I have never seen this online business journal
before, but the question presented by the author is interesting nonetheless.
Are you more productive when you work outside the office – at home, or a coffee
shop? Sixty percent of respondents to a Microsoft survey suggested that they
are more productive outside of the office, while only 40 percent of the
surveyed group said that their employer had a policy that provided for flexible
work arrangements.
I think we have to ask ourselves why we’re more
productive outside of the office. While coworkers, emails, and new youtube
videos can be distracting, there are things we can do at work to be more
efficient.
1. Don’t let email run your day
Set
a time each day to reply to emails. Easier said than done, as I see my
blackberry flashing, or pop-ups on my computer screen when I get new emails.
However, if you respond to emails as they arrive, you’ll spend your whole day
putting out fires, rather than achieving your goals. Communicate this idea to
clients and colleagues, letting them know that a phone call is best when an
issue is urgent.
2.
Do but don’t have an open door policy
Most
people love a collaborative working environment. It is critical for good office
morale to know that your colleagues are approachable. That said, it is
important for staff teams to identify items that are appropriate for
collaboration, and tasks that require individual initiative.
3.
Be creative
We
are motivated by things that address our need for growth and achievement. When
we take time in our day to brainstorm and develop game changing ideas, our
energy will flow to areas of our work that aren’t so exciting.
While
an occasional change of scenery like Starbucks can be great for productivity, efficiency
is possible in an office setting as well. By reflecting on our work habits, and
making adjustments where necessary, it is totally possible to conquer our to-do
lists every day.
