9 Ways to Boost Your Productivity Today
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Today's Question: How do you keep yourself – and your team – operating at maximum productivity?
1. Insist on Work/Life Balance
In order to maintain optimum workplace productivity, I ensure that I maintain my work/life balance. This includes stepping away from my desk and taking a walk to clear my mind at lunch and setting some time aside in the evening to allow myself to disconnect from my devices and upcoming work tasks. By giving my mind some time to rest, I am ensuring that my productivity is at its maximum during my working hours.
— George Bradley, Circa Interactive
2. Move a Little
Low-level physical activities, or non-exercise movements, have a more positive impact on productivity than most people realize. Ten minutes of movement is all it takes to increase mental focus.
One of the fastest ways to incorporate more movement into the workplace without drastically disrupting the physical environment is to provide employees the opportunity to simply stand up. Alternating periodically between sitting and standing will boost energy during the day. In addition, increasing low-level activity increases oxygen intake, which can help boost brain function and productivity.
— Betsey Banker, Ergotron
3. Reward Hard Work
One of the most effective ways I keep my team productive is by giving them incentives. Offering incentives like more vacation days, taking off early to pick up the kids, and bonuses really makes my employees feel appreciated. It encourages them to increase their productivity. A positive work environment creates happy employees who feel engaged and accountable for their actions. My team is more willing to contribute when they are personally invested in the success of my company.
— Lisa Chu, Black N Bianco
— Thomas Fallarino, Empire Executive Offices
— Brad M. Shaw, Dallas Web Design Inc.
6. Stop Micromanaging
At one of our monthly management meetings, a senior manager pointed out that there was a lot of micromanaging happening within teams. Once we replaced that micromanaging with simply setting clear and attainable goals and providing feedback based on the results of these tasks, we noticed a huge boost in productivity.
Micromanaging not only wastes the time of managers and leaders, but it also affects team morale and productivity, as employees will expect to be spoon-fed every step of the way.
— David Kosmayer, Bookmark
— Deborah Sweeney, MyCorporation
— Amy Kilvington, Blinds Direct