Making the most of your time at work can be difficult, with lack of productivity being a commonly cited issue among many workers.

The work environment, whether you work in an office or at home, can be filled with many distractions that can impact focus on tasks. It is important to take a proactive approach to your work that enables you to have a clear mind and do your best work. Some ways you can help to increase productivity at work are:

Avoid multitasking

It can seem like a good idea to attempt to complete an array of tasks at once, especially if they seem small or easy. However, this can be counter-productive and create a chaotic work environment. It would be more beneficial to focus on completing one task at a time, giving it your full attention, and then moving on to the next task. This can result in the tasks being completed faster.

Take breaks

While working long hours may feel like you are getting more work done, studies show that taking regular breaks can help to boost your mood and improve concentration. Sitting for long periods of time can reduce energy levels and impact on your work performance. Taking short, regular breaks throughout the workday can combat fatigue and maximise efficiency.

Set small goals

Looking at your goals can sometimes be overwhelming. If you break up your big projects into smaller tasks, it can help you to feel more in control. Once the goals are broken down, you can stay on track day-to-day and bigger projects will seem less daunting. This will allow you to be more productive.

Tackle your hardest tasks when you are most alert

In a busy day, you could find yourself pushing aside large goals if you are not confident that you will accomplish them. By the time you have got to these tasks at the end of the day, you will be too tired to give them the attention they need. This can lead to procrastination or projects taking multiple days to complete. Prioritising tasks on your to-do list helps to meet deadlines and reduce unnecessary stress.

Create the right environment

A pleasant and enjoyable workspace can help immensely in improving your mood and motivation. Research actually shows that adding aesthetically pleasing personal touches to your desk or office, such as pictures, candles or plants, can help to increase productivity by 15%.