by Kristina Colossol

Do you feel like you’re not reaching your full potential at work? You’re not alone. Sometimes our productivity is compromised by a bad mood, tense atmosphere, or simply waking up tired. However, these situations are usually exceptions. Sometimes, even if you’re in full focus mode and are motivated to give your best at work your productivity still falters and as well. As much as you thought you’d planned the day’s about to end and there’s so much left to do.

So what’s going on? No matter how well we plan there are some things that we continue to do that are ‘time suckers’. It doesn’t mean we can’t do them it just means we should think twice about HOW we’re doing them.

What’s killing your productivity?

#1 Thing that might be killing your productivity: Checking Emails Too Frequently

An average employee checks his or her email a whopping 36 times an hour. If you see yourself getting close to that number then it’s no wonder your productivity is compromised. In order to maintain good work quality and be fast in what you’re doing, you need to reduce distractions. Although that response you’re waiting for is crucial for business, checking your inbox multiple times an hour won’t make it arrive faster.

Instead of staring at your inbox, set aside 20-30 minutes to check your email. It is better to stay focused on one thing at a time than to switch from task to task.

#2 Thing that might be killing your productivity: Cyberloafing

With unlimited Internet access at work, companies and businesses started having problems with cyberloafing. This term represents the actions of employees who use the Internet for personal use while pretending to do legitimate work.

We all browse YouTube a couple of times a day in order to find that song you heard on the radio or a funny video. But cyberloafing is also killing your productivity. Unless what you’re looking for is inspirational for what you’re doing, chances are that Internet surfing will just distract you from what you’re actually meant to be doing.

#3 Thing that might be killing your productivity: Checking And Using Social Media Whenever Possible

Although it might be similar to the second most time-consuming task, social media still deserves a special spot on this list. Checking social media accounts can take up to two hours of your time, even when you’re at work.

Plus, if you’re posting something and your notifications pop up, you have to deal with a lot of distractions that not only make finishing your task more difficult, but it also breaks up your concentration. How many times did you scroll on Instagram and Facebook before realizing an entire hour has passed?

#4 Thing that might be killing your productivity: Multitasking

You might already be aware of it but multitasking prolongs the amount of time needed to complete a task. If you have a lot of things to do on the same day, try doing them one by one, or ask your colleague to help you out.

Focus on one thing at a time, and you’ll be surprised how much faster you are in completing your daily duties.

#5 Thing that might be killing your productivity: Noisy Coworkers

If you know that annoying feeling when you’re under pressure and trying to remain focused and your colleagues keep on talking loudly, then this is for you. It can be hard to finish things in that type of atmosphere.

If your coworkers don’t realize they are being loud, let them know in a nice way that you would appreciate it if they could respect your workspace. Alternatively, you can get some great earphones and listen to classical music in order to avoid auditory distractions.

Photo: Roan Lavery (Unsplash)