Making an office space that prioritizes both comfort and efficiency is an integral step to advanced functionality and wellbeing. This article touches on all steps that need to be taken in designing an effective office space, from furnitire selection to tech equipment, and even software used.

Productivity is equally as important whether you are an employee or business owner; it is integral to achieving success. Understanding your maximum productivity level alongside finding ways to optimize it significantly alters how one approaches work and manages time. Let us go over some techniques to boost productivity and the tools that will aid you along the journey.

What is productivity?

Simply put, productivity is understanding how well time is being spent. At its core, productivity is all about efficiency. Losing track and time and harvesting little to no outcome is the worst possible situation a person can come across. Employees as well as business owners, need to understand that being productive does not equal working hard. Rather, it allows getting tasks done in a short amount of time while maintaining quality. In essence, identifying these levels enable one to discover areas of improvement.

 Different Techniques Increasing The Level of Productivity

Set out below are some useful techniques which can enhance productivity:

 Creating a Schedule and Time Allocation Plan

Having a good strategy in place will be beneficial. Keeping track of what you have done or intend to do through use of a “Ta Da” list will keep you motivated. Splitting your day into segments for different tasks, can also help in reducing the possibility of stress. Sort tasks by the level of urgency and importance, and make sure to treat communication with clients as a task that needs to be within your day.

 Limit Work To One Task At a Time

While one may say that multitasking is a skill, it actually is less productive as compared to doing single tasking. Devote your full attention to one activity until you have completed it before commencing on another. This ensures that you work at an optimal level regardless of the amount of tasks to be completed. In addition, silence your phone, turn off social media notifications, and other forms of distractions while you are working.

 Rest For Short Periods Of Time

An effective technique for sliping between work and rest is the “52/17 Rule” whereby you are supposed to work for 52 minutes, then take a break of 17 minutes. You are then able to refresh and avoid getting burnt out.

Handle and Remove Distractions:

If you are working from home, it is a good idea to talk with family or housemates about your working schedule in order to reduce disruptions. Set up rules that will enable you to pay attention and focus during the work hours.

 Incorporate Boards to Observe Work:

You can use whiteboards or sticky papers to help you keep track of your work projects or tasks. Seeing what has to be done fosters an organized strategy in meeting your objectives, and motivates you to achieve them.

Organize Your Work Desk:

A spaced and organized desk can aid in generating ideas. An orderly work area is beneficial to a productive mind. Keeping the desk tidy reduces stress as well as keeps the mind on course with the work to be accomplished.

Focus on Your Health:

Being mentally or physically healthy goes hand in hand with productivity. If you exercise regularly eat well, and monitor any stress levels, your concentration and productivity can drastically improve. Keeping you healthy enables you to work better and more efficiently.

 Spend Time on Hobbies:

Though work is important, engaging in things you love helps in achieving a healthy work-life balance to prevent stress. Including some level of hobbies in your calendar will allow you to unwind and rest so that when the time comes to do work, you will be more focused.

Tools to Help a Soloprenuer Work More Effectively

Those who work solo, with the right tools, can make a world of difference. Here are productivity tools that can help with workflow optimization:

 G Suite:

For sending emails, storing files and collaborating on documents, G Suite is a must-have when trying to manage work.

To-Do List Apps

A to-do list app helps get and stay organized on the tasks that need to be completed. It categorizes the tasks, allows reminders, and gives real-time progress to the user.

Scanbot

Scanbot makes scanning documents and creating QR Codes much easier, as digitalizing paperwork is now effortless.

 Trello

Trello is one of the world\’s most popular tools for task management, and aiding in organizing projects. It enables you to create boards, lists, and cards to keep tabs on progress and deadlines.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is the best option for those creative people in Graphic design, Photo editing, and other creative works.

Other Digital Tools

Other tools that could enhance productivity include IFTTT (automating workflows), 1Focus (focused work sessions), Switch (task management), and Feedly (content organization).

Important Considerations

To improve efficiency, remember to:

• Set deadlines for yourself and allocate appropriate amounts of time to each task.
• Take on one task at a time to achieve maximum concentration and productivity.
• Remove any potential distractions and work in an office friendly environment.
• Ensure that you take breaks to avoid fatigue and remain productive.
• The application of these techniques, along with appropriate increases in technology usage, can help in better meeting your productivity goals.

Categories: Solopreneurship