The notifications and information overload in our modern world can make it difficult to get things done. Our attention is so fragmented that we have trouble focusing and being productive. Time management has become one of the most pressing issues in the workplace, simply because the number of distractions has increased exponentially in the last few years.
Learning how to stay present and engaged in whatever you happen to be doing in the moment can lead to tremendous improvements in your work, life, mentality, and health. How would it feel if you could be more productive, accomplish more, and live with less stress and fewer distractions?
You can—but it requires you to practice and learn how to leverage technology to help you succeed, rather than allowing it to distract you. Here’s how you can create new systems for productivity and focus, using IoT devices and techniques that work for you.
The Importance of Being Engaged at Work
You may not think it’s a big deal if you go to work and just do the bare minimum to get by—after all, a lot of your coworkers are probably doing the same. But here’s the thing: if you show up to work alert and with the mindset of productivity, ready to do your job well, you’ll not only be more productive and make a good impression on your boss, you’ll be more satisfied with your job. Engagement is a win-win—you and your company both benefit.
True engagement is rare—a 2015 Gallup poll found that only 32% of workers were engaged with their jobs. Unfortunately, poor engagement has many consequences—including poor productivity and focus. Companies and workers alike need to make an effort to reverse this trend, as it can cripple both business and personal growth.
Manage Operations and Tasks Effectively
Think about how much time at work you actually spend working. Do you spend all day in meetings, reading emails, checking social media, taking breaks, and getting interrupted by coworkers? If so, it’s time to think about how you could manage your personal operations and tasks more efficiently. If you have trouble with your ability to concentrate, use tech tools to help. Apps that block certain websites, to-do lists that allow you to add priority to tasks, and timer methods like Pomodoros can all help you focus. Regardless of how much control you have over the company operations, you can still streamline your own tasks by first analyzing the time you spend at work and then making adjustments.
Companies can help their employees become more productive by employing IoT devices to reduce time-wasting activities and find out how employees’ time is really being spent. Before you can become more efficient, you need to know where the waste is. One example of this is using IoT sensors to monitor how much time employees are spending in meetings, vs. actively working.
Emphasize Personal Self Care
How you care for yourself shows in your productivity. You aren’t going to be able to focus and work at peak levels 24/7—you need to make time to care for yourself. If you start feeling burned out, tired, sluggish, and stressed out, think about what’s going on in your life. Are you getting enough sleep, enough exercise, and caring for both your mind and body?
Prioritizing self-care might seem like a waste of time, but it helps you to show up at the office with a clear brain and focused attention. Every aspect of your life matters—if you eat takeout every night, think about doing meal prep or getting meal kits delivered so you can eat more healthfully. Your personal IoT devices can help you stay on track with these goals—fitness trackers and reminders from your phone, for example, can help you keep a schedule and maintain healthy habits.
Become More Successful
Productivity and focus are so crucial because they drive our ability to succeed. If you feel all over the place and unable to sit down and get work done, don’t keep floundering. Start by identifying the problem. It doesn’t mean you’re a failure if you have to make some changes. Even big businesses have to revamp their processes occasionally in order to breathe new life into their company.
You might have to try a few different tactics before you find what works. Be mindful of how you use technology. IoT tools can help to automate your processes and help you be more productive—but they can also be distracting if used improperly. There is immense value in knowing what works for you, not what works for other people. Your deadlines can be a guideline, but it’s up to you to set your priorities and develop the ability to focus on what’s really important in the moment.
