3 steps to maximising your workplace productivity

Before reading any further, think of your job title and with that, your job description. Regardless of whether you’re a director, a manager, a salesperson, or even a marketing assistant like myself, it is more than likely that you will venture outside the barriers of such descriptions and requirements. On a daily basis, your mind and desk is scattered with alternate tasks, varying with difficulty and importance, thereby there is a high chance of a task not being completed to its fullest potential, not completed on time and so on and so forth.

1. Find creative ways to prioritize and keep your tasks on track. One strategy employed by the marketing team at Criterion Conferences is mind mapping and while we separately employ alternate ways of building our mind maps, it has been noted the heightened productivity as opposed to other such productivity techniques like crossing off a list. The visual noting of tasks being completed allows for satisfaction and keeps our daily processes on track.

2. Avoid clutter and focus on organization. Stationary is the key to this simple step. I’m not saying to go out and spend your entire pay check at Office works and buy the latest and most trendy stationary equipment. However, a simple folder or some fold back clips or even some colour coordinated post-it notes will go a long way. This may seem a stupid approach for people but organization will heighten and assist in your workplace productivity.

3. Know when to say no. Did you know that the longer you work without a break, the less productive you become? Even if you don’t have time to have a coffee break or take a quick trip to the loo, switch tasks. Focusing your attention on something different has the potential to drive your productivity further and thereby enhance results. In saying this, know your boundaries! If you feel your mind vacantly drifting away and attention span becoming smaller and smaller, take a break, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favour!

A notable name to base your workplace strategies around is Stephen Covey, author and the one to introduce the notion of the ‘7 habits of highly effective people’. His ideology of spending 60% of your time in quadrant two, completing tasks that are important but not urgent has formed the foundation for achieving goals in the marketing team at Criterion Conferences. Not only does this form of agenda-setting focus on accomplishment and productivity, but also time management. What works for you, that keeps you productive? photo credit: Marcin Wichary via photopin cc Submitted by Kara Johnson Kara is a Marketing Assistant with the team at Criterion. Her interests in marketing, technology and communication drive her enthusiasm to expand her knowledge and develop innovative ideas. Kara spends her spare time with family and friends. Her hobbies include sport and reading.

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