When you work in an office, it can be difficult to feel productive for the entire day. Noisy colleagues, phones ringing and outside distractions can mean that you struggle to stay focussed on a task, and it can be tempting to distract yourself on your phone or in the kitchen. Depending on the nature of your work, you might find that slow IT services and technical issues add further delays, too.
So, how can you increase your office productivity in 2020?
- IT Support
There’s nothing more frustrating than being in a positive mind-set, ready to get a good chunk of work done, to be faced with IT problems. Not being able to log onto your computer or the relevant software can slow down your day and massively reduce productivity. So, make sure that you make the most out of IT support to avoid any downtime. If you’re concerned about your IT provisions and network security, speak to an IT manager. It’s not worth bearing with a bad computer, and cyber attacks on companies can be very serious.
- Put your phone away
Personal phones are a huge distraction in offices these days. When we’re feeling a little bored or restless, it’s tempting to check up on messages and social media. However, it’s important to not be glued to your phone at work. When you’re deeply immersed in a task, even checking it for a second can pull you out of the productive mind-set, and you’ll have to work hard to get back into the zone. Try logging out of social media accounts, keeping your phone on silent and don’t leave it next to you on the desk. You’ll find that you’re instantly more productive – and your boss will respect you more, too.
- Set clear goals
Depending on the nature of your office-based role, you might need to be quite self-motivating. Most managers like to allow their employees the space to set their own goals and work in the best way for them. So, to be more productive, make sure that you set clear goals for your day ahead. What do you want to achieve? How long will the task take? What provisions do you need to achieve them? If you struggle to set your own goals, there are plenty of services and support networks that can help you. Online calendars, notifications and to-do lists can be helpful and will keep you on-track.
- Take a walk
When you’re working in an office, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of screen time. Looking at a computer all day isn’t good for us, and we need to make sure that we are getting fresh air and exercise. So, schedule time in your day to leave the office and go out for a walk. Your body will appreciate the movement, and it will give your brain some time to refocus. When you return to the office you will be significantly more productive.
- Get your eyes tested
Another issue with office-based work is that looking at a computer screen all day isn’t good for our eyes. Many people find that they need glasses when engaging in a lot of screen-time. So, book an eye test. You won’t be able to work productively if your eyes are straining whilst looking at a screen. You also might wish to speak to an IT manager or someone in IT support about the brightness and contrast levels on your screen. They will advise you to take regular breaks from the computer, and to make sure that you take time to look long-distance throughout the day.
- Office artwork
Considering how much time we spend at the office, it’s important to make sure that your desk space is visually appealing. By having nice photographs or artwork on display, you’ll feel more at peace, and therefore more productive. Plus, office artwork with nice colours and interesting patterns engages the mind and helps us to stay focussed. A nice screen saver on your computer will help, too.
- Wear the right outfit
It might seem strange, but what we wear to work can help with our productivity. It’s important not to wear anything that’s too uncomfortable, as tight waistbands might hurt our stomachs and make us lose focus, and warm fluffy sweaters might tempt us to feel sleepy. A smart working wardrobe can help us get into a productive mind-set and remind us that the office is a place to work hard and get the job done, so finding a happy medium of comfortable and professional is best.
- De-clutter
A messy desk space can also cause problems with productivity, as you might not know where everything is and looking at it might make you feel stressed. So, how can you declutter your desk?
- Using an effective filing system such as folders or binders
- Keeping your drawers organised
- Backing up all documents and paperwork with a cloud system
- Listen to music
Some people find that music can help them to focus and be productive and, if you’re in a thriving office space with lots of loud characters, it can be helpful to put your headphones in. This can allow you to focus solely on the task at hand, and not be distracted by your surroundings. However, music can also be distracting, and doesn’t work for everyone. Make sure you pick a tune that motivates, instead of diverts.
- Move desks
In certain offices, hot-desking might be encouraged. This can be a great way to increase your productivity, as you get the chance to mix up the environment and avoid any colleagues who might be distracting. It can also be helpful to try a standing desk, as you aren’t tempted to slump in your chair and feel sleepy.
- Eat well
Eating healthily is important in general, and it can play a significant role in your productivity at work. If you’re regularly munching on sweets, crisps and junk food, you might find that your brain struggles to focus and that you burn out during the day. By eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and maintaining a healthy diet, you can ensure that your brain is ready for a day of work.
