The best small ways to improve work productivity

Work productivity fluctuates daily. Here are some simple things you can do to get off the rat race.

Five days a week, 8-9 hours a day, and productivity sometimes comes and goes. Some days you feel like you're on fire trying to get everything done on time, while others feel like a whole different story. And just because you work longer doesn't mean you're more productive. It's better to seize the day and stay as focused as possible.

Although you should always treat yourself with some compassion, it is possible to get out of your daily work routine by making a few changes. Big changes like buying new desks and changing your work schedule can work, but even small and consistent changes can add up and make a difference. Here are the best small ways to improve work productivity.

Know what works and what doesn’t in your work setup

Photo by Brooke Cagle via Unsplash

RELATED: 4 Tips to Help You Be More Confident

If you want to know what's wrong with your work setup, write down a list of your routines every day. If you have a particularly productive day, write down what you did, whether you worked on the couch or with headphones, made all calls in the morning, or only attended meetings in the afternoon. Small patterns can help you find a better workflow and avoid certain situations that aren't particularly productive.

Start by completing a task

Photo via rawpixel.com

The best habit is to complete one task at a time. Usually the first task is the hardest, and once you overcome the biggest hurdle, you feel like you've accomplished more. Make a to-do list and slowly go through the items on your list or write down all of your plans on a calendar. These small activities can help you get out of your slump and feel more productive.

Clean up your desk

Photo by Yasmina H via Unsplash

RELATED: Tired all the time? Here's what could happen

Work tables are one of the most easily disorganized household items, especially when working from home. If you find yourself procrastinating, organize it. Clean and dispose of all your coffee cups, organize your pens, store extra notebooks, etc. Changing the position of your desk can also work, revitalizing your workspace and perhaps giving you a better view.

Clean up your email

Photo from rawpixel.com

Another simple and pointless task you can do is cleaning up your email. Arrange them according to their purpose and delete all the trash. Also, logging out of websites you don't visit and stores you don't care about is a great waste of time because it gives you something to do and feels like you're getting your life together. You have to start somewhere.