Work efficiently with proper planning

A new year is here which means new exciting challenges. By planning properly, avoiding distractions and doing one thing at a time, you can get more done in less time - thereby achieving a more efficient day at work. Take a look at our five tops tips to help you to do just this!
 

1. Plan your time but be flexible - Set up a rough plan for the coming week on a Friday afternoon or Monday morning, and try to estimate approximately how long each task takes – be realistic and optimistic. Breaking down your goals into smaller tasks helps us not to get too overwhelmed. But remember not to be too strict, rarely things go completely to plan so some leeway is important. Perhaps you're not ready to take on a particular task or something unexpected occurs - then it is important to be able to alter the plan and focus on a task that can be achieved instead.
    
2. Avoid multi-tasking - When we have a lot of work on our desks it is easy to start multi-tasking and we believe that we achieve things quicker this way. But often this isn’t the case. This approach can result in us finding it difficult to concentrate fully and we can end up with several unfinished jobs at the end of the day. Instead take one thing at a time and prioritise your tasks.
    
3. Avoid possible distractions - Log out of social media and put your personal mobile on silent when you need to concentrate on a task. Check your emails in advance. Try to keep a tidy desk area as this can help increase focus.
    
4. Gather everything in one place - Do you have scrawled notes on scraps of paper littered about? Try to keep all of your important notes and thoughts in one place for easy reference. A planning board for a weekly or monthly basis can be great for keeping track of overall objectives, especially if there are several people in your team.
    
5. Customise your work to you - There are many different methods that you can utilise to plan your workday. Find the one that works best for you! If you enjoy listening to music in the office then do it! You may find that many short breaks works well for you or you may find that this disrupts your work flow. The important thing is to find your groove at work and go for it!