Ways to Improve Work Performance
At times, fitting everything you need to do at work into one day can be a struggle. Unfortunately, one option we don’t have is to simply add more hours into the day. That’s when improving your work performance can come into play. Improving work performance is a great way of getting more out of each and every day, ensuring that you get your work done without the stress of flirting with deadlines.
So, what are some ways you can improve your performance at work? From setting realistic goals and priorities to communicating effectively, there are a number of ways that employees can improve work performance and get the most out of their workday.
Know Your Goals and Priorities
One of the most effective ways of improving your work performance is by setting realistic goals and priorities for how your day should unfold. Starting your day with a list of work goals allows you to manage your time in a way that’s useful and easy, and keeps you on track with each of your tasks. A basic understanding of what you’re capable of within a certain time frame can help you to be realistic and productive, rather than getting frazzled by missing unrealistic deadlines.
It’s equally important to prioritize your tasks based on deadline or impact. Plan your goals around which of your tasks is most important, so that each of the most vital pieces of your day are taken care of first, followed by the tasks that don’t require as much of your attention.
Avoid Distractions
Even with your goals and priorities in mind, it’s easy to get distracted by the littlest things while you’re trying to stay on task. Avoiding distractions at work is actually a matter of managing your distractions and getting ahead of the notifications and interruptions you’re undoubtedly going to receive during the day. In order to avoid these distractions and improve your work performance, try:
- Focusing on one task at a time rather than working on two items at once
- Putting your phone out of sight. Doing so will keep your mind off of unanswered texts or calls that aren’t work-related
- Take regular five-minute scheduled breaks every 30 minutes or every hour instead of tiny impromptu breaks throughout the hour
- Utilize do not disturb features of chat apps like Slack and email in order to minimize notifications
Distractions are going to come up throughout the day, but actively working to minimize them ahead of time can improve your work performance overall.
Stop Multitasking
As mentioned above, multitasking shouldn’t be routine if you’re looking to improve work performance. The idea of multitasking is that you’re taking care of multiple tasks at once, resulting in a speedy resolution to everything you need to get done. Often, however, the tasks you’ve completed lack quality due to oversights or missed opportunities for improvement. Focusing on one task at a time keeps your mind on track and allows you to focus your attention wholly on one item at a time.
Keep Learning
One way that masters of efficiency are able to stay on track and complete tasks is through continuing education. Whether it’s the latest news in your market, articles covering your field, or a blog curated by someone in your industry, keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and information is an investment in your future and the overall success of your career. Read a book, blog, or article, but make sure you’re not becoming unproductive by scanning your social media feed instead of actively learning!
Be Accountable
Another vital piece of improving your work performance is being accountable. Accountability keeps you in check, on task, and focused on what’s next. When you complete your work knowing full well that it’s completely owned by you, you’re more likely to take your time, complete it correctly, and get it right the first time. Don’t be afraid to own up to your mistakes, either.
Feedback is one of the best ways for us to improve in whatever we take on, so listen to criticism with an open mind and determine how you can use it constructively.
Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is one of the keystones of successful work performance. A strong team is built on effective communication and lends itself to organizational transparency, fewer misunderstandings, and the rapid production of new ideas. Some ways you can promote effective communication in your organization are choosing in-person meetings rather than virtual ones, displaying confidence and candor when addressing important topics, and using open body language to make others feel involved. Don’t forget, different situations require different communication methods, so don’t be afraid to analyze and experiment when necessary!
Use the Right Tools
When it comes to improving your work performance, it’s not just about changing your habits to produce the most effective outcome. Project management tools can help keep your work on track, allowing you more time to focus on what’s important. Z-Stream is a project management tool that offers everything you need from planning to promotion:
- Keep all project information in one place
- Set clear tasks with due dates, priorities, assignees, and more
- Generate the appropriate reports with ease
- Attach files
- Create detailed roadmaps
- Track time logged on tasks for each team member
Thanks to Z-Stream’s incredibly simple design, you can easily improve your whole team’s performance and increase productivity on a daily basis. Sign up for a free trial today and see exactly how Z-Stream can help you work in a more efficient way.
If you’re struggling to find a consistent way to improve your work performance, try some of these tools to help yourself succeed. Through effective communication, distraction avoidance, and a clear set of goals and priorities, you’ll notice a huge difference in productivity. Plus, with tools like Z-Stream to help streamline your tasks and help you manage expectations, goals, and deadlines, you’re certain to see changes in the way you work. Work performance plays into every aspect of your career and can determine your eligibility for raises, promotions, and more. With these seven tips in mind, you can change the way you tackle your job and become a more efficient, effective, and productive worker.
