We all go through productivity slumps even with an overdose of caffeine. No one can get up with a hundred percent energy and then sustain it throughout their day. So, it is vital to understand when you work best and for how long. Whether you like it or not, you have to trudge through the entire workday. But if you make the most of your high productivity hours, you can get more done.
The best workers know what part of the day they are most active in. Then they plan their day and pick the most challenging tasks during these hours. No matter what your profession is, there is always a crucial task that needs your full attention. For instance, a civil engineer needs to think hard about structure and balance. Similarly, an HR professional should be focused when planning the company’s talent acquisition strategy. So, for doing the important tasks right, you need to know what your most productive work time is.
How to Find Your Most Productive Hours
Working too much can be counterproductive as it can tire you. So, if you want to work more, you should technically work smart. Knowing your habits and behaviors can help you a lot with productivity. If you know when you are more active, it can be the best time to work. Otherwise, you can put in a lot of effort and still not get the desired results. Moreover, productivity can be directly related to your level of motivation. If you are going through a personal loss or feeling unwell, you can’t give your best to your work.
According to research by Podio, your brain can only function for 90-120 minutes. That’s why many colleges don’t recommend longer than two hours of consecutive lessons. Your brain will ultimately slow down and you won’t be able to focus. So, for your brain to be ready for the next 90-120 minutes you should ideally get some rest.
It is also important to know what is holding you back from being your best at work. For instance, some people can crumble under pressure. Others are not good at multi-tasking and some can have trouble with time management. So, knowing your strengths and weaknesses are both important. If you can figure out what is stopping you, then you can nib it in the bud. Struggling with work is normal, but you can always address the issues you are facing.
Follow Work Patterns
Your habits can be a defining factor in your most productive hours. Many people are aware of the time of day they like best to work. Moreover, your work patterns and methodology can also make a lot of difference. So, if you can understand your behavior and map out a plan accordingly, it can best suit your needs.
For example, most people know whether they prefer early mornings or late nights. So, if you know which hours you prefer, it is best to shift your work timings around it. Especially if you are an entrepreneur and can change your timetable on your own. Not everyone has to work from 9-5 to make it happen. If you are a night owl, just work at night. Knowing what works best for you is the key to increased productivity.
Moreover, the way you work can also alter your productivity levels. For example, if you prefer to talk to people in person, you should not focus on calls and text messages. If you think calling in those extra meetings work well for you and your team, you do you. Some teams would prefer to stay connected via emails and calls. So, in that case, you should allot a time of day to reply to emails. You should do this when you think you are most active so there are no communication gaps. The more you focus on your habits, the better you can schedule your workday.
Making Your Schedule Work
Now that you have decided on a schedule, it is time to make it work. It can be easier for businessmen and entrepreneurs as they are their bosses. But if you are an employee, it can be a bit more complicated. Many bosses are now more accommodating about their employees’ work schedules. Especially, after the pandemic, 9-5 is not a reality for many workplaces. You can work from home or on your own schedule if the work permits.
You can ask your manager or HR department to make a better schedule for you and your team. Like what event had an enormous effect on US workplace safety? If all of you work better on Mondays, you should plan your meetings then. Moreover, keep your meetings in line with your deadlines. For instance, you should not have a deadline the same day that you have a tedious meeting.
Working from home can bring its own set of problems. It allows a lot more distractions than usual. As it is not a formal work setting, you will need more focus than usual. You should try to make sure that your workspace is comfortable and allows you to work seamlessly. Moreover, take small breaks throughout the day or a one-hour break once a day. It all depends on how much you think you can work in one go.
