The events of recent years have significantly influenced the development of remote work. It is about COVID-19, which forced most students and employees to turn their bedroom, living room, or hall into a classroom and office. After the pandemic wave ended, some people continued to work remotely. Yet most returned to pre-pandemic work conditions. Finding themselves back at their desks, office workers faced a problem. They didn't know how to stay focused at work again. External noise, conversations, and a busy atmosphere became the main distractions from work. These negative factors completely ruin the positive work environment. But there are some ways to restore it!
Tip 1. Split your work into deep and shallow parts
Start by dividing all your work into deep and shallow tasks. Deep work is the time when you focus on only a few things, concentrating on the main goal. This type of work helps you improve your skills and work quality, requiring maximum concentration.
Shallow work, on the other hand, is an activity where you can easily get distracted: checking emails, answering team calls, and so on. It doesn't require special skills. Paying attention to too many things at once makes all the work superficial. It does not allow you to finish tasks faster and learn something new.
Tip 2. Delete nonessential tasks
Cross off non-priority tasks from your list. You can't do everything – it's impossible. So, pay attention to things that will bring you results and improve work performance. Focus on being productive, not just busy. It doesn't matter how much time you spend on a particular activity; the result matters.
Tip 3. Activate the hyperfocus work method
Initiate hyperfocus mode, a state where you gain extra productivity at the cost of certain mental efforts. In this state, you can accomplish much more challenging tasks in a day. To do this, create the most comfortable conditions to avoid distractions. For example, find a cozy but not too cool place, open a window, deactivate your devices, and do whatever you need to.
Tip 4. Do not complicate your work life
If you look at the big picture, there are two main reasons why it's so hard to concentrate. One is that you change your activity too quickly. The other is your willpower, which you can develop only through constant hard work. You can fight these factors by creating certain habits that make your hard work easier. What’s more, you’ll open up opportunities for improvement.
To do this, set boundaries between yourself and the environment. For example, turn off Wi-Fi or switch to airplane mode on your smartphone. Also, make your deep work environmentally friendly for yourself. People forget about their personal needs during work, yet the body constantly needs enough food, water, and comfort to have the strength to do all tasks.
Tip 5. Rest effectively
Excessive focus and multitasking exhausts part of your mental energy, making you less attentive. Pay attention to moments when you're exhausted and learn to rest effectively as it is one of the ways to stay focused. Many of you have dull or monotonous jobs. So, you should engage in something you enjoy to keep your mind from wandering. Moreover, it's nice for your mood and mental health. It could be physical exercises like yoga, swimming in the local lake, or reading the news.
Tip 6. Manage your work time
Plan all the tasks you need to do. This will help you be more aware of how you spend your time. Try creating a schedule consisting of several half-hour blocks. These blocks should include both personal tasks, such as playing the guitar, and professional tasks, such as writing a monthly report.
Tip 7. Use every minute to the fullest
One of the most famous time management techniques is the Pomodoro Technique. Its main task is not just to set a timer for 25 minutes and complete a task. You must stay focused. So, for example, if you're interrupted and distracted, you still complete the work cycle as if nothing happened.
This rule may seem strict, yet it helps you learn to ignore distracting factors that can ruin your work. The Pomodoro Technique can also change your perception of productivity. You can finish tasks quickly, even before the timer goes off. When this happens, use the extra time to check your work, develop new ideas, or assess your progress.
Tip 8. Listen to your preferences
Many office workers say open offices help create better work teams and ideas. It is because you gain experience from your colleagues. An open space encourages creativity and reduces stress. They also praise open offices for the ease of communicating with colleagues while working on big projects.
However, such a work format is not suitable for introverts due to the noisy environment and many distracting factors. You should always remember to listen to your desires and emotional state and choose a work environment accordingly to achieve the best work results. You don't have to follow a group if you don't want to do it. Learn more tips on how to realize your authentic desires in our The One Thing summary.
So, there's no unique answer to how to be more effective and focused at work. Each person is an individual and has the personal characteristics of the ideal work atmosphere. However, you can improve your employee skills by following the recommended time management techniques, planning tasks, and listening to your inner self.
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