Three habits that kill your productivity

Probably every manager and team leader knows the feeling when work piles up and you feel like you are not getting anything done. You may not even realise it, but reduced productivity is often caused by subtle habits that are a "killer" of effective work. So let's take a look at three fairly common productivity-killing habits that can slow you down at work. Plus, of course, some tips on how to get rid of these bad habits.

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Multitasking

Many people believe the ability to do multiple things at once is an advantage. However, as Entrepreneur.com states, in reality multitasking significantly reduces productivity. When trying to handle multiple tasks at the same time, you lose the ability to focus on all of them. Instead of being efficient, you spend more time switching between tasks.

The solution? Divide your workday into several time blocks and, during each of these, focus on a single task. After 25 minutes, reward yourself with a short break. You will find that the quality of your work will increase and the time spent on tasks will decrease.

Ineffective communication

Another habit that can undermine productivity is chaotic communication. Whether you use email, chat or meetings, unclear or overly frequent messages can lead to confusion and frustration. To avoid these pitfalls, consider how and when you communicate and what channels you are using. Establish clear tools and channels for different types of information and be as concise as possible.

No breaks

Even the best managers and team leaders need time to relax. Ignoring and skipping breaks leads to fatigue and reduced performance. Build breaks into your schedule at the beginning of the week as if you were planning meetings. Whether you decide to go for a short walk, do some stretching exercises, or just clear your head for a while, your body and mind will thank you for it. Remember that breaks increase creativity and help restore focus.

 


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Article source Entrepreneur.com - website of a leading U.S. magazine for entrepreneurs
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