Posted

Productivity is more than a buzzword – it’s essential. As work piles up on your desk and the days stay stubbornly 24 hours in length, you have no choice but to improve your productivity in order to get more done in less time. Here’s how:

Collect some data.

Before you start trying to implement changes, pinpoint the most effective options for making a change by keeping track of the time you’re spending on certain tasks. Collect data for at least one week, then examine it. The tasks that are taking up too much time should jump out at you. Start focusing on reducing your time spent on these in order to see your biggest productivity gains.

Take regular breaks.

It sounds counterintuitive, but increasing your break times actually makes you more productive. By giving your brain and body short “mini-breaks” between tasks, you make it easier to concentrate fully on each task when you tackle it, letting you get more done in less time. Consider the Pomodoro method, which involves spending 20 minutes on a task, then 5 minutes taking a short break. Don’t forget to stretch!

Quit multitasking.

This tip also sounds counterintuitive, but it will save your life when it comes to productivity. In fact, studies of the human brain show that none of us truly “multitask”; instead, our attention cycles rapidly from one task to the next. The problem is that each time we shift our attention, we lose a second or two of productive time in which we’re not working on either task. By taking tasks one at a time, you recoup those seconds – and get both tasks done more quickly.

Think twice about holding meetings.

Before scheduling any meeting, ask: Can this be addressed in an email thread? If so, start one. If not, plan your meeting by sending out an agenda before it begins. Set both a start time and an ending time, and stick to them. Everyone will be glad you did – and will be more productive, too.

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters can help you increase the productivity of your job search or find a position with a biotech, pharmaceutical or medical device firm that allows you to supercharge your capabilities.  Contact us today to learn more.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *