Some people work hard and put in a lot of effort - but still only manage to achieve a little. Neither working hours nor attendance are decisive for productive work or high efficiency. In fact, studies suggest the opposite: Increasing workload only creates overload at the workplace and increases stress.
We explain which six golden rules will actually make you and your team more productive.
1. Set clear priorities
If you set clear priorities and follow them consistently, you will achieve more and improve your results. Therefore, establish a system or a self-management method to set meaningful priorities on a daily basis, according to which you work through your tasks in the appropriate order.
2. Stop multitasking
Multitasking does not make you productive, nor does it work. If you try to do ten tasks at once, you won't do any of them right and will ultimately take longer. It's also proven to increase the error rate. Pure poison for any productivity. The antidote: Singletasking - do one task at a time.
3. Learn to delegate
If you try to do every task yourself, you're neither productive nor smart. Maybe a colleague is much more competent for this or you simply don't have any capacity left, while an external service provider could take care of it. By learning to delegate tasks effectively, you automatically become more productive.
4. Avoid procrastination
Attention: Delegating does not mean procrastinating! Procrastination is one of the biggest productivity killers. It often helps to break down major challenges into smaller tasks (so-called "milestones"). A sense of achievement comes more quickly and it is easier to get started.
5. Reduce distractions
A lot of productivity is lost when we get distracted. Or let ourselves be distracted. A chat with colleagues, a quick browse on Facebook or Instagram - and an hour is already wasted. If you want to increase productivity, it's essential to turn off distractions - sometimes literally: During a period of high concentration, it's best to put emails on silent and turn off the phone.
6. Move more
Sitting in front of a screen for eight, nine or ten hours a day is unhealthy in the long run. Instead, get your body moving and incorporate more movement into your day. For example, by using a height-adjustable standing desk, taking a walk during your break - and generally taking short breaks more often. This ensures better blood circulation, more creative thoughts, a better mood and promotes not only productivity but also health.
