In the context of remote work, do you ever find yourself not sure where to start when looking at your to-do list for the day? Or even to feel overwhelmed by work?
If so, there are 3 pivotal questions you can ask yourself:
- Where is your focus right now?
Multitasking is part of the reality of most jobs but be aware that productivity does not increase with it. In fact, only 70% of your capacity is used when there are multiple distractions in your workday1. Thus, it would be necessary to identify and remove the sources of distraction such as notification sounds on your cell phone or your computer. If this is not possible, it may be useful to assign time slots to check your messages at intervals of 15 or 30 minutes, for example. Studies show that the maximum time to concentrate on a task is about 45 minutes at a time.2
- What habits have an impact on your productivity and your results?
There are a few ways to change your habits and ensure your daily productivity.
- Replacing one behavior with another, which means developing a routine to change your habits. For example, close your office door at the start of your day to avoid distractions.
- Start by changing your habits little by little. The goal is not to make unattainable habit changes since you may face failure and become demotivated.
- Reward yourself for a successful behavior change: small daily rewards will allow you to continue your efforts!
- How can you make the best use of your time?
Here are some ways to better prioritize at work.
- Have an overview of the tasks to be accomplished. It may be easier to manage priorities based on factors like your deadlines and those of your colleagues.
- Be realistic in determining demanding or urgent tasks. Getting things done easier first is a step towards something bigger. An important task should have a long-term impact on you, your team, and your organization!
- Divide a task or a project into several steps. A long project may seem overwhelming at first glance, but it is easier to manage once it has been broken down into small steps.
As you can see, these ways of doing things are inspired by the SMART method. This is an acronym for a specific, measurable, audience-focused, realistic, and time-bound goal. At Cible Retour à l’Emploi, we use the SMART method and the hybrid mode for all our services. All team members are available face-to-face and virtually to meet your employability needs!
Written by Irene Yan, development agent
Review: Marie-Claire Poulin, employment counselor
Patricia Bélanger, employment counselor
Karim Bouaoui, administrative assistant
For more information, feel free to check out these valuable resources:
Eikenberry, K. & Turmel, W. The Long-Distance Teammate: Stay Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere. Oakland, California: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2020.
Government of Canada. Writing SMART goals.