Top 10 Proven Productivity Hacks

Whilst working from home grew to immense popularity over the past three years, with 12.7% of full-time employees working completely from home and 28.2% practiving a hybrid model, workers are spending less time sitting in traffic and more time with friends and family.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. A poll completed by Buffer found that 26% of staff struggle with collaboration and communcation and 20% struggle with loneliness.

With a lack of supervision and regulated working environment also comes distraction. In fact according to Forbes, 75% of workers admit to spending time scrolling on social media, 70% admit to shopping online and even 53% admit to watching shows or movies whilst working.

So whether you're working from home, working remotely or setting up in a coworking space, we have compiled 10 of the most effective and commonly suggested productivity hacks to help keep you focused.

1. Using Two Screens

Having dual screens can significantly enhance your workflow. It allows for better multitasking, increased efficiency, and improved organisation. You can have your primary work on one screen and reference materials, emails, or secondary tasks on the other.

If you're one of the 50% not working in the same location every day, we highly recommend using portable monitors which you can fold up and deploy anywhere whilst being powered by your laptop battery.

2. Take Regular Breaks

Breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Consider implementing the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This cycle can help sustain your concentration throughout the day.

3. Set a Single Goal for the Day

Identify and prioritize the most crucial task for the day. Focusing on a single goal ensures that you direct your energy towards accomplishing a significant achievement, promoting a sense of accomplishment.

Focus on what is referred to in Gary Keller's book as as 'the one thing'. This should be the most effective and impactful task that you could complete that day. It won't be the easiest task but it should challenge you to the edge of your abilities and therefore keep you focused.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

Learning to decline non-essential tasks or commitments is crucial for managing your workload effectively. Saying "no" when necessary helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures that you can give your best to your existing responsibilities.

5. Get Rid of Distractions

Identify and eliminate potential distractions. Turn off non-essential notifications, use website blockers, implement calendar blocking techniques and create a dedicated workspace to minimise interruptions. This allows you to maintain a concentrated and undisturbed focus on your tasks.

Beyond the direct costs, distractions can cause errors, delays and inefficiencies that hurt productivity.

6. Work Near Natural Light

Exposure to natural light can positively impact your mood and energy levels. Position your workspace near a window to benefit from natural light, which can enhance your alertness and overall well-being.

7. Schedule Self-Care

Incorporating self-care activities into your routine is essential for maintaining productivity. Whether it's a short walk, meditation, or a quick workout, taking care of your physical and mental well-being can improve your overall efficiency.

8. Label Your Tasks According to Importance

Prioritise your tasks by labelling them based on urgency and importance. This helps you focus on high-priority items first and ensures that critical deadlines are met before moving on to less time-sensitive tasks.

9. Clean Up Your Workspace

A clutter-free workspace promotes a clear mind. Regularly organise your desk and keep only the essentials within reach. This goes for your digital workspace too - file away and organise as you go or make time each week where you take time to do this.  A tidy workspace whether that be physically or digitally can have a huge impact on productivity.

For a truly clean workspace, start from scratch. Remove everything from the desktop then wipe down all surfaces and clean off your computer equipment.

10. Eat the Frog Method

Tackle the most challenging or undesirable task first thing in the morning. By "eating the frog" early in the day, you set a positive tone and ensure that you've accomplished a significant task, making the rest of your day feel more manageable.

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We are Tramshed Tech, a network of coworking spaces in South Wales offering startup programmes and events to help start, grow and scale your business.

Written by Lucy Hopkins.