, it's also helpful to take some time to organize it. Looking at a messy desk all day can be very distracting and keeps you from finding what you need quickly. Organization sets you up for success and can decrease stress and anxiety. You'll spend less time between tasks trying to find the items that you need and can instead just focus on the work that needs to be done.
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- Limit Distractions - This one is obvious but it's easier said than done. Distractions can really decrease your productivity at the office, but it's hard to avoid them. Especially when the phones and computers we use for work also have social media and games. If you find yourself constantly being distracted, consider turning off app notifications on your phone. Try to avoid social media sites until you are home at the end of the day or give yourself a few minutes to check them at lunch.
- Write It Down - Making lists is a trait that a lot of very productive people have in common. Writing things down means that you don't spend time trying to think of the same thing again and again. For example, if you write down your plan for the day, you don't have to waste time trying to figure out which task to accomplish next. Plus, keeping track off your progress can be very satisfying and helps you to see just how much you've accomplished.
- Set Realistic Goals - Setting goals for yourself is also a great way to boost productivity. But it's important to set goals that are realistic. Aim for small adjustments in your day-to-day habits that will optimize your efficiency rather than making sweeping changes. Setting goals that are too high can backfire and decrease your motivation when you don't reach them. But accomplishing small goals will grow your self-confidence and give you energy to keep improving.
- Practice Healthy Habits - Sometimes the keys to productivity happen outside of the office. Getting plenty of rest, eating in a healthy way, and exercising can all help you become more efficient. Get outside in the sun and make time for relaxing activities like reading. And don't forget to take time for your mental health.
- Personalize Your Productivity - Finally, when trying to boost your productivity, remember to embrace what makes you unique. Think about what inspires you to be creative when personalizing your workflow. For example, if you think better on your feet, go outside for a walk to brainstorm. If you love to collaborate, call a group meeting to help you get something accomplished. Only you know what is going to make you more motivated and excited to get work done.
Boosting your productivity can be a great way to stand out at the office and give yourself a feeling of success. Plus, getting your work done more efficiently means that you have more free time to do what you love. Hopefully you can use these tips and tricks to set some realistic goals for the new year, get organized, and make 2023 the most productive year yet!
Kelsey Caldwell is a realtor and freelance writer from Charlotte, NC. She and her husband are parents to two amazing kids, a puppy, and a rabbit.
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