10 productivity tips to help you work smarter in 2024

You've set a goal for 2024 to be more productive at work, but you haven't succeeded yet. It's not too late to achieve your goal!

Productivity is a hot topic. Everyone is looking for ways to get more done in less time. And while there are plenty of tricks for working smarter, not all of them work for everyone. That's because productivity is personal. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that's okay!

So take a look at our list, find tips to increase productivity in 2024, and start developing new good habits to maximize professional efficiency today!

What "productivity" means

Everyone has their own definition of productivity. For some, it's about getting as much work done as possible in a short period of time. Others may see it as a measure of quality versus quantity. And still others may define it as a balance between the two.

Productivity means using your time as efficiently as possible to achieve your goals . This means setting priorities, making a plan, and following through with it. It also means knowing when to take breaks and how to avoid distractions. By being productive, you can make the most of your time and get closer to your long-term goal of becoming more productive at work.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to workplace productivity, there are some techniques that can help anyone become more efficient. For example, task automation can save time.

In short, it's about optimizing the work time we have. By using a few simple techniques and productivity tools, anyone can become more productive and achieve their goals for 2024. LANE is here to guide you.

1. Set achievable goals to gain productivity

One of the tricks to increasing productivity at work is to set achievable goals. This may seem like common sense, but it's often overlooked.

Trying to accomplish too much in a short amount of time often leads to frustration and a sense of failure. Instead, break your goals down into smaller, more manageable pieces . Set a realistic deadline for each task and make sure you allocate enough time for each one. You'll be surprised at how much you're able to accomplish with this approach. And even if you don't complete everything on your list, you'll feel like you've accomplished something.

The next time you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list, remember to set achievable goals and take them one step at a time.

Setting goals is a first step, but to achieve them you will need the right tools.

2. Use the right tools that will help you be more productive

In today's digital world, there's a tool for almost everything. And when it comes to work, the right productivity tools can make all the difference. They can help you be more productive, efficient, and organized. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Here are some digital productivity tools that can help you work smarter:

ClickUp is a flexible tool that can be used for project management, to-do lists, and more. With its intuitive interface, ClickUp makes it easy to track progress and see who's working on what. Additionally, ClickUp integrates with other popular tools like Slack. and Google Drive.

Make (Formerly Integromat) is a visual platform that allows anyone to design, code, and automate everything—from tasks and workflows to applications and systems—without code.

As a MAKE partner, the LANE team will be happy to help you get the most out of this software in automating your tasks.

Evernote Evernote is a great tool for organizing your thoughts and ideas. You can create notes, lists, and even record audio and video files. And with Evernote's scanning features, you can easily search your notes to find what you're looking for.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to digital tools. These are just a few of the many options available that can help you work smarter. LANE Digital Consulting can help you choose the best digital solution for your business.

Having the right equipment can make all the difference, but what about your physical well-being?

3. Take breaks

Working long hours can be hard on your mind and body. It's important to take breaks throughout the day to give yourself the chance to rest and recharge.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your breaks:

First, use your break time to get up and move. Taking a walk or doing some simple stretches can help increase your energy levels and improve your focus.

Next, take a moment to enjoy something you love. Whether it's listening to music, reading your favorite book, or taking a few deep breaths, do something that makes you happy.

Finally, try to disconnect from work as much as possible during your break. Step away from your computer screen or put away your work materials if possible so you can fully relax.

By following these tips, you'll be able to maximize your break time and return to work refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. After taking care of your physical well-being, now think about how to organize your tasks.

5. Prioritize tasks to work smarter

When it comes to work, it's important to have a strategic approach to which tasks you tackle first. That's why professional prioritization is such an important skill to master. But how do you know which tasks are most important? There are a few factors to consider. Here are our time management tips:

First, think about which tasks are time-sensitive. If a task has a deadline, it will likely take priority over other tasks that don't have the same time pressure.

Next, consider which tasks are the most complex or require the most energy. These are usually the tasks you'll want to get out of the way first, so you can focus on simpler tasks later in the day.

Finally, consider which tasks are most important to your goals. For example, if you're working on a project that's due soon, you'll want to make sure all project elements are taken care of before moving on to other tasks.

