If you are looking for ways to improve your productivity in the workplace, or you just want to take your performance to the next level, the following should help. I am going to share my 12 effective ways to learn more in the process of your job, and to help you use your time wisely to boost your overall productivity.
Let’s be real, working a full time job requires a lot of time being spent at a given place. Majority of us have experienced spending more time at work, then we do with our own families. That is not something to be taken lightly.
If we are going to spend so much time at a job of our choosing, then we should at least be giving it our all to make that time that is lost with our loved ones, worth while.
Here are 12 Effective Ways To Boost Your Productivity In The Work Place:
1. Make Sure To Get 8-9 Hours Of Sleep Each Night
Sleep is one area of your personal life that can truly make or break your productivity, especially in the workplace. I have had my share of experiences working for a variety of different companies and job titles. One thing I have realized, is that there is always a handful of people who struggle to get through the day without constantly complaining how tired they are.
Now, I must say I have been a part of this bunch before. So, no judgements, I know how it feels. However, I now know the difference maker—consistent and sufficient sleep.
Looking back at how my performance at work was affected by poor sleeping habits, I know firsthand, how not prioritizing sleep will affect the productivity you put out. Because let’s face it, the grand majority don’t just go to work, to work by themselves. You are working with a team, for an employer, and your job is to deliver.
You cannot deliver the performance that is required to make it to the next level if you are staying up late and slacking on the quality and consistency of your sleep. If you really, truly, want to look for an edge in the workplace, get 8-9 hours of sleep each night.
2. Get To Know Your Co-Workers & Managers
If you are new to a job, this can be extremely overwhelming and it can really throw you out of your comfort zone. Which being thrown out of your comfort zone is a good thing from time to time, (we’ll get into that later). But, getting to know the people you work with is something that will help you settle in and learn your role on the team.
This doesn’t just go for people who are starting new jobs, this goes for those who have been working within a workplace and have never really taken the time to get to know the people that they surround themselves with on a daily basis. Making small talk conversations at the coffee machine or printer machine is great and all, but that is not going to be enough to get to know who someone really is. And, this is vital if you are truly going to perform like a team.
By getting to know your teammates, you can really begin to see where you fit in, and what gifts and skills you have that can help the team out. In order for us to harness our potential and productivity in a workplace, we must know who we are working with. We must also be able to identify what we can learn from one another and then begin sharing that knowledge with each other. That is how true teams are built.
3. Organize Yourself And The Space Around You
Organization for me, in the workplace, has been one of those keys that really makes a difference in how I perform at work. It has also helped me to stay productive and minimize the distractions that are everywhere I turn.
It’s like finances, working in banking I quickly realized that those who were successful with their money, had their financial organization in check. They had different accounts, separated for different purposes, so that they could manage their money more effectively. Having purpose accounts and custom account titles, allowed for them to organize their money. They knew exactly what they are saving for and exactly what they are spending their money on.
Conversely, I had many clients who were not organized with their money. These clients were always struggling to stay on track with their financial goals. The difference maker here, was simply organization.
Having your things properly organized within your workspace is going to boost your productivity to far greater levels than someone who has a mess going on in their desks and paperwork. So, keep things tidy at all times. When you begin to see things piling up, take a five minute break to organize yourself again. Totally worth the interruption of your workflow, and your time.
4. Identify The Most Critical Daily Operations And Master Them
Working different jobs, ranging from warehouse and retail management, to working in the financial industry, I learned a lot through experience. I realized that each company, each job, each role, has its operational purpose. Within that, I uncovered something quite important. I learned that if I could identify the “operations” of the workplace, my value immediately would increase naturally. People needed for me to be present, and most of all, they wanted me to be present, simply because I offered them safety and re-assurance.
Why?
Because, I took the time to learn and watch all of the operations that would take place in the building. I learned to do my job and I learned to work on the operational pieces. If someone called out, or if someone would forget to do their task, I could chip in and pick up the slack to help the team. Leading by example is the only way to boost and hold a high morale in the workplace.
Take the time to understand not just your role in the environment, but also take time to pay attention to the operations that others are in charge of too. I’m not saying to get distracted from your role, but rather use your down time to observe how things operate. Ask questions to understand why those daily operations need to get done in order to be successful.
You’d be surprised how quickly your value to the team increases. Don’t just learn them, take the time to master them over months and years. Then, once you have a good grip on them, teach them to those around you that are willing to listen and learn. Consequently, this leads to helping other people become better and more valuable too.
5. Master The Tasks That Most People Don’t Want To Do
In every job that I have worked, there are always tasks that people run away from. You know what I am talking about, if you stop to think about your own workplace. However, there is great value in putting your head down and going to work on those tedious difficult tasks that everyone else likes to run away from.
Productivity and performance within the workplace, is measured upon results. It’s not about the goals and the numbers, it is about accomplishing one task successfully after another. The numbers and the sales goals are always going to be there. The real value, is gained by action and proper execution.
Things need to get done at work. Simple as that. You can either be part of the group that goes after those difficult tasks and gets them completed, or you can go and join the other group, who likes to cut corners and run away from the difficult things that need to get done. The choice is always yours.
The more you practice this within your workplace, the easier it will be to handle the difficult things that need to get done within your own personal life.
6. Dig Through Your Employer’s Resources And Discover Things Most Don’t Know About & Share it
Every company has what is often called, an “intranet”. An intranet is an internal network that the company uses to communicate with its employees and members. That intranet, has an immense amount of resources if you are willing to sit and look through them. If you don’t know where to find this at your own job, ask someone who may know. Typically, every manager should know where to find these resources. If your manager cannot help you, do not settle. Find someone that does know.
I have found that by digging through these resources, there is a good amount of valuable information that one can apply to their own work-life, and spread the helpful information. Be willing to help those who may not be aware, or know how to find these things themselves. The goal should always be to help other people.
I have uncovered through this same intranet some pretty cool perks too. Things like free training seminars to help improve your career growth, tuition reimbursement, discounts to different shopping outlets, discounts on cellular plans, after work activities, 401K and pension plans, free merchandise that the companies offer to their employees, and more! The list can be quite impressive of what you can find if you take the time to search.
Instead of scrolling through social media on your phone, or watching Netflix on your down time, use those moments to take a look at these resources and see what you can find. Maybe it’s nothing, but you will never know until you do your own searching.
7. Work Shifts Others Are Not Willing To Work
This one right here, is a good one. I have worked different jobs, and each job has different work schedules. Some jobs require their employees to work weekends, some jobs have night shifts, some jobs have extra early AM shifts. The schedules and shifts vary depending on the industry you are in.
With a variety of shifts available, people usually run for the easy shifts. Most people want that easy schedule. The type of schedule where you do not have to work weekends and night shifts and 3AM shifts. I get it, believe me—I get it. But, because I have walked both paths, what if I told you that there is value in working those other shifts that nobody wants to work.
Aside from doing your boss and team a favor by picking up the trash for them, there is another side to this scenario that you have no idea how beneficial it can be until you push yourself out of your comfort zone and try it.
I have done it multiple times throughout my jobs. I have worked the 5AM shifts, I have picked up managing the freezer in an Amazon Fresh warehouse, I have picked up weekends, I have picked up the graveyard shifts. I have had my fair share of experiences when it comes to this. Which is why I say to anyone reading this—give it a shot.
There is a whole set of clients, customers, co-workers, and opportunities that you have no idea existed, all because you chose to run away from the difficult shifts. Don’t close doors on yourself simply because what is behind those doors is difficult. You will already have plenty of people closing doors on you in your life, you don’t need to do it to yourself.
Put it this way, I have made more money, cultivated more opportunities for growth, and I have learned more, simply by working shifts that other people weren’t willing to take.
8. Push Yourself Out Of Your Comfort Zone And Learn More About Who You Are
If you want to increase your production in the workplace, you are going to have to be willing to do things that you may be scared to do. You must be willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zones and learn how to thrive in uncomfortable settings.
Every job that I have had, has come with its set of challenges. Whether it be delivering a morning management meeting to a group of 30 people, or handling a freezer position at a warehouse that NOBODY wanted to take, I have done it. For good reason, people ran away from tasks like working in the freezer, it was -25 degrees. Your eyelashes would freeze like icicles, not mention what would happen with a runny nose. But, in moments like these, is where you learn who you really are.
