Companies live or die by productivity in profit, but with the ever-changing work landscape, what’s the best way to measure it? It used to be straightforward, especially in traditional office setups: hours worked, the number of deals made, papers written. However, Work From Anywhere has changed the nature of work.
The most appropriate productivity measure will depend on what is being produced and the specific goals of the company or individual. When productivity is measured at the individual level, it is important to consider what inputs and outputs are most relevant. In a work from anywhere setup, how does this work?
Productivity Measurements in a Work From Anywhere Setup
Output per hour worked
This productivity measure is often used to compare the productivity of workers in different industries or occupations. It is calculated by dividing the total output by the number of hours worked.
Output per person
This productivity measure is useful for evaluating the productivity of a team or company. It is calculated by dividing the total output by the number of people employed.
Total factor productivity
This productivity measure takes into account all inputs and outputs, making it a more comprehensive way to assess productivity. To calculate total factor productivity, you divide the output by the weighted average of all inputs.
The productivity measures mentioned above are just a few examples of how productivity can be evaluated in a work from anywhere setup. The most important thing is to choose the productivity measure that is most relevant to your goals, as Product Marketing Manager Ana Paula Mofarrej
believes: “As we think about the future of work, I’m always questioning how our work relationships will change and how this might affect productivity in the short and long term.”
Methods to Track Productivity
Productivity Tracking Tools
Use productivity tracking tools to measure your progress and identify areas for improvement. Technology Consultant Dr. Jeffrey Funk says, “Spend more time with choices of technology and design.” There are a few different types of productivity tracking tools, so choose the ones that work best for you.
Productivity Journals
One option is to use a productivity journal. This can be a physical notebook or an electronic document. Each day, write down your goals for the day and track your progress. This will help you identify patterns and see where you need to make improvements.
Productivity Tracker App
Another option is to use a productivity tracker app. These apps can help you track your time, set goals, and measure your progress. Some popular productivity tracker apps include RescueTime, Toggl, and DeskTime.
Spreadsheet
Finally, you could also use a spreadsheet or other type of document to track your productivity. This might include tracking the number of tasks completed each day or the amount of time spent on each task.
No matter which productivity tracking tools you use, the important thing is to find ones that work for you and that you will use. Experiment with different tools and find a system that works for you.
Productivity Strategies
Now that you know how to measure productivity, it’s time to learn how to improve it. There are a few different productivity strategies you can use to increase your productivity and get more done.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
One of the best ways to boost productivity is to work smarter, not harder. This means being efficient and maximizing your time. One way to do this is to create a daily plan. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked. Another way to work smarter is to batch similar tasks together. This means grouping together similar tasks and working on them at the same time. For example, you could batch together all of your writing tasks or all of your research tasks. Batching similar tasks together can help you save time and be more productive.
Set Routine
Another productivity strategy is to set a routine and stick to it as much as possible. This means setting specific times for each task and sticking to them as closely as you can. For example, you could set aside an hour for writing in the morning and another hour for research in the afternoon. Having a set routine can help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted.
Get organized
Taking the time to get organized can save you time in the long run. This means creating a system that works for you and decluttering your workspace. When you’re organized, you’ll know where everything is and you won’t have to waste time looking for things.
Try out techniques
Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that can help you boost productivity. The basic idea is to work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This helps you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Here’s how it works:
1. Choose a task to work on.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on the task until the timer goes off.
3. Take a 5-minute break and then repeat steps 1-3.
4. After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (15-20 minutes) before starting again.
The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to measure productivity because it forces you to focus on one task at a time. By breaking down your work into manageable chunks, you can see how much progress you are making and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Eat The Frog Technique
The Eat The Frog Technique is a productivity strategy that can help you get started on your most important tasks. The basic idea is to tackle your most difficult tasks first thing in the morning. According to top Human Resource Leader Shikha Gupta, “Your frog is your most crucial task—what you’re most likely to defer, yet can create the biggest impact on your outcomes.” This will help you get them out of the way and avoid procrastinating.
