Squeezing the most from your 8-hour workday can be really challenging. Try incorporating these four essential tips to increase your production flow and work smarter in 2020.
Because there are only eight hours in a workday — at least, in theory — making the most of your time is crucial. You may think you do a good job at gauging how much time to spend on tasks, possibly by setting self-imposed deadlines but is your approach healthy and conducive to optimum productivity? Here are a few essential tips you should keep in mind when planning how you can amp up your game next year.
Use the two-minute rule
Have you heard of the two-minute rule? While it’s difficult to track down who exactly coined the idea — it has been championed by several self-help gurus and entrepreneurs including David Allen and Steve Olenski — the basic premise behind it remains more or less the same: you can combat procrastination by immediately tackling any tasks on your to-do list that require two minutes or less for completion. By doing so, you’ll build a habit of showing up that’ll gradually lead you down a more productive path at work.
Work in 90-minute blocks
Another interesting technique currently being employed by Fortune 100 all across the country is the idea of encouraging teams to work in shorter intervals. Researchers have found that work overload often leads to distractions, a lack of willpower to focus on what’s important. This might be related to the fact that our brains can only focus for 90-120 minutes at a time, and require 20-30 minute breaks for recovery. So, if you’d like to be at the top of your game and perform at the best of your ability, remember to pace yourself.
Be more proactive, less reactive
It’s not surprising that your self-confidence, happiness, and satisfaction at work increases when you retain a bigger measure of control over your circumstances. How can this be achieved? Largely by staying on top of things — meeting your responsibilities in a timely manner. When you think ahead and prepare for possible future scenarios, you also avoid the trap of putting fires as they arise. Try it — it works wonders!
Outsource HR matters to a trusted PEO
If there were a top 10 of “most dreaded time-consuming tasks at work,” unnecessary meetings would rank number 1 and handling HR paperwork would likely be a close second. Picture this: never having to worry about staying compliant with state and federal laws; having leading experts manage your new hires, payroll, and benefits. Sounds lovely, right? That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what a PEO can do for you.
