10 tips for being more productive at work

At ISQ, we take our work/life balance seriously so we’ve asked Desklodge if they could share their top productivity tips with us. Desklodge creates and runs unique co-working spaces that are designed to boost productivity. Here’s what they had to say.

There are so many inspiring ideas out there to boost productivity and we would like to share some of the main points, in an easy-to-read post, for those of us who are always on the go.  

Humans like lists, they like prompts. We don’t always have time to read a whole book on productivity and we want those instant easy fixes that we can be putting into practice right here, right now!

It’s surprising how quickly a basic schedule can be pushed aside by sudden deadlines and general life admin. We get it. By making small changes to your schedule you can make things much more productive and stress-free in the long run.

Here are our top 10 productivity tips

1. Review your calendar every week

Do this on a Sunday night. It may be a bit late to do it Monday morning just as you miss your train to that important meeting that ‘weekend You’ had forgotten all about!

2. Check your diary every morning & night

Is picking up your phone the first thing you do when you wake up? Just checking in on your social media? You should be checking your diary first! Seems simple enough but so many of us neglect this task. Make it a priority.

3. Write out a to-do list for the day and cross stuff off as you achieve the tasks

Spill your brain onto a notepad (hard copy or digital) before you start your day, and don’t forget to include answering emails and life admin. Get everything on there and cross stuff off as you achieve them. It gives you a warm glow as you can see you are getting stuff done.

4. Write out your goals for the week

This is different from your daily to-do list but can include simple daily chores to life goals. You’ll be amazed at what you can get done whilst following a list and you may even be surprised with the things you pop on it. Get inspired! You can do it!

5. Keep to a routine but don’t set unrealistic deadlines

Whether we like to admit it or not, even the most spontaneous among us like to have some routine to their day.

Whether it’s starting work at the same time or planning what you are going to wear the night before, little things can help take your mind away from stressing over insignificant worries and keeping your brain alert and active.

If you have a busy day scheduled, don’t add even more activities in. Can it wait just one more day? More often than not, it can.

Keep focused on your daily tasks, safe in the knowledge that tomorrow is another day to work on all those things that are on your to-do list. Be kind to yourself!

6. Take a break

Seriously! Take a break! If you are getting tired, stressed or becoming unmotivated it is definitely time for a break. It will not mess with your productivity and it will help your wellbeing.

7. Go for a walk

Are you one of those people who never leaves the office? Get yourself outside for some fresh air and find out what’s happening in the world. A walk through a park, by some water or even a five-minute brisk walk around your area, will clear the cobwebs and get your brain ticking again. Plus, walking is a brilliant way to get some exercise. It’s a win-win!

8. Take time out, listen to music or read a book

Listening to music is good for the soul. If you are feeling stressed or down or need some motivation, listening to your favourite tunes will rejuvenate you. Music is also very relaxing, think of parents singing their children to sleep. They are onto something!

Same with books, find a quiet corner, settle in and read a couple of chapters of your book or listen to an audiobook. Again, having a book read to you as a little kid made you feel inspired and relaxed. All great for removing you from your worries and stresses for a moment and inspiring you to go get ‘em.

9. Stop to eat your lunch

Put that Sainsbury’s meal deal down and step away from the laptop! Take time and take a proper lunch break. Find a space to eat and actually look at what you are eating. Food feeds the brain but not if you don’t even remember eating it! Recharge your batteries and don’t forget that regular glass of water too.

10. Talk to other humans

Are there other people in your office? Go and talk to them. If not, then try to plan to meet a friend for lunch or make a phone call, everyone needs human interaction. The best way to meet new people is to go talk to them.

Talking to others is escapism from all that work that has been stressing you out. You might even speak to someone who can help you with that work-related problem you have been stuck on for the past hour.

People are also incredibly funny too, they tell stories and take you to another place, even for a moment. Sometimes, that’s all you need to get you out of that productivity rut, whilst pushing you on to achieving those goals.

DeskLodge is a unique coworking space with locations in both Bristol and Basingstoke. Offering hotdesking, private offices, meeting rooms, fixed desks, event spaces, virtual offices and much more, with fun and inspiring décor and an amazing community of people, in an environment that is always #insanelyproductive.