Productive.
It’s something that we all want to be. Being productive means achieving a significant amount (or result).
But there are some things out there that are considered taboo when it comes to being productive.
Here are our five productivity taboos that you need to get over:
1. Work must be completed between 9 to 5 and in the office.
This is almost two taboos. In today’s digital age, there are so many ways to be able to work remotely and at times that suit you. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk has been referred to as the new smoking! So get up, get out of the office, go for a walk for some vitamin D, answer emails, and talk to your people on the go.
2. Work should be all work and no play.
Embrace play. More and more research shows the benefits of playing for adults, including increased productivity, problem solving, creativity, job satisfaction, and feelings of well-being. Google is well known for it’s play at work, where they have play stations that include ping pong (YES PLEASE!!) and foosball, as well as free snacks and exercise classes.
3. Multitasking.
Something we have talked about before. Multitasking KILLS your productivity. Each time you change tasks, your brain has to refocus, causing you to lose unnecessary time. So when working on a task, give it your full attention and avoid the temptation to multitask. If it’s going to take you two hours, break it down into smaller tasks to help you with concentration.
4. Working long hours.
It has been shown that once you get over 50 hours each week, your output per hour actually starts to fall. There are also many examples worldwide of employers shortening the work week to four days (instead of five), and the results achieved are exactly the same as though the employees worked five days.
5. The early bird catches the worm.
Biorhythms are unique to every individual. You need to learn to make the most of the hours that you are at your most productive. For some, the saying rings true and it’s early in the morning. For others, it’s late morning, after lunch, or late at night. Keep track of your energy levels during the day and work out what time of the day is best for you to work at your most productive levels.
Personally, I thrive on the change of scenery throughout the week, I LOVE a good game of ping pong, and I’m at my best between 10am and 1pm during the day.
What about you?
