Productivity at work. It is common to think about how to be more productive at work. Feeling productive at work and feeling great about your work is foundational to giving your best effort and avoiding burnout. Here are some tips and tricks to be more efficient at work and to ensure every shift or workday feels worthwhile.
Energy is Critical to Work Productivity
Increase focus and productivity by eating regular meals and getting enough sleep. During work hours, think of snacks and breaks as critical “fuelings” that are necessary to recharge your body and mind throughout the day.
Productivity at Work: Work Efficiently with the Pareto Rule
Adopt the Pareto Principle (also known as the 80-20 rule) at work. The rule states roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes. Prioritize the top 20% of causes (the “vital few”) to achieve the greatest impact for each minute of the work day.
Productivity at Work: Even in Times of Change
In times of change, it can be extremely challenging to stay productive while navigating a “new normal” set of circumstances. Identify your personal values, vision, and mission statement. Plan how you are going to be the most efficient each day. Stick to a morning routine of waking at the same time each day and getting ready for “work,” whether that be attacking that job search, pursuing training, or volunteering. Set aside 15 minutes each morning for planning out your day, and then try your best to focus on one thing at a time. Resist the temptation to jump from task to task.
Productivity at Work: Embracing Failure
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there by pitching a new idea, suggesting a better way of doing things, or taking on a new challenge that’s outside your comfort zone. Sometimes it won’t work out, but you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.
On the flip side, notice if you become paralyzed when completing a project or hesitate to call it finished. Call it a first pass or a draft. Ask a colleague or supervisor for the expected level of detail and effort, and strive to meet or exceed those expectations. As you present or roll out your work, be open to feedback.
Productivity at Work: Practice Compartmentalization
Are you getting the best value for where you are investing your time? Compartmentalization is identifying categories of responsibility, such as work, family, friends, and home projects. The goal is to keep important things from becoming urgent and to invest your time thoughtfully.
Think of each category as a drawer that must be opened every day. Organize them into the top drawer (most important) down to the bottom drawer. The amount of time each drawer is open will change daily depending on demands, whether it’s the weekend or a workday. Inside each drawer, there may be a traditional to-do list that has been determined during your daily planning time.
Productivity at Work: Delegate to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
According to Microsoft’s latest Work Trends Index Report, while 49% of people say they’re worried AI will replace their jobs, even more—70%—would delegate as much work as possible to AI to lessen their workloads.
In addition, business leaders are 2x more likely to choose ‘increasing employee productivity’ than ‘reducing headcount’ when asked what they would most value about AI in the workplace, according to the Microsoft report.
A word of caution about delegating to AI: be sure you’re up to date on your organization’s policies for using AI tools. Make sure you’re engaging with supervisors and colleagues about experimentation with AI.
About JFCS Career Services
JFCS Career Services supports job seekers and employers to create a diverse regional workforce. Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. Contact JFCS Career Services at (412) 422-5627 or visit careerservices@jfcspgh.org.