Many changes have been introduced recently to the way we work. The current pandemic has completely shifted the traditional approach to how work is done, while remote working has become the dominant method. This offers many advantages, though there are potential problems that need to be addressed, especially since most of us can’t really choose how we’re going to work, but have to obey various restrictions imposed by authorities. When you find yourself in such a situation, the only thing you can do is make the most of it and avoid potential pitfalls. One of the greatest one we’re facing is the fact that our work may not be productive enough in this new environment. To help you deal with this challenge successfully, we’ve prepared the following list of tips.
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Use a meeting agenda
There are now even more meetings than before, because people no longer share the same workspace so much. There are even days when you have to spend many hours attending meetings in order to stay in the loop or report your progress. That’s why it’s important to have a meeting agenda, which can help teams cover the important topics without getting off track. A single source of truth that documents talking points, action items and feedback will decrease interruptions at a later time. Also, if someone has problem remembering what was said during a meeting, having the agenda will allow them to look back and find answers.
Take care of yourself
In order to be efficient, your physical and mental health needs to be great. You need to prioritize yourself and your needs to ensure you’re mentally prepared for all professional challenges. Make space in your calendar for things that you like and which help you relax. Even a brisk walk in the middle of a working day can go a long way when it comes to your mental state and efficiency. Also, make sure you don’t take on too many responsibilities in order to avoid burnout.
Create a suitable workspace
Regardless of whether you work from home or in an office, you need to create a space that allows you to remain focused on work. This means it shouldn’t contain any distractions but has to be comfortable. Ensure that you have all the things you need, including a stable and fast Internet 4g connection, especially if you’re working from home you will need to track remote workers software. You may experiment with your workspace and introduce elements you think will help you be more productive, such as flowers, candles, or a stereo. If you notice they are more of a nuisance than a help, just get rid of them.
Don’t look for perfection
It’s difficult to produce perfect results all the time when you’re forced to work in extraordinary circumstances. That’s why you need to stop expecting everything you do to be perfect. While being detail-oriented is great and perfectionism is a rare virtue, you should be aware that things like that can hold you back from completing tasks, which would in turn have detrimental effects on your mental health. So, don’t have unrealistic expectations, but focus on finishing a job, rather than doing it perfectly. Allow yourself to get to a point with your work where good enough is just that—good enough, and hit the send button.
Find time for deep work
This is a very hectic period for everyone, with things popping up when you don’t expect them, which always leads to disruptions. This has a profound effect on productivity and efficiency. The solution is to look out for your future self by blocking off time in your calendar dedicated to accomplishing deep work. Don’t let anyone schedule a meeting at that time and use these time blocks wisely and seriously to enhance your work-life balance. As a result, it’ll be easier to complete your daily tasks and you’ll get a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Many factors influence productivity in the workplace, but the situation is now more complex than ever. That’s why you need to understand how you work best in these changed circumstances. There will be days when you won’t be as productive as you’d like to, but don’t despair. It’s inevitable and unrealistic to think we can accomplish everything all the time, especially when we have to deal with so many changes. If you manage to adopt this attitude, you’ll soon notice that you’re feeling better and that you’re more productive, which is the ultimate goal.
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