No matter the industry you work in, maintaining and improving your productivity is a large part of any job. Here at Hyper Recruitment Solutions, we may serve organisations and candidates in a wide range of categories of science jobs and we've found that productivity is a key factor in each role.
If you're concerned you're not productive enough or find you are stressed about having to get more done in increasingly little time, just follow our simple tips on how to improve your productivity.
- Eliminate common modern distractions
It seems that anyone in any job role can be very easily distracted by social media updates or even what's on TV in the canteen.
You may presume that it's good for your work success to always be connected, but if anything, the opposite is true. Distraction reduces your productivity more than you may think.
- Set your next day's schedule before you leave the office
A clear schedule helps you to stay organised and focused and more importantly, productive. You do you need to leave the daunting task of scheduling for the beginning of your day either, as this is the time when you would probably rather ease yourself into work with a nice morning coffee.
A good way to improve your productivity is to put together your 'to-do' list for the following day just before you leave. This will ensure you know exactly what you have to do from 8 am the next morning and can simply focus on working through your list.
- Set - and meet - your deadlines
Depending on your level of responsibility in your role, you might not have the luxury of setting deadlines for yourself or others in your team. However, whether you do or do not have that power, you should at least ensure deadlines are met.
If you're wondering how to improve your productivity, treat your work deadlines like financial budgets you simply cannot miss. Also, consider factoring an extra 15 minutes into the plan for your schedule each day, just in case certain assignments do overrun.
- Take quick breaks when you need them
The aforementioned rule shouldn't dictate that you stay glued to your desk at all times, even when you are becoming too stressed or distracted to concentrate properly. If you're not focused, this is not a good way to improve your productivity.
Instead, break the cycle by getting out of your chair and going for a short walk down the corridor, stretching your legs or preparing a cup of coffee. It'll give you a fresh pair of eyes which with to attack your work responsibilities again.
We are in an age in which multi-tasking seems not only possible but is also desired in many job roles. This is despite the research findings that point towards functional multitasking being a myth. Indeed, according to a 2009 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, even those who claim to multitask are actually pretty bad at it.
When you combine such discoveries with the highly delicate and responsible nature of so many science jobs, there's a very strong case for focusing on accomplishing one task at a time to a good standard, rather than joining the league of stressed-out, distracted and poorly-performing multi-taskers.
- Fill your mind with positive thoughts
We aren't talking about spending your day repeating endless 'affirmations' in your head that you barely even believe - indeed, we're talking about something that you may not do at work at all.
Before you go to bed at night, remind yourself of your life dreams and your goals for the day ahead, and/or read an inspirational book. Make sure your subconscious is full of uplifting thoughts that will carry you through another drab Monday.
Are you eager to put these productivity tips to the test in your dream science role? Get in touch with the leading science recruitment agency Hyper Recruitment Solutions now, so that we can suitably prepare you for and match you to your next big career opportunity.
