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%.

In order to improve relations and customer service habits, businesses need to have conversations with their clients.

Podcasting is a great way to foster this relationship as it allows for literal conversation and participation between a business and their client. People want to work with businesses who they like and trust, and podcasts add another layer to client relations. With podcasts in every niche, there is always an audience on the internet who will listen. The digital space is becoming more collaborative every day and the need for audience interaction is ever growing.

Why you should podcast

Podcasts are one of the fastest growing new media platforms. Their instant nature helps to get information out in a way that is easily accessible and reliable. You can listen on any device with various different streaming platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or the Google Play store. The ease of listening to a conversation helps listeners absorb information – even on the go – and feel connected. It is inexpensive to run as you only need a microphone. A podcast doesn’t have to be high tech and the smaller you start the more you can develop later on.

Value of podcasts

Podcasting is sadly under-utilised by many businesses. It allows you to share your business in a way that has never been done before. Through this form of media, you can convey your knowledge and advice to clients in a fun and engaging way. There are also many companies who sponsor podcasts so there is a monetary factor involved. If podcasting isn’t for you, perhaps consider sponsoring one to get your business out to a new audience.

Tips for a new podcaster

Podcasts generally run for 45-60 minutes depending on the content. They are a longer form of media made to be consumed simultaneously with another activity. Most listeners enjoy the conversation aspect that isn’t necessarily participatory. However, try having a segment at the end for questions from listeners that they can pose to you in the comments as this is appreciated. Don’t directly sell your business or sponsor either as the idea of a podcast is that it is like a conversation. No one wants to be told to buy something when they’re casually talking. Build up your image through a relationship with the audience. This can be done through stories or anecdotes relating to both real life and your business. This shows listeners that you are both relatable and an expert in your field.

Encouraging employee engagement within the workplace is vital to ensure the success and competitive advantage of a business.

Increasing employee engagement can be difficult, but if done correctly it can have immeasurable benefits to employers, employees and the workplace in general. Workers who are not motivated can convey a bad impression to customers and are consequently more likely to make mistakes. As an employer, it is necessary to ensure that your employees are passionate about their jobs and that they come to work enthusiastic and eager. Employees who are committed generally outperform those who are not.

One way to increase employee engagement is by encouraging flexibility for your workers. Employees are no longer spending their careers working at the same company until their retirement, but are instead often having many jobs in their working life. Employees also have greater flexibility in where, when and how they are working. When given flexible working hours or locations rather than rigid structures, people can become more productive, happier and engaged in the workplace.

There are many other factors that can impact an employee’s engagement in the workplace. These include:

• Having a good relationship with immediate supervisors.

• Pride in working for the company.

• Career development opportunities.

• Employee recognition.

• Transparency and honesty.

• Pay fairness.

Employee engagement should be a top priority in business and a goal that managers and employers work towards every day. There are five key areas that employers can focus on daily to better morale among workers, which are:

• Treat all employees with respect.

• Give credit when it is due.

• Communicate clearly, consistently and often.

• Encourage collaboration.

• Provide an optimal workplace environment.

Employees should feel comfortable to express their ideas and feedback regardless of their position or role within the organisation. Managers also need to recognise the important contributions that their employees make and reward those accordingly. Top performers in the business are an invaluable asset to progress so it is important that they are given the appropriate opportunities to excel.

Employee engagement is all about knowing what you have and valuing your employees. Businesses have the opportunity to create fulfilling and motivating experiences, allowing workers to bring their best to work each day.

Cash flow strategies are important to implement in a business. Without profits and positive cash flow, you can struggle to survive.

Long term stability

When setting finance and cash flow goals for a business, you should be aiming for long term stability. Businesses will need to realistically assess how and when they want to achieve their goals and plan accordingly.

Awareness and timing

Businesses should be aware of exactly when cash is coming in and out. Having strategies in place to ensure clients pay on time can help businesses learn their expected income times. It is also worth remembering to consider customer transactions made with credit cards. This will help you to accurately estimate the amount of cash being handled and whether this is enough to cover expenses.

Stay on top of records

Make sure your accounting information is updated regularly so you are able to see the financial state of your business at a glance. Although owners may not be directly responsible for the accounting practices, they should be aware of the business’ general intake and turnover.

Keep finances separate

Mixing your business and personal finances can create confusion and uncertainty surrounding your business’ performance. By separating these, you’ll know how much money your company is generating and be in a good position to properly pay yourself. Excess cash could be used to strengthen and grow your business.