Do you feel like you never have the time to get done what you need to? Do you always seem busy?

While an excessive workload could be to blame, it could also be a lack of prioritizing your schedule that is creating a never-ending cycle of being buried in work. Most of us aren’t as productive as we would like to be due to bad habits and being reactive instead of proactive. Follow these steps to help boost your productivity in the workplace.

Focus on Efficiency

By focusing on efficiency, high productivity is bound to follow and it starts the minute you get into work.

Have a plan for the day and examine the best way to tackle your workload. If you have any urgent matters, those would be the first things to finish. Beyond that, it is really up to personal preference. You can wrap up some small projects to build momentum to your larger items or you can knock out the biggest one right away so that you’ll have a lighter load towards the end of the day. Whichever you prefer, just make that you’re able to be at your best at the most important times.

While efficiency requires structure, you don’t want to be too rigid in your thoughts. During certain tasks, it can be easy to turn on auto-pilot, causing a loss in flexibility and creativity. This may lead to overlooking certain things in the process that may makes things easier, limiting your maximum productivity.

Delegate Tasks

Another way to boost your productivity is to eliminate certain tasks on your to-do list that may be slowing you down. Although, delegating duties typically comes from management, you still may be able to take initiative and work out a plan with your fellow colleagues. For example, instead of having every employee doing a little bit of everything, you can recommend that each person is given a specific job.

When this happens each employee will avoid constant multi-tasking and dedicate themselves to a main responsibility, putting full effort and focus into it.

However, delegation doesn’t come without risk. The person who was given your task may not be able to keep at the same pace that you were working at, causing you to step back in. It is best to talk with your supervisor to ensure each job in given to a qualified individual that will be able to handle it.

Reduce Distractions

From social media to text messages to workplace conversations, there’s nothing that derails productivity faster than unnecessary distractions. When you need full concentration and have to get something done, turn off your notifications and isolate yourself if possible.

Constant interruptions ruin the flow that we need to operate at our highest efficiency. Instead of constantly checking your email or phone, set regular breaks where they can be looked at. This will not only limit the disruptions but it will also give you a reward once you finish up your designated time of work.

Set Goals

You can’t expect to be productive if you’re just working aimlessly. By setting clearly defined goals, you’ll not only be identifying the end result but you’ll also have the opportunity to look at the bigger picture. Determine what needs to take place throughout the goal process - from setting it to working on it to achieving it.

One way to ensure your goals are suitable is to use the SMART method – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. When your goals fit this model, you’ll be positioning yourself for maximum productivity.

Use Right Tools and Equipment

Whether you’re working in an office or on the production floor having the right tools at your disposable is crucial to achieving high productivity. If you’re not using the highest quality equipment or most up-to-date programs, you’ll struggle to keep up with others.

Take some time to research what you and your company are currently using when it comes to physical equipment and software and ask yourself these two questions.

- Are you using the best tools and equipment that the company has available?
- Is your company using the best tools and equipment that the market has available?

If you see gaps in either of those areas, talk with your supervisor to determine how you can implement new items in the workplace to improve efficiency.

Take Care of Yourself

You get out what you put on. If you want to achieve high productivity, you’ll need to be in a good place before you even start. By getting enough sleep, having a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising on a consistent basis, you’ll build a solid foundation of productivity both in an out of the workplace.

Looking for more productivity tips? Check out our blog on How to Get More Done in Less Time!