Short guide to strategies for being more productive at the office.
3 September 2014
Read by 9187 persons
In 2011, Douglas Merrill, former Google vice-president in charge of information services and author of "Getting Organized in the Google Era" (Broadway Books), explained that "the brain isn't designed to respond to the multiple solicitations of the digital world, oversaturated with instant information".
Concretely, in his bestseller, Douglas Merrill challenges the myth of multitasking efficiency (doing several tasks at the same time). Scientists confirm this: according to Earl Miller, a renowned neurologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), our brain can only do one thing at a time, as reported by L'Entreprise.
If multitasking is to be avoided, there are simple tips and tricks that can improve your productivity at the office.
First, we must challenge a widespread illusion. Contrary to popular belief, being productive doesn't mean accumulating tasks on your to-do list. As Ilya Pozin explains in an article published on LinkedIn, it's better to take a "less-equals-more" approach, focusing only on what matters. In short: lighten your to-do list. If you're afraid of procrastination, try setting concrete goals to achieve throughout the day. Tackle tasks one after the other, because it's often the feeling of an "insurmountable mountain" that leads people with a strong tendency to procrastinate to circumvent their initial objectives (see our article on the subject).
Of course, just as you shouldn't forget to breathe to run a marathon, you absolutely must take breaks during your workday. On the one hand, your body will become stiff if you stay in front of your computer for too long without moving... which can be more dangerous than smoking, as we mentioned in an older article. And you'll be more productive if you manage to clear your head several times during the day.
But be careful, taking breaks doesn't mean doing nothing: take active breaks. As Jobat, a Belgian job search website, points out, it's better to take a short walk, and why not a meditation session, and definitely don't slump into an armchair and watch television: you'll have even more trouble getting back to work.
Being productive also requires organizing your rhythm. For example: always start the day with the most complex tasks, while your brain is still "fresh" and able to perform calculations and reflections that you won't be able to do at the end of your workday. Another good attitude to adopt: break your routine by starting earlier or arriving later at work. Finally, set a rhythm and a work system. To avoid being too disturbed by the many distractions on the Net, you can, for example, decide to check your emails only three times a day.
Productivity can also be greatly influenced by your environment. As Stepstone, a management-specialized website, advises, make sure you are as exposed to daylight as possible. In addition to its influence on the rhythm of life and sleep in particular, the sun allows the body to produce vitamin D, which helps to avoid fatigue and depression. Prefer a light - but nutritious - meal to a heavy meal that will drain all your energy. So not too many carbohydrates but enough protein. And wholemeal bread if possible.
Finally, and this may seem obvious, a nice chat with an enthusiastic colleague can give you a boost in the blink of an eye! Surround yourself with positive people.
Atlantico.fr
Posted online September 3, 2014.
Concretely, in his bestseller, Douglas Merrill challenges the myth of multitasking efficiency (doing several tasks at the same time). Scientists confirm this: according to Earl Miller, a renowned neurologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), our brain can only do one thing at a time, as reported by L'Entreprise.
If multitasking is to be avoided, there are simple tips and tricks that can improve your productivity at the office.
First, we must challenge a widespread illusion. Contrary to popular belief, being productive doesn't mean accumulating tasks on your to-do list. As Ilya Pozin explains in an article published on LinkedIn, it's better to take a "less-equals-more" approach, focusing only on what matters. In short: lighten your to-do list. If you're afraid of procrastination, try setting concrete goals to achieve throughout the day. Tackle tasks one after the other, because it's often the feeling of an "insurmountable mountain" that leads people with a strong tendency to procrastinate to circumvent their initial objectives (see our article on the subject).
Of course, just as you shouldn't forget to breathe to run a marathon, you absolutely must take breaks during your workday. On the one hand, your body will become stiff if you stay in front of your computer for too long without moving... which can be more dangerous than smoking, as we mentioned in an older article. And you'll be more productive if you manage to clear your head several times during the day.
But be careful, taking breaks doesn't mean doing nothing: take active breaks. As Jobat, a Belgian job search website, points out, it's better to take a short walk, and why not a meditation session, and definitely don't slump into an armchair and watch television: you'll have even more trouble getting back to work.
Being productive also requires organizing your rhythm. For example: always start the day with the most complex tasks, while your brain is still "fresh" and able to perform calculations and reflections that you won't be able to do at the end of your workday. Another good attitude to adopt: break your routine by starting earlier or arriving later at work. Finally, set a rhythm and a work system. To avoid being too disturbed by the many distractions on the Net, you can, for example, decide to check your emails only three times a day.
Productivity can also be greatly influenced by your environment. As Stepstone, a management-specialized website, advises, make sure you are as exposed to daylight as possible. In addition to its influence on the rhythm of life and sleep in particular, the sun allows the body to produce vitamin D, which helps to avoid fatigue and depression. Prefer a light - but nutritious - meal to a heavy meal that will drain all your energy. So not too many carbohydrates but enough protein. And wholemeal bread if possible.
Finally, and this may seem obvious, a nice chat with an enthusiastic colleague can give you a boost in the blink of an eye! Surround yourself with positive people.
Atlantico.fr
Posted online September 3, 2014.
