How to Be Productive
Finding the perfect work environment is no easy task. Freelancers, developers, digital nomads, entrepreneurs… they all need a setting that allows them to be productive and focused, but also inspired and creative. And of course, always on the horizon is that enemy of success that must be avoided at all costs — procrastination.
Being as productive as possible throughout the day is nigh on impossible for anyone.
Too much of office design is focused on reducing the cost of the space rather than inspiring people to work better and do better work. At Primalbase, we understand this and talk to a lot of people about what helps them be productive.
We’ve put together a guide based on some of these conversations and the feedback we’ve used to design our own spaces.
Take Regular Breaks
While it might be tempting to throw yourself into intense, unbroken workdays, in the long run this is not sustainable. Look around you — it is very unlikely that everyone is working non-stop.
There are numerous studies that have found the taking of these regular short breaks actually aids productivity. One study from MIT Senior Lecturer Bob Pozen found that working between 75 and 90 minutes, followed by a 15 minute break, actually helps the brain retain information better. Another study from the Draugiem Group, using a productivity-tracking app, found the most productive workers took 17-minute breaks for every 52 minutes of work.
Take consistent breaks throughout the day to socialise, grab a coffee, or just go for a short walk.
Use Productivity Software
Keeping on top of all your projects, organising ‘to-do’ lists, storing important contacts…it all adds up and can be difficult to keep track of. These days there is a great selection of various apps and software platforms designed to aid productivity and help you keep on top of your daily tasks.
Communicate with the freelancers you’re employing through Slack, and use Skype to hold regular video conference calls with them. Evernote is a great tool for storing important files and setting reminders for deadlines, while tools like Quickbooks can make organising your receipts and general tax record keeping much easier.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel like there’a a challenge is holding you back from your work.
As hardworking and dedicated as you may be, sometimes you’re going to need help. Don’t mistake a gap in your knowledge or a mental block for low productivity and tie yourself in knots trying to work your way out of it. Maybe you need a specific skill-set or someone with different experiences to you to complete a task. Maybe you need to conduct market research or product testing. Maybe you just need a fresh pair of eyes to provide a solution to a problem.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel like there’a a challenge is holding you back from your work.
Make Good Use of Mornings
Use the first few hours of your day to really dive into the tasks that require your full attention.
Finding it hard to get out of bed is one thing, but mornings are generally the peak time to get your most important work done. Our working memory is stronger and we’re generally more alert than at the end of the working day when time seems to drag.
Resist the temptation to devote your mornings to sifting through your emails (except the crucial ones), and rather save this for later on. Instead, use the first few hours of your day to really dive into the tasks that require your full attention.
Get Fit and Stay Fit
Regular exercise not only increases physical fitness, but also elevate your mood, reduce stress and increase concentration.
Making time for anything from a gentle jog to a full-on workout will do wonders for your productivity, both in the short and long terms. Regular exercise not only increases physical fitness, but also elevate your mood, reduce stress and increase concentration. Luckily, more and more workplaces are providing in-house gyms, or offering discounts for gym memberships. Make the most of these facilities and find a fitness regime that works for you, around your schedule.
Pick the Right Setting
One of the main things that we’ve found people look for is flexibility. Productivity is often determined by your mood and what works one minute will not necessarily work the next. Sometimes the buzz of a group of people sharing ideas will motivate you, sometimes it’s a distraction. It also depends on the nature of the task.
If you’re looking to minimise distractions, secure a seat in the quietest part of the office. If you’re a person who benefits from surrounding activity and bustle, settle in one of the common areas. If you have clients coming in, book a dedicated private meeting room.
In the end, it boils down to seeking out the right environment for that day’s work.
Being as productive as possible throughout the day is nigh on impossible for anyone. It is also important to understand that isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, so what works for someone else may not work for you. In the end, it’s up to an individual to find the set-up, tools and behaviours that work best for them. The above points are definitely a good place to start though!
At Primalbase, we want all our members to be achieving their full potential. Any initiatives that may help productivity, we want to hear about. If you’ve yet to experience our coworking spaces for yourself, stop by today! Book a tour now.