If you are not willing to put yourself into uncomfortable situations within the workplace, you will never grow to your full potential as an employee, as a teammate, and most importantly, as a person. You must be willing to go do things that you have never done before, fail, and make mistakes in the process. After failing and making mistakes and hitting new lows, you then need to get back up and try again until you master them.
If you truly want to boost your performance and productivity in the workplace, this is the best way to do it.
9. Challenge The Status Quo
When you are working within a job, there are many things such as processes and operations that have been put in place years ago, and may be outdated, or simply inefficient. Don’t be afraid to add some ideas of your own and have the courage to challenge the status quo.
Present changes, communicate with your managers, and submit ideas towards more efficient processes that may not exist just yet. The real good managers and supervisors, appreciate all of the initiatives that team members take in order to make the work place a better environment overall.
10. Set A New Role Goal
If you want to push your own limits and increase your productivity in the workplace, you should have a goal of what’s next for yourself. Even if you are starting a brand new position, you should be focused already on what the next step is. The things we do today, are the same things that are going to either help us or hinder us tomorrow. It is for this very reason, that we should always know exactly where we want to go in life, in order to actually get there.
Setting a new role goal, will help keep you dialed into your work. You will have the clarity and mindset to seize opportunities in order to learn more and develop your skills. In comparison to having no goals in place at all. The focus in the end should be to master your skills within the role that you are currently in. But, by having an understanding of what the next step is from where you currently are, will create a different productive mindset and perspective. This drives productivity.
11. Get On The Phone And Bang Out 10 Outbound Calls A Day
This one depends on which industry you are in. If you work in an office setting where you should be making calls every day, this tip here can really give your productivity a boost. Only, if you are willing to push through its obstacles.
Outbound calls are one of the top ways to communicate with potential clients, business neighbors, and existing customers. It is an extremely effective way to generate more productivity, thus leading to better results.
A lot of people that I have worked with do not like making outbound calls, hell, neither did I! The difference was, I was willing to push myself out of my comfort zone and become comfortable making calls over the course of time. I was willing to practice at something that made me uncomfortable. I preach the same to you, so that you can benefit from pushing through this uncomfortable task too.
The great news is, that after weeks and weeks of making phone calls in high repetitions, I was able to not only become more comfortable making outbound calls, but I quadrupled my productivity. This added productivity, led to some pretty nice pay increases.
You may find yourself working within an industry where making cold calls is a must and you may not want to do them. You may feel uncomfortable, insecure and nervous. The good sales reps who become cold calling experts have all gone through these same feelings. You are not alone.
With that being said, if you want to succeed, grow, make more money, and most importantly improve— make 10 calls minimum a day. Hold yourself accountable to make 10 phone calls every day for a month. You will see how you become more secure within your tasks and how your production increases significantly. You just need to be willing to push through the fear.
12. Get To Know Your Local Business Owners
Sometimes the workplace is slow, and there is not much going on inside the building in which you work. If you have ever been working in a place that has a slow traffic inflow, then you know what I am talking about when I say that you can waste hours, upon hours, if you just sit back waiting for something to do.
It is for this reason that I believe if you are going to spend your time wisely and stay productive, you must take initiative and be proactive. This applies to everything you choose to do.
If you sit back and wait for customers to come to you, rather than getting on the phones, and trying to spread more word out there about the products or services you offer, you are going to starve.
You are simply missing out on huge opportunities. A great idea to increase productivity, is to go get some fresh air and go communicate with local businesses within your walking reach. I have found that many local businesses can benefit from one another’s services.
If you are willing to take the time to introduce yourself, and create new relationships, you would be surprised how many potential customers you can gain. You can help add value by networking with your local businesses.
Final Thoughts
Productivity in the workplace is all about you, and how far you are willing to push yourself within your element. If you are okay with mediocrity, and you are good with just flying under the radar and staying where you are, I respect that. In fact, I dabbled in that approach at one point as well.
However, I have found the greatest success by learning and being willing to push myself out of my comfort zones. For me, it is about constantly seeking improvement in the places where I spend most of my time, and a big one is my work.
Increasing your productivity, is something that is completely within your control. Employers value it and managers cherish it, (some managers at least do). Make sure to cultivate your own self worth and self respect by consistently pushing to better yourself in the activities/jobs that you sign up for.
You have special gifts and skills that no one else has, make sure to use them to reach your greatest potential.
