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Daily habits to boost workplace productivity
Do you ever feel rushed off your feet but like you’re not making headway? Busy, but dissatisfied with your accomplishments? Working flat out but never seeming to move the important things forward?
It’s easy to get caught up in the pace of demanding workloads without appreciating the healthiest ways to get from start to finish.
Productivity is a bit of a buzzword. But it is perhaps easier to get your head around than to actually put into practise.
When we talk about productivity, we often fall into the trap of simplifying it as just down to how much work we’re able to complete in any given day, sprint, or place, but the true measure of productivity is not only in the amount of work accomplished, but in the quality of that work, and ultimately the personal satisfaction you are left with having completed it.
For many people productivity looks a lot like checking things off your to-do list, but in reality, getting jobs done quickly does not equate to getting jobs done well. Oftentimes, the busiest among us are the least productive, leaving ends untied or juggling too many balls in the process.
Adopting healthy habits for productivity starts outside of the office and will make waves within your working life when approached holistically.
Here are our tips on some healthy habits to adopt that will boost your productivity in the workplace:
Develop a morning routine
Start as you mean to go on. Beginning the morning on a positive note can set the tone for the whole day.
Give yourself more time to wake up gradually and avoid that chaotic morning rush by setting the alarm slightly earlier. Use that extra time to complete tasks that are important to you, engage in a little self-care or incorporate activities that you wouldn’t have otherwise had time for that amplify joy or relaxation.
For example, take the time to eat a proper breakfast, or go for a walk or read a few pages of a book to help you start the day with mindfulness and ease.
Many people choose to start the day by completing small tasks that achieve a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s something as small as making the bed, or something bigger like heading out for a morning run, take the time to tick something meaningful off your personal to-do list and start the day on a positive note.
Prioritise health and wellbeing
To be productive we need a good foundation. It’s crucial that we eat, drink, sleep, and exercise properly to improve our health and achieve a balanced mindset.
Without a consistent dedicated to your health and wellbeing, you might find it harder to concentrate, become overwhelmed or feel a resistance to completing simple tasks. That’s why developing health related habits is essential to boosting productivity.
Swap that dull drive into work for a brisk walk, drink a glass of water first thing when you wake up, or take the time to cook healthy meals.
Work on your work routine
It’s all too easy to get caught up in emails, become distracted or get carried away with multitasking when at work. More often than not, this leaves us with a list of unfinished jobs and feelings of stress.
Developing healthy work habits that promote productivity in the workspace can help.
Begin with time dedicated to planning the structure of your day, make a to-do list, fire off quick emails, block out time for creativity and focusing. Dedicating time to admin that will help guide your workflow throughout the day will naturally focus your mind, and by ringfencing time for bigger tasks and projects, you will find your days become more productive in the process.
Try to focus on one task at a time rather than multitasking. There are lots of interruptions in the digital workspace that can lead to distraction and coax you towards unproductive habits.
Notifications can be one of the biggest distractions in the working day. If you’re easily distracted it can be useful to set aside time to check your emails between tasks, limit social media time to your breaks, and close irrelevant windows and tabs to minimise interruptions.
Or, if you find yourself easily distracted by co-workers, feel empowered to break out into one of our dedicated pods or booths to really get your head down and nail productivity each day.
Develop a bedtime routine
A bedtime routine is just as critical as a morning routine. It’s a chance to disconnect after a long day of work and prepare for a productive start the next morning.
Aim to go to bed at the same time each day and allow time to unwind before your head hits the pillow.
Try to put blue-light devices away at least an hour before bed, turn off the TV and resist the urge to scroll once you’re under the covers. Although a quick scroll is a tempting way to try to shut off, the blue-light they emit can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime, causing it to try to stay awake longer, leaving you feeling groggy the next day (Sleep Foundation, 2022).
In the evenings, find a hobby that helps you to de-stress, whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, or journalling. Working towards a calm and rested mindset around bedtime allows for a better quality of sleep.
Try integrating these habits into your daily routine and see whether you notice a boost in your productivity.