8 Simple Steps to Increase Productivity While Working from Home

As the line between work and life continues blurs, it becomes easier to lose productivity. This productivity loss is an unintended consequence of remote work. Though maximum work productivity isn’t a result that can be achieve overnight, I’m providing you with eight easy steps to achieve noticeable increase in your productivity:

1. Create a To-do list

Whether it is a document on your laptop, the note app on your phone or a sticky note on your desk, building a to-do list for the coming day can boost your productivity. The list helps you to organize and prioritize your task. You are able to focus and systematically work through the task throughout the day. Very few things are as satisfying as striking something off your to do list.?

2. Create systems of similar tasks

Many of the daily tasks you undertake are repetitive. These tasks may include writing tasks or planning projects. Grouping tasks in these groups and then working on them in these clusters can improve your productivity. This is because the brain works more efficiently when switching between similar tasks than unrelated ones.?

3. Multitasking is a no no

Despite popular belief, you are less efficient while multitasking. Multitasking undermines your productivity, but increasing the time it takes to complete a task, and by increasing the risk of errors in your work.?

4. Have a dedicated work space

Having an area dedicated to just work, primes your brain for productivity. The dedicated space minimizes distractions, mentally gets you in work mode and helps you to maintain that work/life balance.??

5. Prioritize doing difficult tasks earlier in the day?

At the start of your work day, you are fresh and your brain is more rested, hence better suited for work. Once you have tackled the most difficult task on your todo list, the rest becomes easier to manage as the workday goes on.?

6. Take that break or two?

It can be easy to forget to take a break while “in the flow”. However, skipping your break is a great way to reduce your productivity. Taking a break from a task gives your brain time to relax. This does wonders in improving critical and creative thinking. Taking breaks to take a walk or move to another space in your home, breaks up the monotony of your day. This time allows you to nourish your mind, and move around to oxygenate the brain cells. You will be more energized and focused when you return to work on your next task.?

7. Utilize productivity tools?

Investing in productivity tools is a great way to quickly improve productivity. These tools help you coordinate and manage projects, schedule tasks, link related documents and projects, and communicate efficiently with teammates. This is a great tip whether you work in an office, remote or hybrid.??Here are a list of common productivity tools you can use, Slack, Google Calendar, Asana, Notion, Friday.

8. Limit Unnecessary meetings

Whether you use Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, constantly staring at a screen is emotionally and physically draining. One time saving and productivity increasing tip is to identify meetings on your calendar that are informational or status updates and replace these with emails. With less meetings on your calendar daily, you can sit back and watch your productivity soar.?

Start using one or all of these tips and you are sure to see massive improvement in your productivity.