It’s normal for productivity levels to fluctuate at work. You may get caught in the whirlwind of back-to-back calls, nonstop emails and impromptu meetings. Before you know it, the day is over, and you haven’t crossed off the most important items on your to-do list. When this becomes the norm, productivity can take a hit.
Liam Martin, the co-founder of Time Doctor, says keeping productivity levels high requires more than just working harder. Instead, it comes down to building small habits that support focus, teamwork and smarter workflows. She has identified 5 best practices that can lead to a significant productivity bump. We share his thoughts in this issue of PromoPro Daily.
1. Use the Pomodoro technique. This time-management method, which involves working in short, controlled bursts, is an effective way to manage focus and breaks. It works like this: You work for 25 minutes on a single task and then take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles of this, you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. According to Martin, this method improves productivity by encouraging deep focus while giving the brain regular chances to reset.
2. Address bottlenecks early. Better teamwork can fix bottlenecks quickly, Martin says. Encourage your team members to communicate openly and work together to solve minor issues before they grow into bigger problems. Not only will this keep workflows running smoothly but it will also help individuals stay motivated and connected to their goals.
3. Tidy up your workspace. Whether you work in an office, at home or a mix of both settings, make sure your work area is clean and organized. This can lead to better focus and faster decision-making, Martin says. When workspaces are clean and free of distractions, everyone can better manage their time and daily tasks more effectively.
4. Celebrate short-term wins. This can help reinforce positive work habits and build momentum for bigger achievements, according to Martin. Take time to celebrate even the small milestones to give your team members a boost of motivation.
5. Manage notifications wisely. If you’re inundated with constant notifications, it’s difficult to focus. As a result, your productivity will dip. Martin suggests setting boundaries around communication tools to save valuable work time and keep everyone aligned on their most important priorities.
Even the best promo teams can slowly lose direction. If you feel like your team is drifting further away from long-term goals, it may be time to change things up. Try working in short bursts or helping your team close communication gaps that may be leading to bottlenecks. When you set the tone and make small changes, you’ll begin to see stress levels drop and productivity levels rise.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Liam Martin is the co-founder of Time Doctor, Staff.com and the Running Remote Conference. He’s also a serial entrepreneur and co-author of the bestseller, “Running Remote.”
