With many businesses moving to an open office layout, it can be tough, if not impossible, to stay productive all day long. When you need to hunker down and focus, here’s a few tips to drown out distractions and make your personal productivity skyrocket.
Deliberately Plan Your Day
Make time at the end of the week to plan out the week ahead—projects, tasks, meetings, etc. By blocking out time on your calendar each day, it’s easier to hold yourself accountable for each day’s work and ensure you don’t lose track of time with distracting coworkers, internet videos, or your Instagram feed.
To-do list not your thing? Keep at least a general idea of what you want to accomplish throughout the day to help you stay on track.
Take Brain Breaks
Perhaps contrary to popular belief, taking regular breaks can actually enhance your focus and help you regain your energy for the rest of the day. Go for a quick walk around the block, grab a snack from the kitchen, or even stand up and do a few laps around the office. Doing so can help you clear your head and come back to projects with refreshed perspective.
Ditch the Phone
Considering that “smartphone addiction” has become a concerning issue in our society, it’s important to detach from the phone while you’re trying to get important projects done. At the very least, set it to “Do Not Disturb” for a few hours and force yourself to check it only when the work can be paused.
Escape the Noise
If your desk is just too distracting, find another place around the office to continue your work. Not only will you be refreshing your brain with a change of scenery, but you’ll be able to escape the chatter of coworkers, phones ringing, and keyboard clacking. If your company allows you to work remote, schedule days throughout the month when you know you’ll need intense focus.
Workflow Problems, Solved.
Not only do we sell and lease office equipment, but we also help offices get more work done with our productivity tips and workflow solutions. Need more tips for getting the most out of your time at work? Read our blog for more effective productivity strategies.