How to Be More Efficient at Work

Boredom and distractions can decrease work efficiency.

Being efficient at work means getting things done better and faster. Procrastination can lead to frustration, decreased productivity and burnout. If productivity declines, your job may be at risk. Being more efficient and productive can result in higher job satisfaction, increased job responsibility and ultimately, a better salary.

Instructions

1. Plan your day. When you get to work, make a list of the tasks you want to complete throughout the day or week. Prioritize which tasks are most important and get those done first. Check each task off as it is completed. Avoid trying to do too much in one day, as this can be overwhelming and lead to a total lack of productivity. Be aware of deadlines. At the end of the day, look at your list and see how much you have accomplished.

2. Focus on work. It is easy to get distracted by coworkers, phone calls and emails. Avoid engaging in long conversations with coworkers or clients. Make personal phone calls during your breaks and keep them brief. Close out your email. Check it a few times a day instead of keeping it open and allowing alerts to pop up each time a new email arrives in your inbox. If you feel yourself getting distracted or bored, take a few minutes to step outside for fresh air and then return to work.

3. Keep expectations reasonable. People are not perfect and there will be days that you are more productive than others. Know your limits. Delegate tasks to your coworkers if necessary rather than trying to do everything yourself. Do not be afraid to say no if a coworker asks you to do something. If your presence is not required at a meeting, do not feel pressured to attend.

4. Do what you love. Being efficient in any capacity requires you to enjoy what you are doing on some level. If you love your work, you will be more motivated and optimistic. If you hate your job, you will likely suffer from boredom, frustration and unhappiness. Happy people are naturally more productive, energetic, creative and work better than others. If you enjoy your work, you will be less likely to suffer from stress or illness, which can also lead to increased productivity.

References

• Leonlioe.com: Time Management
• Positive Sharing: Top 10 Reasons Why Happiness at Work is the Ultimate Productivity Booster

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish