Employers have never been so focused on measuring the productivity of their team members, both remotely and in the office. Follow these top 10 ways to concentrate better at work.
1. Organise your desk
It’s easy to become distracted if your workspace is filled with clutter. Begin by sifting through the piles of documents, sticky notes, stationery and coffee mugs on your desk to create a clear tabletop that enables concentration.
2. Arrange your digital files
Don’t forget about organising your digital workspace too. Make sure your important documents are just a couple of clicks away by creating a sensible filing system for your cloud storage.
3. Use a sit stand desk
Sitting down at a desk all day promotes lethargy and puts you at greater risk of health problems which will sap your concentration. Switch to a sit stand desk which combats these risks and allows some of your body’s largest muscles to get to work whilst increasing blood flow to the brain.
4. Eliminate distractions
If you can’t keep away from your mobile or social media, be strict about avoiding these distractions until your designated break time. It might also be worth investing in a pair of noise cancelling headphones which will filter out the sounds around you.
5. Get plenty of sleep
Arrive for work in the best possible physical and mental state by making sure you’ve had at least 8 hours sleep the night before. With plenty of rest, you’ll be alert and ready to tackle the day ahead.
6. Yoga and meditation
Your cognitive abilities can be improved by concentrating on your breathing during yoga or meditation. Learn how to relax and centre your mind to boost your productivity at work.
7. Take power breaks
Avoid burnout by giving your mind time to recharge throughout the working day. If you’re beginning to feel sluggish, it’s better to go for a short walk or make a cup of coffee to give you the momentum you need to continue.
8. Create a plan
If you’re struggling to stay on top of your workload, then you won’t get far without a plan. Tame your mind by creating an hourly plan for the day, so you know which tasks need to be prioritised.
9. Work to your natural rhythm
If you’re able to set your own hours and know that you’re more productive in the mornings, then it makes sense to pack some hours in as early as possible. On the other hand, if it takes you a while to get going, then your natural concentration levels might peak when your colleagues are logging off for the day.
10. Limit your email time
The average worker spends 1.5 hours a day sending out an average of 56 emails which can really eat into your schedule. Keep a personal email which is separate from your professional address and try to designate time at the end or beginning of your session to read, reply and organise your mailbox.