4 Productivity Hacks from World Class Management Consulting in the Philippines

What are some productivity hacks from world-class management consulting in the Philippines?

1. Learn to manage emails
2. Go on short, well-timed breaks
3. Keep your workstation organized
4. Prioritize your daily tasks

Productivity. Most, if not all of us, are already familiar with the term. Surprising as it may be, however, not everyone has the same definition of the word. For many, it refers to the ability to finish tasks in as little time as possible. Those involved with management consulting in the Philippines, however, view it differently. They define it as the ability to accomplish important things in the most efficient ways possible; therefore utilizing time while delivering the best results.

Although both interpretations are acceptable, the majority of working individuals, regardless of position and status in their respective companies, live by the first one. While we aren’t saying that’s wrong, it’s a little less ideal. The problem with the former it is that it merely focuses on the amount of work done and often disregards quality. It’s kind of like finishing a task for the sake of it and receiving that instant and fleeting gratification.

We like to stand by the second definition, not because it’s what the experts say, but due to the fact that it makes more sense. Sure, it may mean that you aren’t getting things done in record time, but it also means that you’re taking the proper and necessary steps to achieve your goal. It’s a little bit harder to embody but we’ll tell you some productivity hacks that should help you out!

Learn to Manage Emails

You may find this a little hard to believe but emails are actually one of the biggest productivity killers in the office. Opening your mail every few minutes to check for new messages can put a serious dent on your daily productivity; even email alerts can disrupt your work process and throw you off.
We aren’t going to lie and say that you should ignore your emails, either. That’s a pretty tall order especially if you’re working with multiple clients who demand things to be done ASAP. What we’re going to tell you is that it’s possible and somewhat necessary. You certainly won’t be receiving emails by the minute so try to open your mailbox in specific intervals. Moreover, mark every email with reminders such as “urgent”, “to do later” or “unimportant.” Doing this guarantees that you are able to maintain workflow while still staying on top of the tasks that you need to accomplish.

Go on Short, Well-timed Breaks

As a diligent worker, you might think that going on short breaks is a huge no-no, but the truth is that these mini-breaks can actually boost your productivity! Similar to laptops and computers, there’s a chance for your brain to overload and shut down. They aren’t really designed or made to process knowledge for hours on end, contrary to what most upper management believes.
That said, we aren’t encouraging you to go on breaks every time you feel like it; that would just be counterproductive. The secret here is to find your own rhythm and go on well-timed breaks that can help you fully recover before taking on a task. Some have found that the most ideal ratio is 50 minutes of intense work followed by 15 minutes of rest. Of course, this doesn’t apply to everyone and you have to look for a ratio that works for you.

Keep Your Workstation Organized

Have you ever thought about how much time you’ve spent organizing your desk on a daily basis? You’ve probably logged a whole day’s worth of time doing so in the past few months; time you could’ve used doing more important, work-related tasks. While it’s unavoidable to have stuff strewn about from time to time (what with all the work you do), but it’s inexcusable to have to clean your desk a dozen times a week.
If this is the case, then it’s high time to set up a system that will keep your work area organized no matter how many folders or files come your way. Remember: a messy desk is just as much of a hindrance to productivity as a cluttered mind.

Prioritize Your Daily Tasks

You are probably assigned a handful of tasks at the start of, or prior to every work day. There are times when the magnitude of things become too overwhelming that you end up in a state of panic and confusion as you try to get everything done. You tend to go back and forth from one task to another until you cross everything off your list. Often, this leads to mistakes and results in poor performance – both of which aren’t good for you or the company.
In order to avoid this common problem and hurdle to your productivity, one thing you can do is to prioritize your tasks or put them in a sequence. The arrangement is completely up to you: you can take on your tasks from hardest to easiest, vice versa or according to urgency. Again, similar to taking breaks, look for a system that suits you.

Key Takeaway

A lot of us struggle with productivity (or lack thereof) and it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Luckily, you can overcome this daily struggle through following the productivity hacks listed here. These tips come from a world-class organization specializing in management consulting in the Philippines so you can guarantee that they’re effective!