Quality Over Quantity When it Comes to Time and Productivity

When it comes to being productive, longer hours does not mean a better work output. In fact, the less hours people know that they have to work, the more productive they are. If you know you don't have to spend as much time in the office, the amount of time you do spend there will be far more productive. When you think about quality versus quantity, you begin to work smarter and lessen your time wasted in the office. By doing this, you are motivating yourself to focus more intensely and create a work atmosphere where you can stay on track to reach your goals.

Although, cutting your workday short is not possible for everyone. Aside from meetings and out-of-office work, the actual time you spend at work accomplishing your tasks may be just the same as shortening your work day. Even though your meetings take up time and energy from your day, it is still important to keep this productive mindset for the time you do spend in the office.

One of the most helpful things you can do to encourage productive work days is to schedule time during the day for emails, follow-ups, and meetings. Once you know when your essential tasks are, it makes it easier for you to schedule in designated work time. Keep your simple tasks in the afternoon, such as replying to emails and put your focus heavy responsibilities in the morning when you are sharper. By following your body's natural energy pattern, you are able to capitalize on the times of the day where you are most productive.

Another helpful thing you can do to maximize your productivity is to silence your phone and email while working on tasks that require heightened focus. To avoid any unnecessary distractions, close your office door, shut down your tabs that aren't related to your task, or even put headphones on to get rid of excess noise.

It is also beneficial for you to schedule some time during the day to get up and move around. It is hard to stay looking at a computer screen all day so, switching up your scenery or getting some fresh air can do wonders for productivity. If this time for yourself is scheduled in your day, you won't forget to take a break and you can also avoid conflicts with other tasks.

The last thing that you need to remember is that there are factors outside of work that can play a role in your productivity. Not resting or eating enough will spiral you into exhaustion. Although caffeine does wonders for your low-energy days, it's not advisable to solely rely on it to get you through the day. Exercising is not only necessary for your overall health but, it also helps to regulate your body.

As we head into the new year, I hope this article is a great reminder so we can all strive for 2023 to be our most productive and fulfilling year yet.

Cheers!