Five Paths to Finding Focus at Work

In today’s fast-paced business world, it can be challenging to keep your creative juices flowing and productivity up to speed. Here are five things you can do to maximize your work potential.

1. There’s an app for that, too

Let’s face it: data entry is not the most exciting part of your workday. During this and other low-interest tasks, it can be really tempting to watch adorable kitten videos instead. Unfortunately, adorable kitten videos are the internet equivalent of a black hole, known to pull you in and never let go. Fortunately, the people at 99U have come up with this excellent list of software programs designed to keep you focused!

2. Remove Clutter

The Internet is one potential source of distraction; too much clutter in your workspace is another. It’s no secret that work goes faster if you can find what you need, when you need it. Before beginning a task that requires deep focus, take a moment to get through your “to be filed” pile and finally recycle that free plastic thingamabob collecting dust on your desktop.

3. Get Comfortable

Physical comfort is key to productivity. It’s tough to focus if your neck is aching or it’s so warm you want to fall asleep. Take a minute to adjust the office thermostat, or stretch your body to relieve any aches. Making your workspace more ergonomic is also key to feeling up to focus-oriented tasks

4. Take Scheduled Breaks

While distraction at large is the enemy of productivity, planned distraction can help boost it! Increasing evidence shows that taking a break from a task and then returning to it can improve both quality of work and an employee’s enjoyment of the task itself. So go ahead, take a stroll out to your office common space [maybe a link to the common spaces newsletter?], or spin around in your chair if you feel like it! You can even watch those kitten videos. A recent study shows that in small doses, even internet cats can boost productivity. No matter how you spend your break, make sure you set a time that you’re going to re-focus, and stick to it.

5. Arrange Your Space for Productivity

A good office layout is a vital factor to overall productivity. Think of all the time spent un-stacking boxes to find what you need in an impacted supply-closet. Or, switching the postage machine plug with the fax machine plug due to inefficient outlet use. Office rooms and furniture can be arranged to eli