Learn smart skills and office products to help you get more done at work.
Productivity is vital to the success of every business. Regardless of the type of company you work for, maximizing productivity can help you reduce costs and grow your bottom line – and it can make you feel good. As a “Provider of Productivity,” we help Dane County businesses find tools and resources to help their employees become more productive at work. We developed these smart skills and office products tips to make it easier for you to increase productivity in your workplace:
- Subscribe to the TIO Principle (“Touch It Once”)
- Adhere to the “Two-Minute Rule”
- Rethink your office supply delivery
- Turn off notifications
- Avoid discussing politics with colleagues
- Reduce interruptions
- Create a productivity-enhancing workspace
Continue reading to learn more about how you can make your workday more productive.
1. Subscribe to the TIO Principle (“Touch It Once”)
The “Touch It Once” principle is an axiom that was thought of many years ago. The basic idea behind “touch it once” is that whenever you get an incoming task in front of you, you decide right away what to do with it. Often, instead of taking care of the task at hand, you think “I’ll take care of this later” and move on to something else. Later on, you have to re-evaluate what to do with the task and this again eats up time and energy. It’s not uncommon to do this a couple times for the same task.
2. Adhere to the “Two-Minute Rule”
The “Two-Minute Rule” is a concept developed by David Allen, author of Getting Things Done based on his time management method of the same name. The theory behind the rule is to help you make the most out of your time at the office. Here’s how it works: if you have a task that will take two minutes or less, complete it right away. Allen believes this immediate action requires less time than if you were to save it for later.
3. Rethink your office supply delivery
When you place your office supply order online, you may consider that task done – right? Not so fast. Upon delivery, most office supply companies will dump your supplies at the front door, forcing you or your colleagues to take even more time to unpack everything. When it comes to improving workplace productivity, make every minute of your day count. As a better use of your valuable time, think of EZ Office Products instead. We save you time and hassle by unpacking your order and placing your supplies where they belong.
4. Turn off notifications
Think of how many dings and buzzes your devices emit every day – and each time they do, it’s yet another distraction that can hinder your productivity in the workplace. While it’s tempting to check your phone or computer every time you receive a notification, try muting them for designated periods of time. Then, you can set aside times each day to check any text messages, phone calls, or emails you may have received while your alerts were turned off.
5. Avoid discussing politics with colleagues
In today’s polarizing political climate, feelings of uncertainty and anxiety can fuel heated discussions in the workplace. In a study of young workers during the 2016 election, one in four employees reported feeling stressed out over political conversations at work, and many stated they felt less productive as a result. To improve workplace productivity, avoid or minimize participation in such sensitive subjects. While everyone has a right to an opinion, expressing them at work may have detrimental effects on your fellow teammates.
6. Reduce interruptions
Although it is easier said than done, reducing interruptions is key to improving workplace productivity. Consider closing your door, wearing headphones, dedicating certain hours for meetings and co-worker conversations or finding a quiet spot away from distractions to help you devote your full attention to your work.
7. Create a productivity-enhancing workspace
A productive workspace can help you get more done at the office. To maximize your daily output, check out these types of products that are specifically designed to boost productivity:
- Office furniture conducive to collaboration, communication, and comfort
- Ample desktop lighting to help you see clearly so you can take on any task
- Green office plants that can not only enhance productivity but also job satisfaction
- Smart calendars and planners for keeping track of upcoming dates and deadlines
- Filing supplies to keep essential documents within easy reach
- Desk organizers and file sorters, wall files, letter trays, and book racks for a neat and organized workspace
For more ways to improve your workplace productivity, check out these ways to simplify your work life.
When you improve your workplace productivity, it can help you feel more satisfied at work while also boosting your credibility as an asset to your team. For more articles on productivity and other tips for your workday, check out our blog today.
Shop our productivity-boosting office products online or call our local customer service representatives at (608) 310-4300 today.