By taking the time to prioritize your tasks, you can ensure you're always working on the most important things—and it will help you get more done in less time. This will help improve your work productivity in 2024.

6. Tip for increasing productivity: optimizing working time

While the use of remote work and mixed work styles now offers workers greater flexibility, they still spend more than half of their time (58%) synchronizing their activities (Source: Asana, Inc., 2022 ). Time that is not spent on the strategic tasks that constitute their core business.

So here are some tips to help you make the most of your time:

• Make a list .

Write down everything you need to do in a day, week, or month. This will help you focus and prioritize your tasks.

• Set deadlines .

For each task on your list, set a deadline by which it must be completed. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

• Delegate tasks .

If possible, delegate tasks to others who can help you accomplish them. This will free up your time for more important tasks.

• Automate .

Take note of repetitive tasks that you do over and over again that could be automated. Save time by using Zapier to reduce copy-paste routines. Not sure when to automate a task? Start here .

• Prioritize your health .

Don't forget to schedule time for yourself! Take a break, exercise, or simply spend some time outdoors. Your productivity will be higher if you're healthy.

When we talk about productivity in 2023, the first thing that comes to mind is distraction. Now let's take a look at some of our recommended concentration techniques.

7. Avoid distractions to stay focused and productive

A recent study found that the average office worker is interrupted or distracted every three minutes and five seconds (Source: Asana, Inc., 2022 ). That's a lot of wasted time over the course of a day! If you're struggling to stay focused on your work, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid distractions.

First, if you're working remotely, try to create a dedicated workspace where you can focus without interruptions. If possible, find a place where you can close the door and block out any visual or auditory distractions.

Next, try turning off all notifications while you work or limiting them to only those that are truly essential. Otherwise, determine which notifications you really need and create a method to distinguish between them.

Finally, try establishing some ground rules with your colleagues or family. Let them know that you need uninterrupted time to focus on your work, and ask them not to interrupt you unless absolutely necessary. For example, you can display this on your Google Calendar by adding a “Need to Focus” schedule.

By taking these steps, you can create an environment conducive to concentration and avoid distractions at work. Take time to celebrate your work productivity!

8. Celebrate your productivity successes!

One motivational technique is to celebrate your successes. Every time you complete a task or achieve a goal, take a moment to appreciate your work. This can be as simple as patting yourself on the back or taking a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to savor your accomplishments. Not only will this help you feel good about yourself, but it will also give you the encouragement you need to keep going. And the same goes for if you're a team manager or company executive; celebrate the success of your team or employees with a special event. Recognize their accomplishments by presenting them with awards or rewards. Give them the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves with fun activities. Thank them for their productivity and dedication at work.

So the next time you complete a project or meet a deadline, take a moment to celebrate your productivity!

9. Track your time and evaluate your productivity

One of the tricks to gaining productivity is to simply track the time you spend on tasks. This may seem like a lot of work, but there are now many software and apps that make time tracking easier. For example: Toggl , Harvest or Everhour .

Once you have a good understanding of how you spend your time, you can start looking for ways to streamline your work methods. For example, if you find that you are frequently distracted by emails, try setting aside specific times to check and respond to messages. Alternatively, if you find that certain tasks consistently take longer than expected, you can schedule this into your calendar so you can identify areas where you can optimize your work time.

If you're looking for the best time tracking tool for your team, we'd love to help.

10. Digital Day: the personalized solution to improve your productivity at work

Identifying productivity barriers and finding a solution to work more efficiently can be a challenge for many professionals. LANE Digital Consulting has developed a bespoke service to help identify and overcome these productivity barriers. We will work with you and your team to find the best solutions for your individual needs and help you improve your productivity at work. Contact us today to get started!

Our team will be happy to discuss your project. Book your free appointment!

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To conclude...

Working efficiently is essential for optimal productivity. If you're struggling to complete all the tasks you've set for yourself, try one of the hacks above. These tips and tricks are easy to implement and can help you work smarter for the second half of 2024.

And if you need help improving your productivity, don't hesitate to contact LANE Digital Consulting. We're here to help! Do you have any productivity tips to share? Leave a comment below!

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