What’s Killing Your Productivity?

One goal of any organization is to increase revenue. In order to do that, companies need to be productive. Therefore, attention needs to be given in hiring individuals who can be consistently productive, contributing to the success of their organization. There are several factors that contribute to keeping your workers productive.

This article will take a look at some of those factors and what can be done to avoid productivity pitfalls.

• Prioritize your work the night before – Significant time is wasted in the office during the morning hours. Co-workers greeting each other and making small talk, getting your desk straightened out and deciding what tasks will be accomplished, take time away from accomplishing them. Prior to leaving each night, you should create a list of tasks for the next day. Your desk should be ready with the items you need for the first project on your list. This eliminates time wasted in the morning and allows you to get started right away.
• Cell Phone Overuse – Technology has allowed for great advancements in the workplace. However, it is also a huge distraction. While cell phones are necessary, you should find a place for them when giving attention to your work. Place them in your desk drawer and designate a specific time to check your calls. If productivity is a priority while at work, cell phone distraction should be eliminated.
• Email – Of course email is necessary at work, but many times we divert our attention from something of high priority to an email that could be addressed later in the day or even the next day. Similar to cell phones, you should have a designated time to check and respond to emails. Ideally, while working on a task from your list, your email should be closed so you are not pulled off task by the constant notification of incoming emails.
• Multitasking – While this may sound counter intuitive, multitasking can actually kill your productivity. Trying to jump from one project to another interrupts your concentration and work flow. Each time you go back to a task, you have to take the time to find where you left off and how you will proceed. If you increase your attention to ONE thing for a longer period of time, you stay focused longer and accomplish more.

These are just a few tools that could make you the most efficient member of your team. Trying to make all these changes at once could be difficult. Try focusing on one and see if it works for you. If it does, great! Continue to incorporate these changes and over time, you will see your productivity increase.