Boost Your Productivity at Work: Tips to Achieve More

Want to accomplish more in less time? Who doesn't! Here are some proven tools and techniques to help you be more productive at work.

We all have a lot on our plate, and sometimes it seems like a huge challenge to tick off all the tasks on our to-do list every day. But don't despair: here are some simple tips and tricks to boost your productivity and help you become more productive at work.

Productivity at work starts with well-being

Strategies and software won't get you very far when it comes to productivity. It's important to get the basics right before you start looking for a technique to help you be the most productive version of yourself.

For many, those basics are physical and mental well-being. If you're empty-handed, you can't do your best work, so eating a healthy diet is crucial. In fact, certain superfoods can significantly increase your productivity. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are said to boost your mental performance. And while it would be wise to stay away from sugary snacks, dark chocolate is said to boost your energy and help you focus.

You also need to drink plenty of water if you want to be at your best. One study found that a sip of water can increase productivity by 14% because it "increases attentional resources that were otherwise busy processing the sensation of thirst." As well as staying hydrated throughout the day - the NHS recommends six to eight glasses a day (more if the weather is hot or you're exercising) - you should also make sure you get enough, high-quality sleep. It's generally recommended that adults get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Workers who struggle to get enough sleep - such as those going through the menopause - may need extra support in the workplace to maintain productivity.

Regular breaks are also vital to maintaining productivity in the workplace - even when you're pressed for time. Opinions vary on the optimal length and frequency of breaks, but if you schedule short breaks, you'll boost your productivity and creativity. For example, researchers at Florida State University found that "peak performers" - such as athletes, chess players and musicians - who work in spurts of no more than 90 minutes are more productive than those who work longer than 90 minutes. Interestingly, the researchers also found that peak performers typically work no more than 4.5 hours per day - perhaps just a pipe dream for most of us.

Your work environment also helps make you more productive at work. A 2014 study from the University of Exeter found that adding just a handful of houseplants to the workplace increased employee productivity by 15%. In a separate study, 70% of U.S. workers said that natural light and access to outdoor spaces improved their job performance.

Choosing and Using the Right Technology Helps You Be More Productive at Work

While the internet is full of endless tips on how to be more productive at work (and this article is no exception), if you don't invest in the right tools, your productivity potential will always be limited. For knowledge workers, the right tools are software and technology that:

• Enables more efficient collaboration with colleagues and other employees
• Organizes projects and to-do lists
• Automates repetitive, low-value tasks

There are also a whole host of tools and apps designed to help you work smarter, not harder, including:

• Electronic to-do lists, such as Evernote
• Communication and collaboration tools, such as Slack, Trello, Monday.com, and Notion
• Web blockers, such as Freedom, that block apps and certain websites so you don't get distracted by social media
• Meditation apps, such as Calm and Headspace, that can help you de-stress and refocus

You also need to consider the specific tools and software you need for your particular role or profession. For HR professionals, for example, that means a high-quality, easy-to-use HR system that streamlines administration and provides data at the touch of a button. Payroll and finance teams need the right software for payroll (or can switch to an outsourced payroll service that does all the work and calculations for them), while HR professionals want HR and recruitment software that allows them to manage multiple open positions, shortlist candidates, and communicate with applicants with ease.

Whatever task you have in front of you, there is sure to be software on the market that will make your life easier. Look for trusted providers - like IceHrm - that have a track record of satisfied customers and a proven commitment to ongoing customer support.

Which productivity technique is right for you?

Speaking of productivity, it would be remiss of us not to share the best productivity techniques to help you focus and stay on task at work. These include:

• The Eat the Frog technique, which recommends doing the task you most dread first thing each day. This will give you a strong sense of accomplishment and give you more energy to fully focus on more enjoyable projects later.
• The Pomodoro technique, which aims to instill a sense of urgency in completing your tasks. It suggests dividing your time into 25-minute work segments separated by five-minute breaks, and taking a longer break of 15-20 minutes after four of these "Pomodoros"
• The Getting Things Done (GTD) technique, which involves using proven tools and a consistent routine to help you stay on top of your ideas and tasks. It consists of five steps - Capture, Clarify, Organise, Reflect and Engage - and is designed to help you become more efficient and achieve your goals
• The Zen to Done approach, which includes 10 habits that include regularly dealing with your inbox (virtually or physically) and identifying the three most important tasks (MITs) you want to complete each day

Productivity at work and neurodiversity

Neurodiverse workers - for example, those with autism or ADHD - may find that the tips and tricks listed here for increasing productivity at work are not applicable to their individual work style.

