12 Simple Productivity Fixes Every Office Worker Needs

Productivity is the key to success in any field, especially in business. If you work harder, you can get more done and be more successful. But how do you maximize your productivity to accomplish more?

Here are 12 ways to be more productive and make the most of your workday.

1. Write down everything you need to do each day

Making a list of what you need to do each day is a great way to start the day on the right foot. If you have a plan, know what you need to do, and manage your time accordingly, you can stay focused and motivated throughout the day. You can also track your progress and make sure you don’t forget anything important.

Make a list of the most important things you need to do, as well as any other smaller things you’d like to do. Then, put your list in order of importance so you can finish them first.

Also, it helps to break up big tasks into smaller parts that are easier to handle. This will make them seem less scary and easier to do.

When you finish a task, cross it off your list so you can see how much you’ve already accomplished. You’ll also benefit from that little dopamine hit that will keep you going.

2. Give yourself a daily or weekly goal to work on

Setting a daily or weekly goal to work on is another great way to get more done. Having a clear goal will keep you motivated and on track with what you need to do. It can also help you stay accountable and make sure you’re moving forward.

To set a good goal, first think about what you want to do. Then, break this down into smaller goals that you can work on each day or week. Make sure your goals are clear, measurable, attainable, important, and have a deadline (SMART). This will help you set a goal that you can actually reach.

Once you know what you want to do, write it down and put it somewhere you will see it every day. This will help you remember what you have to do. And when you reach each goal, make sure to celebrate so that you can keep going.

3. Get rid of things that distract you

If you want to get things done, you need to get rid of things that can get in your way. This means turning off your phone, closing your social media tabs, and putting away any other things that could distract you.

If you can’t get rid of all distractions, try to schedule times when you can check them. For example, you could give yourself five minutes every hour to check your phone.

4. Get your work in order and make it easier to do

If you want to get things done, you need to organize yourself. So, set yourself up a way to work that helps you get things done quickly and well. This could mean making your process more efficient so you don’t waste time on unimportant tasks or setting up a physical workspace that helps you get things done.

Here are some ways to get organized and be as productive as possible:

• Make sure you have everything you need before you start, such as updated software, reference notes, and a big cup of coffee
• Streamline your work by getting rid of tasks you don’t need to do today
• Break down bigger tasks into smaller, easier-to-handle steps
• Set up a schedule or time-blocking system that will help you focus on your work and keep you from getting distracted
• Use tools and resources that can help you get things done, like task managers, Pomodoro timers, and apps that track your productivity

5. Take breaks and work out often

It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to re-energize and re-focus. This doesn’t mean you should take a long break every hour, but you should stand up, stretch, and move around every once in a while.

Exercise, like taking a short walk, is also a great way to boost productivity because it gives you more energy and helps you focus and concentrate better. So, make sure to take breaks and get some exercise throughout the day.

6. Get enough sleep and eat well

You’ll have the energy to get things done after a good night’s sleep and a healthy meal.

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. And make sure to eat meals with lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. These nutrients will give your body the fuel it needs to keep going all day.

7. Give tasks to other people whenever you can

One of the best ways to get more done is to give tasks to other people when you can. Delegating can be hard if you’re used to doing everything yourself, but it can give you more time to focus on more important tasks.

But this only works if given to the right person. Make sure that the person you’re giving the task to can do it and understands what you want them to do; otherwise, you’ll just end up having to do it (or re-do) yourself anyway.

Start by giving simple tasks to others and then move on to more complicated ones. Once you’ve given someone a task, let go of control and trust that the task will be done to your standards. Although, you may have to double-check or guide them the first couple of times until they get the hang of it.

8. Don’t work too late at night because it can be bad for your health

When you’re being productive, it’s tempting to work late into the night. But staying at work late can be bad for your health, especially if it becomes a habit. It can mess up your sleep schedule, which can make you tired and less productive. It can also lead to burnout, which can hurt your mental and physical health in a lot of ways.

So, if you find yourself working late at night, try to take a break and get some sleep instead. To get things done, you must take care of your health.

9. Use the 2-minute rule

If something will take you two minutes or less, don’t put it off—do it now! Small tasks don’t need to pile up and ruin your momentum. Just get it done.

10. Reward yourself

When my college roommates and I were studying for exams, we would award ourselves with one round of Mario Kart for every hour that we studied. And it worked.

Give yourself a little reward for achieving tasks, like taking a break every hour or a small candy for every email you reply to. It will keep you motivated and productive.

11. Get an accountability partner

It’s easy to break commitments to yourself, but it’s not so easy to break them when someone else is involved. An accountability partner is a friend or coworker who you team up with and keep tabs on each other’s progress.

It’s not meant to be judgemental but supportive and encouraging.

12. Use power hours

I am most productive between 10 am – 12 pm and 7 – 9 pm. Yes, those are weird times, but since I work from home I am able to use this to my advantage and do my focused work at these times. And I get so much more done this way.

You might not have the same flexibility in your day, but you can still plan your day to take advantage of your “power hours.” For example, if you are most productive first thing in the morning, schedule meetings and simple tasks like filing for the afternoon.

Maximize Productivity & Get More Done in Less Time

Remember that the key to being productive and unlocking your full potential lies within finding what works best for you. So, try out different approaches and strategies and see what you can do to make your work easier.

Also, don’t forget, productivity isn’t just about working harder or longer. It’s also about taking care of yourself. So, make sure to take breaks and prioritize your health.

You’ll find that taking care of yourself actually helps you be more productive in the long run. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you!

Bonus: Take Some Time Off

You’ve worked hard to earn your PTO, and it’s time you start using it! It’s good for you, your health, and your career. Not taking time off of work is a problem. It can lead to a toxic workplace where you are burnt-out, stressed, anxious, irritable, and unhappy. So start using your paid time off! It’s good for you (and your career).