As work picks up the pace, staying on track and being efficient becomes a challenge. The struggle to pull up your socks and produce the desired results requires a lot of time and effort. If you are struggling to be efficient, then here are a few tips you can use to streamline your work productivity.

To learn all about what these tips are and how you can make them part of your routine, read ahead.

Tips to Improve Productivity at Work

Let's have a look at some of the tips you can use to improve your productivity at work. By following these suggestions and keeping them in mind, you can expect your productivity to reach new heights. Just remember to stay persistent and dedicated in following them.

1.    Take Small Breaks

It is always a good idea to take small breaks while working. This helps you stay focused and on track during the times you are working. For instance, you can set a specific time frame in which tasks require completion.

The Pomodoro Technique is also quite popular in helping improve productivity. Set a timer for each specific task you need to complete. Once the timer goes off, take a small break (5-10 minutes). The time needed to complete a task can vary based on the difficulty level of the work required. See which one of these strategies works best for you and stick to it when handling multiple tasks at work.

2.    Get a Good Night's Sleep

One of the most common reasons for lack of efficiency at work is not getting enough sleep the night before. If you are not well rested, your productivity will suffer. Overdoing the coffee is sure to make it worse. It will only lead to an energy crash.

Thus, it is important to ensure you are well-rested. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, try different techniques to improve your sleep pattern. Strategies such as using aromatherapy, taking a hot shower before bed, or avoiding screen time can help improve your sleep.

3.    Stay Hydrated

Brain fog has a lot to do with being dehydrated. When the body is deprived of water and liquids, it tends not to function in the way it is intended. Fatigue and exhaustion are common signs of this as well. To prevent this from occurring, carry a water bottle with you to work. You can keep this on your desk so that you remember to drink it. You can even set an alarm or reminder on your phone.

Take a few sips of water every hour and set a goal of how much water you need to drink. Ideally, you should be consuming no less than 8-9 glasses of water per day.

4.    Ask for Help

Procrastination can often get in the way of productivity. Asking for help is a good way to get started on that task you've been avoiding. If you're not sure how to do something or if there is a more efficient way to complete your work, why not consult a colleague. You'll learn something new and strengthen your relationship with the team.

5.    Eat a Well-balanced Meal

Apart from staying hydrated, it is also essential to get your vitamins and minerals. Having a well-balanced meal that contains elements from all the food groups will not only improve your concentration and focus, but also speed up your ability to execute tasks on time.

You can even take oral vitamin supplements if needed, but consult a doctor to make sure you are taking the right vitamins for you.

6.    Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the main reasons why people struggle with productivity at work, is they are not aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Having this advantage on your side can help you understand which tasks you are sure to excel in and which you are not.

7.    Set Small Goals

Avoid overwhelming yourself with too much work. You can set small but manageable tasks at first. Once you get into the habit of achieving your goals and gain confidence, you can increase the number of goals for the day or week.

8.    Standing Meetings

One popular trend that is being taken up in offices is standing desks and standing meetings. By standing while engaging in a task or conversation, the chances of being alert and active are quite high. You can even stand up and walk around the office if you feel yourself getting sluggish from sitting.

9.    Limit Distractions

Distractions at work can throw you off your game. If you are someone who prefers working in silence but your office is noisy, you can buy a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. This will help you stay focused. On the other hand, if you are someone who prefers background noise, then listening to music might be a catalyst for better productivity at work.

10.  Plan Your Day

Before beginning your tasks for the day, take a few moments to plan your day. You can set up a daily schedule of all you have to get done and note it in a bullet journal. Time blocks can also be created where each task is assigned to a specific time period.

The Bottom Line

Productivity and efficiency at work can be a challenge to get right. But, once you figure out the tools and techniques needed to stay on track, you are sure to become one of the most productive employees at work. If you found these tips useful, do give them a try. You can even share them with a friend or colleague who may be struggling with the same issues. For further help developing job skills, follow this link to the YMCA of Greater Toronto website. We have the resources to help you find your next job.