Neurodiverse workers should talk to their managers or HR about what they need to be productive and happy at work, whether that's more time to work at home, fewer meetings or a quiet corner in the office where they won't be disturbed. Under UK law, employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to help neurodiverse workers succeed. However, if you have only recently received a diagnosis or have not yet been formally diagnosed, you may not be entirely sure what accommodations you need or are best for you.

Tips to help workers with neurodiverse disorders be more productive

Neurodiversity should not be a barrier to productivity in the workplace, but many traditional workplaces are not fully set up to support those who need reasonable adjustments to their work environment to be as productive as possible. The following tips can help:

• Offer neurodiverse workers the option to wear headphones in the office to help them focus.
• Set flexible deadlines (but be clear about when work needs to be completed)
• Offer the opportunity to work flexible hours - for example, people with ADHD may concentrate better shortly after taking their daily medication (if they are on medication)
• Consider their communication preferences: Neurodiverse workers may prefer to process information and make decisions ‘offline’ (i.e. outside of meetings) and may find it easier to understand tasks communicated in writing (via chat message, email or via a collaboration tool) rather than verbally in a phone or video call
• If possible, structure tasks, projects and roles on your team to play to your neurodiverse employees' strengths: Some people with ADHD, for example, can experience bursts of hyperfocus - giving them a task they enjoy and can perform at a high level during a hyperfocus phase can bring great satisfaction (but also consider the downside of hyperfocus: the risk of burnout and the need for time off afterward)

How to be more productive at work today

Are you ready to start your journey to greater productivity at work? Here are three ways you can make your day more productive - starting today.

1.Reduce meetings

With video calls now the norm, meetings on apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams take up a significant amount of work time. According to one survey, nearly half (46%) of workers spend up to four hours a week on video conference calls, and another third (37%) spend four to 12 hours a week on video calls. But is that really the best use of your time?

The next time you move your mouse to "accept" a calendar invitation, think: Is this meeting really necessary? Could it be shorter, or could you only attend part of the meeting? Will accepting this appointment prevent you from meeting an important deadline?

If meetings make up most of your day or week, ask yourself and your manager if you really need to attend all of them - if the answer is still yes, set a strict time limit and make sure there is an agenda (and that it is adhered to). If you are invited to a meeting that is just for information, ask if you can receive the key takeaways via email instead to save time that you can use on your tasks instead.

2.Set clear priorities for the day

Whether you prefer to work in the morning or afternoon, set clear priorities for the day to maximize your productivity.

Write down your to-do list for the day or use digital tools to organize your tasks. If you work better in the morning, do the most difficult tasks during that time, and save the afternoon for the simple tasks that you can easily do during your lunch break. If your company offers flexible working hours, make use of it and start early every day.

If you find that you work better in the afternoon, use that time for your intense work and try to schedule meetings earlier in the day.

3.Communicate with colleagues and superiors

The pandemic has shown the importance of clear communication. Whether you work in an office or remotely, you need to stay in regular contact with your colleagues and superiors to make sure you don't lose sight of your tasks. Consider which means of communication will be most effective: should your request be relayed in a chat message, a quick phone or video call, or via email? Choosing the right medium can help you work more productively - try to avoid meetings that could have been done over email, or phone calls about problems that could have been solved with a quick chat message.

On the other hand, you don't want all your communication channels to be flooded with notifications throughout the day. Consider scheduling a quiet time in your schedule and muting app notifications to help you focus and get more done.

Improving productivity involves a balance of well-being, effective techniques, and the right tools. With trusted providers like IceHrm, you can streamline tasks and maximize efficiency. Start making small changes today to see significant improvements in your work output.