Business leaders make efforts to create the perfect office set-up for their workers to maximise productivity – from the colour of the walls to the creation of break-out spaces for collaboration.
But, put into practice, how can we, as employees ensure we’re making sure that we are making the most out of our office and working day to ensure we are the most productive? Alongside following Just Eat for Business’ productivity equation, Just Eat for Business and Dr Audrey Tang worked together to outline the top tips for being the most productive at work…
Build in breaks to the working day
The Pomodoro technique has long suggested that we break tasks down into 20-minute “pomodoros” (the time on a tomato-shaped kitchen timer!) but after those 20 minutes, we take a break. It is possible to adapt this to slightly longer bursts of 40 minutes, but again the break gives us a chance to re-set.
On occasions where you have back-to-back meetings and emails to answer, try splashing water on your face, taking a couple of deep breaths or standing up and stretching in between tasks to clear your mind prior to your next engagement. You’ll find that you will be re-energised for the start of that next task. Doing this means that you are still completing all your tasks – but are giving each a higher quality of attention.
Food at work is a great way to provide a reason for colleagues to take a break and interact with each other. Ensure that lunch breaks are clearly marked in your diary to avoid overbooking and take time to chat with fellow workers. Marking time for lunch will provide a milestone within the day to look forward to, and in turn result in increased productivity if you’re well-nourished and have had the chance to remove yourself from work mode, even just for 45 minutes!
Consider people’s working styles
Just Eat for Business’ research revealed that workers found Tuesday to be the most productive day (27 per cent) for work and Thursday as the least productive, lower than Friday. It also found that over a third of workers (35 per cent) think 10-12 pm was the most productive time of day to work. So, perhaps, then one of the most unsuitable times to schedule a meeting might be Tuesday 10-12pm. Make sure you consider others’ working preferences before scheduling chats – when a topic is less important, a Thursday or Friday could be better.
Create a space where one person’s distraction will not distract others
The research shows that employees find co-workers’ conversations (15 percent), social media notifications (14 percent) and personal phone calls (13 percent) the biggest distractions throughout the working day. If you know you have focus work to complete, try implementing symbols to denote when you’re unavailable to chat e.g. wearing headphones or if your office permits, putting your instant message status on do not disturb. On the other side of the coin, if you know you’ll likely be in a lot of calls and meetings, position yourself in a comfortable break-out space so as not to disturb others who need to get their head down.
Be mindful of what environments aid productivity
46 per cent of workers said that they find a hot environment most detrimental to their productivity and almost 8 out of 10 workers (78 per cent) suggest that a hot environment is worse for their productivity than a cold environment would be.
Try to find a workspace with a comfortable temperature or dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed.
Keep your workspace tidy
The layout of your workspace can also affect your productivity. If your workspace is cluttered or disorganised, it can be difficult to find what you need and stay focused. Try to keep your workspace clean and organised, and make sure you have everything you need within reach.
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