11 Ways to be more productive at work

Productivity at work is a universal goal. We all strive to get more done in less time, and to learn how to be more productive at work. Not only does boosted productivity make a company more successful, but it is also directly related to your sense of accomplishment and even large benefits in salary or bonuses. The most interesting aspect of how to be more productive is that you don't necessarily have to work harder. With the right approach and focus, it may only take a few small changes to see your productivity soar.

In this article, we will go over 11 proven strategies to help you become your most productive self. Some of these tips involve changes you can make offline, and others are some online tips you can implement with IFTTT. IFTTT is our free powerful digital automation that helps millions streamline their workflow by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more important work.

Whether you are an intern, employee, CEO, or entrepreneur, these actionable tips are the first steps into making large strides with the impact of your work. So, without any further delay, let's jump right in.

The myth of working harder

We know you have the image in your mind: cramming through more and more emails and reports, with your boss looking over your shoulder, and certain burnout on the horizon. This is most people's image of what it means to "work harder" at whatever task in front of them. However, working harder and being more productive actually aren't related very much at all.

One of the most common misconceptions about productivity is that working harder automatically leads to better results. But the reality is, that more hours don’t necessarily mean more value. Overworking can often lead to burnout, diminishing the quality of your output and causing you to feel overwhelmed. True productivity is less about how hard you work and more about how effectively you use your time and energy.

Instead of trying to put in extra hours, focus on optimizing the hours you already work. This can mean prioritizing tasks, reducing distractions, and finding ways to automate the repetitive parts of your job. The Harvard Business Review found that by implementing smarter work strategies, workers feeling on the verge of burnout could reduce their working hours by up to 20% while still getting the same amount done. In the following sections, we’ll explore strategies to help you do exactly this—work smarter, not harder, and harness the potential of automation and focus for a more efficient workday.

Best offline tips for increasing productivity

Prioritize tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix

First and foremost, being more productive means getting the right stuff done, at the right time. In practice, this isn't so easy, with due dates and deadlines galore. One simple trick you can use is known as the Eisenhower Matrix.

The Eisenhower Matrix helps you categorize tasks based on urgency and importance, letting you focus on what truly matters. Divide tasks into four quadrants: important and urgent, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This system clarifies where to spend your time and what you can delegate or drop altogether.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

Okay, so now that you know what to do, it's time to get to work. You may ask: for how long should I work, and should I take breaks? Consult the Pomodoro Technique, one of the most effective and popular ways to block off your time.

The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management strategy that involves working in short, focused bursts (typically 25 minutes or 45 minutes) followed by a five-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break. This approach keeps your mind fresh and combats the urge to procrastinate while building momentum over the course of the day.

Set clear, achievable goals

When you have specific, achievable goals, you have a clear path forward, making it easier to stay on task. Try the SMART criteria: goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. With well-defined goals, it’s easier to track your progress and celebrate small wins along the way.

Minimize distractions

Identify and eliminate common distractions in your work environment. This may mean putting your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode, turning off social media notifications, or using noise-canceling headphones.

Take regular breaks and move around

Working continuously can drain your energy and decrease productivity. Take brief breaks to recharge, even if it's just standing up and stretching or going for a quick walk. Studies show that short breaks can boost focus, creativity, and even mental well-being, leading to better overall performance.

6 IFTTT automations for skyrocketing productivity

Oftentimes, we think of productivity as shutting ourselves off from the distractions of the online world. And it's true: checking Instagram every five minutes is not a good strategy to stay productive. However, there are online tools that can greatly influence the way you work in a positive way. One of these tools is IFTTT, which was purpose-built to not intrude on your workflow, only to help automate it in the background. Let's talk briefly about how IFTTT can help boost your productivity and then get into some of our favorite workflow optimization solutions.

What is IFTTT?

IFTTT, available as both a free web-based service and mobile app, works by creating connections between over 1000 popular apps and services, allowing them to work together seamlessly.

The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "Applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example. We also offer more advanced conditions like delay, query, and filter code that allow you to create almost any automation you can dream of.

Founded in 2011, IFTTT has been used by over 25 million individuals around the globe to automate both business and home tasks, saving time and increasing efficiency. It's commonly used to connect disparate services and systems, making all products and services work well together in a way that instills user confidence. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.

6 Applets for productivity

Automate meeting reminders and follow-ups

Whether you meet in person or use Google Meet, Zoom, or some other tool, it's easy to set up IFTTT to automatically remind you of upcoming meetings. You can link your calendar to receive SMS notifications or even set up a task in your project management software. IFTTT can also trigger a follow-up email after a meeting to ensure you stay on top of action items.

Streamline file management

Connect IFTTT with cloud storage apps like Google Drive or Dropbox to automatically save attachments or backup files in designated folders. For example, you can create an applet to save every new email attachment from specific contacts, keeping important documents organized without extra effort.

Sync notes and to-do lists across platforms

One of IFTTT's most widely used cases is connecting project management platforms. Millions use IFTTT to sync notes or task updates across 1000 different apps. For instance, connect Evernote with Google Tasks or Slack, ensuring that any updates you make on one platform are automatically reflected on the others. This keeps you organized and prevents scattered notes.

Automate project tracking updates

On the subject of projects, with IFTTT, you can automate status updates across project management tools like Trello or Asana. With a few clicks, you can set up an applet to get notifications when a specific task’s status changes or when a project deadline is approaching. You can also use IFTTT to import tasks from one tool to another, or to automatically make a task when a certain event occurs.

Receive notifications for industry news

Set up IFTTT to track important industry news or competitor updates. You can receive alerts whenever specific keywords are mentioned online, helping you stay informed without actively searching for information. This quick and automated way of staying updated can give you an edge in your field.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a solution to increase productivity, we hope this article gave you some insight into how to start changing for the better. Whether you choose online or offline solutions (or both), the 11 above tips will leave you better suited to tackle all sorts of daily challenges quicker and more effectively.

If you are looking for a simple automation tool, IFTTT should be your first choice. Trusted by millions due to our user-friendly and approachable automation model, we urge you to try IFTTT for free today. So why wait? See how you change the way you work, play, and live with the beauty of automation.