5 Tips For Staying Focused At Work
No matter the job or the industry, everyone has experienced difficulty focusing at work. Even when you are interested or passionate about the subject at hand, focus can feel elusive at times. Here at Shaw Search Partners, we work with an array of different clients and industries and know firsthand that, no matter the industry, maintaining focus and work productivity can be challenging - even if you’re lucky enough to work your dream job!
If you’re struggling with focusing at work, never fear: Shaw Search Partners has your back. Read on to see our list of tips that will help you channel your inner focus and help you be as successful as we know you can be.
Prioritize Your Tasks
Looking at huge to-do lists can become extremely overwhelming. How does one determine what’s most important when everything feels like a priority?
Creating a daily schedule and task sheet can be helpful when trying to figure out what to spend your time on during the workday. The most important step in this process that many people tend to overlook is the importance of prioritizing what needs to be done first and by when. Start by making a general list of tasks and projects and, as you go, write down all deadlines and due dates for each task. This will better help you visualize what tasks should be taking priority over others. Sometimes it’s easy to want to tackle a project that you are extra excited about even though timeline-wise it doesn’t make sense.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions are elements of life that can be tough to avoid in general, but understanding what constitutes a distraction for yourself is a great way to start combating these barriers.
Distractions can range from background noise to conversations with colleagues to the (at times constant!) dinging of another Slack notification. Throughout the day, make a mental note of what type of distractions draw you away from the task at hand. Have a particularly chatting office mate? Find a quiet space and let your colleague know you need time to focus. Keep checking Instagram throughout the day? Set a time limit for the app or delete it entirely off your phone during work hours.
Keep in mind that distractions may be a sign you need a mental break. Throughout the day, allow yourself 10 to 15 minutes to do anything you want: scroll through your feed, chat with a coworker, take a short walk around the block. A break away from your screen or the immediate task at hand will offer a moment of respite and may even get those creative juices flowing again!
Train Your Mind
Training your mind for “work mode” is key to maintaining focus, efficiency, and productivity at work. This can be done by designating a specific workspace and routine that you only use when you’re actually working. With remote work becoming more and more commonplace, the boundaries between home and work are blurred. Yet, when you enter a designated workspace and routine to start your day, your mind is quick to adapt to “work mode” and all that comes with it. In other words: setting is key!
If you’re working remotely from home, find a place at home that can be used solely for work (even if it’s a small desk tucked away in a multi-purpose room!). Resist the temptation to work from the comfort of your bed! Each morning, “commute” to this space and cycle through a series of tasks such as sipping a cup of coffee, checking email, responding to messages from co-workers, etc. By doing so, you’re allowing yourself a moment to ease into the workday and shift into a more productive state of mind.
Take Mental Breaks
Prioritizing mental health and embodying a healthy mindset both in and out of the office is exceptionally important for building mental resilience and maintaining focus at work. Listening to your personal needs and being sure to prioritize your own health in the process is essential to staying focused on the task at hand. It’s hard to focus on something important at work when you are struggling internally. Mental breaks can be helpful in gaining a refreshed outlook, whether it be for a project, meeting, or something personal.
Examples of helpful mental breaks you can take throughout the day include:
Stepping away from your desk and going for a walk
Meditating
Having a friendly conversation with someone your trust
Enjoying lunch away from your email
The best way to take a mental break is by listening to what your body needs and following those important cues. Following a mental break, you may experience an increase in clarity, creativity, and productivity.
Stay Organized
One of the best tips for staying focused at work is to simply stay as organized as possible.
Sounds simple right?
Yet, the more organized you are the better you set yourself up for daily success. And there are accessible ways to start organizing yourself today. When you complete a task or need to make a note of something, do it immediately. Before you leave or finish work for the day, devise a plan and make a to-do list with all necessary updates for the next day so you can immediately start off strong.
The more you get into the habit of staying organized, the easier it will become. It always helps to start off a hectic day by minimizing any potential of chaos. Put your energy into what you can control.
Staying focused at work doesn’t have to be a struggle. Laying out the framework by utilizing these tips will help you succeed and be the best colleague or leader for your team. We know it can be overwhelming out there in the work world but we also know that you’re up to the challenge. Stay focused. You've got this!
