Some days you walk into work and soar through your task list, but other require a little — or maybe a lot of — extra effort. If today is one of those days where you’re having an unproductive work day, don’t fret.
At some point, everyone suffers from an unproductive work day or lack of energy, but recognizing this is the first step. At LGC Hospitality, one of the top hospitality employment agencies, we know you want to make the most of your day, and it definitely isn’t too late to get back on track.
5 Ways to Salvage an Unproductive Work Day
Make a List
Sometimes all it takes is a game plan to zap the energy back into your system. The simple act of making a list of everything you want to complete before the end of the day might be what you need to kick into high gear. Checking completed tasks off a list is exhilarating, and you’re not the kind of person who is content leaving for the day until you’ve completed everything you’ve set out to accomplish. And once you’ve accomplished it, you’ve turned an unproductive work day into a productive one.
Take a Break
If you’ve been checked out most of the day, taking a break might seem like the last thing you need, but it can help. Take a walk around the block, get a cup of coffee or give yourself a few minutes to browse the Internet. Allowing yourself not to think about work for a bit will leave you feeling refreshed, so when you return, you’ll be ready to focus.
Change Settings
Monotony can easily put a damper on your productivity, so if possible, switch things up by seeking a change of scenery. This might involve taking a project you’re working on to a different part of the office or asking your boss for permission to help someone in another area for awhile. New surroundings should re-energize you back into your productive self.
Break Large Tasks Down
Tackling a large project is hard work, so at least part of your inefficiency might be due to feeling overwhelmed. Kickstart your productivity by breaking the project down into smaller pieces that make it seem less daunting. Before you know it, you’ll have made a serious dent in your workload.
Switch Your Focus
Sometimes you just can’t get excited about a particular task. If it doesn’t have to be completed today, put it aside and accomplish something else. This way, you’re still getting something done, and when you do finally complete the task in question, you’ll de better work, because you’ll be in a better mindset for it.
If you’re having an unproductive work day, we hope this guide helps you get back on track. Don’t forget, it’s never too late to turn the day around!