No doubt after a couple of weeks (or even days) back at work after the holidays, you’ve found yourself procrastinating at some point. The fact that you’re reading this article could very well mean you’re distracted from the task at hand… but keep reading, we promise it will be worth it!
At a public relations agency, an unexpected call from a journalist, a customer’s comment on Facebook or a client requesting an earlier deadline, could throw our daily work flow in the air – which is why it’s essential we are as efficient as possible.
Here are a few of Pesel & Carr’s top tips that could help you become your most productive self in 2016.
1. Follow the two minute rule
If there’s a task that will take less than two minutes, don’t add it to your already overflowing to-do list – complete it straight away.
2. Switch off, no really switch off
When you need some serious headspace time – maybe you’re writing a report or analysing sales data – switch off any distractions. And we don’t just mean flipping your phone face-down.
Close open browsers, exit your email program and turn off all notifications on your phone. You’ll be amazed at how much faster you work when you’re truly focused.
3. Dedicate less time for projects
This tip might seem a little strange, but we swear it works. Allocate a little less time than you think it will take for your daily tasks. Working to a tight deadline can often be the push you need to roll up your sleeves up and get things done.
4. Pick up the phone
There’s no denying emails take up a lot of time. Especially when they result in misinterpretations, or scrolling through a trail of irrelevant messages due to the sometimes-despised ‘reply all’ function.
Call us old fashioned, but we find there’s no better way to get an immediate response than simply picking up the phone.
5. Take moving breaks
Attempting to work eight (or more) hours straight will tire your brain and cause it to wander. Take regular breaks away from your desk, such as getting up to make a cup of coffee or taking a stroll around the block. Plus, moving more throughout the day helps combat the adverse health effects of a sedentary lifestyle (que the plug for one of our clients Bluearth Foundation’s Move More Sit Less campaign).
Sometimes recharging your brain is just as important to your work as recharging your smartphone.
Whatever you plan on achieving this year, hopefully these tips will let you do it as efficiently as possible.
