We’ve all heard the phrase “work smarter not harder” but what does that mean? It means finding ways to use your energy and time at work more efficiently, which can help you complete tasks more quickly. By working smarter, you can improve your productivity and performance while increasing your overall job satisfaction. With end of year deadlines fast approaching, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, we’ve put together some tips to help you work smarter in the lead up to Christmas.
Tips for working smarter
- Set realistic goals. Create a realistic to-do-list. A massive, unrealistic to do list will make you feel like it’s unachievable. Prioritise it and break it down into a smaller, realistic list
- Prioritise your to-do-list in order of importance
- Structure your day according to your chronotype (are you more productive/focused in the morning? Schedule certain tasks at this time of the day)
- Stop multitasking – Research shows that multitasking makes a task take 40% longer to complete
- Stay focused – Remove distractions such as mobile phones, or work from a quieter area with less distractions. Block your calendar when you want to focus on work. This can help to avoid distractions
- Batch tasks. Don’t answer emails as they come through (unless urgent). Set times during the day to check emails
- Make meetings productive. Keep them short and focused
- Be disciplined with your time. Stop procrastinating
- Take regular breaks. You can boost your energy by taking short, regular breaks. These help to boost your energy, sharpen focus, improve your mood and reduce feelings of fatigue
- Remain healthy with regular exercise, nutritious foods, keeping hydrated and getting plenty of good quality sleep.
- Declutter your office
- Delegate
- Don’t take on more than you can do. Be realistic with your time and workload and understand what is required before agreeing to more tasks, especially if they are not directly related to your role.
- Know when to stop for the day and turn the computer off.
Use these tips to help you finish 2022 on a high. Finish those last-minute tasks and get ready to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation just in time for Christmas.