30 Jul SUMMER PRODUCTIVITY TIPS: KEEP YOUR PRODUCTIVITY UP YEAR ROUND

TIPS FOR STAYING AHEAD DURING THE SUMMER TIME

There’s a natural lull in productivity during the summer time, when the warm weather and sunshine can be distracting and thoughts of spending a day on the lake can pull you away from important tasks.

It is important, however, that you find ways to abate the summer work slump and keep delivering on your potential. For many professionals, that means changing when and how they work while they’re at the office.

Here are 4 summer productivity tips to help you stay on top of things, even when it’s hot and you’d rather be swimming.

RE-ARRANGE YOUR SCHEDULE

If you’re like most professionals, you go into work with a rough idea of which tasks you’ll complete throughout the day and in which order you’ll complete them.

Summertime is the time to re-examine the methods you use for planning task completion. If you know you’re struggling with productivity issues, switching your schedule around could help you capitalize on your most productive hours.

Complete difficult or time-consuming tasks during the times that you feel most productive. For some people, their most productive hours are in the morning, when they’re still benefiting from the first few cups of coffee. For others, they hit their stride in the afternoon, when they’ve had all day to adjust to their energy levels and workload.

• Rescue Time is an app designed to track how much time you spend on particular websites, as well as which hours of the day you get the most things done. Track your activity on the app for a few days, and then change your work schedule. Stack your difficult tasks during the hours when you’re naturally apt to get more done.

PLAN A VACATION

A record (and disappointing) number of working Americans took ZERO vacation days in 2014. Americans are notorious for refusing to take time off and working way too many overtime hours.

There are many drawbacks to working too much; stress, burnout and diminished physical health are just a few of them.

Summertime is a great opportunity to use of some of the vacation time you’ve saved.

If you have un-used vacation time waiting, and you’re feeling sluggish during the summer months, it might be a good idea to step away from the office chair and take some time for yourself. Doing so will give you a fresh perspective and a beneficial change of scenery.

TAKE BREAKS AND GO OUTSIDE

If missing out on the sunshine is distracting you from completing your tasks or working consistently, you might find that a quick jaunt outside helps alleviate your boredom and “fear of missing out.”

Instead of using your breaks to browse the internet or eat a muffin at your desk, take a walk around the block or step outside your office for some fresh air. Invite your co-workers and engage in a friendly conversation. The change in temperature and the dose of Vitamin D could do wonders for your energy levels and your mental state, both of which can contribute to a spike in productivity.

GET A RUNDOWN OF YOUR CLIENTS’ SUMMER SCHEDULES

If communicating with clients is vital to your productivity, summertime can be a nightmare. Summer is the most popular season for family vacations and random out-of-office days. Many people take half-days to make their children’s summer sporting events or simply enjoy time with kids while they’re out of school.

The point is that summer presents a lot of occasions when your clients may not be available; if you can get their schedule down beforehand, you can avoid fire drills on projects when you desperately need them, and they aren’t around.

It’s smart to get information on your clients’ summer plans before summer arrives. Schedule calls and meetings out to avoid their vacations, their daughter’s dance recital, their son’s baseball game or an important conference in Miami. When you don’t have to play meeting roulette with your clients, you can stay on track and get more done, regardless of the summer heat toying with your concentration.

How do you stay productive at the office during the summertime?

Photo Credit: Simon Law