Does it sometimes feel like you’ve worked all day but got nothing done? With so many distractions and competing tasks, it can be difficult to get everything done in a day. Making a few changes to your daily routine can have dramatic effects on your productivity at work.
5 Ways to Increase Productivity at Work
1. Don’t put off small tasks. 
Whether it’s a quick reply to an email or filing a paper, small tasks can add up quickly. Avoid a backlog by doing these tasks as soon as they arise. Consider implementing a “two-minute rule” – if the task will take less than 2 minutes, do it right away.
2. Ignore your email – for now.
The constant ding of new emails can distract you away from the work you need to get done. Shutting off your email notifications and scheduling specific times in the day to read, sort and reply to emails can keep you focused on the task at hand, while not allowing your email to grow out of control.
3. Schedule breaks.
Working for too long in a stretch can cause eye strain, headaches and fatigue, ultimately slowing you down and decreasing the quality of your work. Schedule breaks into your day to get up and stretch, take a walk, or get a snack. This will allow you to make the most of your working time, while still getting the breaks you need.
4. Minimize meetings.
Meetings can really interrupt your day and the flow of your work, and often the topics can be more quickly resolved via email or phone. When you must schedule meetings, try to arrange them into your day in the least disruptive way possible, such as first thing in the morning, or at the end of your day.
5. Reduce interruptions.
Offices can be social places, but constant interruptions can keep you from focusing on your work. Close your office door, turn off notifications on your email and phone, or even work from home when you have time sensitive work to complete.
Staying on task can be difficult at work, with so many things vying for your attention. By taking the time to set priorities and boundaries you can minimize interruptions and distractions so you can be more productive during working hours. This benefits both you and the company, producing better work without increasing your stress levels.