Did you know that there are entire countries where working full time means only 6 hours a day?! Holland, Germany, Norway, Denmark and France are just five of those countries [source].
Although they work less than us and other developed countries, the same amount of work is completed, which means their work ethic is superb. Work smarter, not harder, right?
So, what is the take-away? Move to Europe?
As much as we love our fashionable counterparts, moving is a drastic solution. Instead, we have compiled a list of 4 tips and tricks to stay focused and productive at work.
#1 Practice Time Blocking For Ultimate Productivity
A technique that has been used for decades must mean there is something efficient about it, right?
Working women in many industries use this technique, including the hard-working women who work at home, raising their babies. Time blocking supports productivity and it is exactly what it sounds like. You break up the work day by blocks of time and assign one task per time block.
Set aside an hour for responding to emails and for phone calls. Set another hour for catching up with employees on current cases or projects. Set 30 minutes for lunch and a walk and so on.
The key to time blocking is to focus on the task you have assigned. Emails may be flooding into your inbox but unless you are focused on that time block, do not let them tempt you.
It takes some training and self-discipline to allow yourself to focus on one thing at a time. As modern-day human beings, we are accustomed to being inundated with information and having to juggle multiple tasks at once.
Of course, we understand that those situations are unavoidable at times but the norm should be focusing on one thing at a time. Only then will you be truly productive.
#2 Stay Motivated to Stay Focused and Productive
Maintaining positive headspace is important to staying focused and productive at work. If your mind is full of worry and doubt, we have something that will help – motivating and uplifting podcasts.
They have been our go-to these past few months to lift us out of a funk or to simply remind us that we aren’t alone in whatever we may be feeling. Life is hard and it is imperative that our mental health is positive.
We consistently gather take-aways from the following podcasts so, of course, we are sharing them with you:
- Working Motherhood with Dr. Portia Jackson
- Being Boss: Mindset, Habits, Tactics, and Lifestyle for Creative Entrepreneurs
- Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
- The Dave Ramsey Show & its sister shows
- The Dr. Zoe Show
#3 Organize Your Workspace To Help Your Productivity
We are true believers that a clear space equates to a clear mind. Keep your workspace organized and free of clutter.
Don’t forget about the digital clutter! Click here to read our post on how to clean up your phone of mindless nonsense.
The condition of your workspace is crucial to staying focused and productive in your work. When it is clear of clutter, crumbs and disorder, your mindset is also clear of those things (crumbs, included).
If you are working from home, click here to read our post on keeping your home workspace professional.
How to Stay Focused and Productive at Work | #4 Big Why
If you are asking yourself how those countries are able to work less and still get their work done, it is because they value a work/life balance. The life part to that is just as important as the work part. Being able to recharge and reconnect to why you work is crucial to continuing the cycle.
Know when to say no to extra tasks at work. Knowing your limitations, or rather setting your limitations, is essential to staying focused on what is important.
Our work lives have drastically changed in the last few months and many are finding they can work from home just as well as working in the office. Who knows what the future will hold but it may be that employers will start to think they don’t need to offer office space.
Keep reading! Here are some related blog posts that we think you will enjoy:
Work from Home Tips: 5 Ways to Stay Professional & Productive
Organization at Work: Ditch the Digital Clutter
Fall Fashion: How to Bring Hygge to Your Wardrobe and Workspace
The Magic of Tidying Up: Spring Cleaning for the Mind, Closet, and Workspace
Organization at Work: 3 Tips to Ditch the Digital Clutter
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