Lessen distractions and make the office a positive environment
We all aim to be our most productive at work. However, aiming to be productive and actually ignoring all of the distractions and temptations is another thing. Let’s face it; gossipy coworkers, demanding bosses, social media sites—all of it is distracting/and or tempting.
I think of it this way—we spend the majority of our day (8+ hours) in the workplace so we should do everything in our power to make it a comfortable, productive place to be. Optimizing the productivity of your work space will make it a working environment where you can focus and get work done.
The following five tips will help you create a productive work place:
1. Focus on making your workplace comfortable
Comfortable work equipment will be the first element necessary to make your work place as comfortable as it can be. For instance, my boss bought me a better chair after I complained of lower back pain. Office furniture and equipment that keeps the body in proper alignment is known as “ergonomic”. And ergonomically-friendly tools—such as desk chairs, footrests, and keyboards—keep the back and wrists in their natural alignment with adjustable parts so that repetitive stress injuries don’t occur.
2. Take a break
I know it seems weird to tell you to take more breaks at work, but a few 15 minute breaks during your eight hour workday can give your body and mind a rest, get the blood circulation flowing in your legs, and let you shrug off stress so you can return to work refreshed and refocused. Use your short breaks to go for a short walk, get outside in the sunshine, or talk to a coworker to work out a work issue. And try to leave your desk at lunch time to give your body and mind a good chance to refuel. Trust me; you will return to your desk more productive as a result.
3. Stretch off the stress
If you come to a point in your day when you hit a mental block, it’s wise to step away. If you just continue to sit at your desk and stress about a problem, it can block your mental function completely. Instead; take five minutes to make a tea or do a few stretches to ease tension in that neck and shoulders. This will help you return to your task energized and with a new outlook on problem-solving.
4. Prioritize tasks
No matter how much you love your job, there is going to be one aspect or task that you dread. For me that task is keeping expense reports. They are a part of agency life, but as a writer, I understandably hate numbers and math. Prioritizing tasks is the easy way to get those less-than-eager tasks off your plate. Mounting paperwork and clutter is just going to staunch your creative juices. So boost your performance by setting a schedule for tasks. When you complete a task you dislike—the feeling is wonderful that it’s off your plate and you can move onto something you enjoy.
5. Implement tools to make your job easier
I used to have a small office with bad lighting until I realized that investing in better lighting would actually help me make more money. How, you ask? Well, better lighting meant that I could work for longer hours with less eye strain, and working longer meant that I could complete more work in one day. So do yourself a favor and implement the necessary tools to get your job done easier and more comfortably. The company’s bottom line will thank you!