Here’s how it works:
1. Make a list of all the tasks you need to do.
2. Identify the task that is most important or most difficult.
3. Tackle this task first thing in the morning, before doing anything else.
4. Once you’ve completed the task, move on to the next item on your list.
The Eat The Frog Technique is a great productivity strategy because it helps you focus on the most important tasks first. This ensures that you are making progress on the things that matter most and helps you avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks.
SMART Goals Technique
The SMART Goals Technique is a productivity strategy that can help you set and achieve your goals. The basic idea is to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based goals. This will help you stay on track and make sure you are making progress.
Here’s how it works:
1. Choose a goal you want to achieve.
2. Make sure the goal is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based.
3. Create a plan of action for how you will achieve the goal.
4. Take action and work towards your goal.
5. Evaluate your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
The SMART Goals Technique is a great productivity strategy because it helps you set clear and achievable goals. This ensures that you are making progress on the things that matter most and helps you avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks.
These are just a few of the productivity strategies you can use to increase your productivity. Experiment with different strategies and find the ones that work best for you.
Know-How to Stay Productive
With the rise of the internet and advances in technology, more and more people are working from home or other work from anywhere locations. This trend has led to an increase in productivity measurements that focus on output rather than input.
While there are many benefits to working from anywhere, it is important to make sure that productivity doesn’t suffer as a result. There are a few key things that you can do to ensure that you are being productive when working from anywhere:
Goal-setting
Set realistic goals for what you want to achieve each day, week, or month. Start by identifying what you need to do to reach your goals. Marketing Head Riya Gadhwal says, “One needs to set their boundaries and their short-term goals.” Once you know what needs to be done, break down those tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. How to break down tasks into smaller tasks?
Making a plan
After you have set your goals, it is important to make a plan for how you are going to achieve them. This plan should include when you are going to work on each task, as well as how long you think it will take to complete.
Sticking to a schedule
Once you have made a plan, it is important to stick to it as much as possible. This means setting aside specific times for working on each task and sticking to that schedule.
Eliminating distractions
When working from anywhere, it is easy to get distracted by things like the internet, phone calls, or even household chores. It is important to eliminate these distractions so that you can focus on your work and be productive.
Time management
Working from anywhere can often lead to distractions and disruptions. To stay on track, it is important to manage your time effectively. One way to do this is by setting regular “working hours” and sticking to them as much as possible. Turn off email notifications, close social media tabs, and let others know when you are unavailable. This will help you focus on the task at hand and avoid getting sidetracked. International Speaker and Growth Expert Giullaume Moubeche says: “If you want to get more done you need to build systems.”
Prioritizing
There will always be more tasks to do than there is time to do them. This is why it is important to prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first. One way to do this is by using the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps you identify which tasks are urgent and important, and which can be delegated or postponed.
Taking breaks
It is important to take breaks throughout the day to stay fresh and focused. Get up and walk around, have a healthy snack, or take a few deep breaths. These activities will help you clear your head and be more productive when you return to work.
Workspace
Find a dedicated workspace separate from your living space. This will help you focus on your work and avoid distractions. There are a few things to consider when looking for a good workplace.
Location
The first thing to consider is location. If you are working from home, try to find a room that is away from high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen. If you are working from a coffee shop or library, choose a spot that is quiet and has few distractions.
Ambiance
The ambiance of your workplace can also impact productivity. If possible, find a workspace with good lighting and Ventilation. Natural light is always best, but if that is not an option, make sure to have a lamp nearby.
Comfort
It is important to be comfortable when you are working, so make sure to find a workspace that meets your needs. If you need a place to spread out, look for a desk or table. If you like to move around, try standing or pacing while you work.
Equipment
Finally, make sure you have the equipment you need to be productive. If you are working from a public space, make sure to bring everything you need with you so that you can set up quickly and get to work but be considerate of the people around you.
Breaktimes
Take breaks when you need them, but don’t get too distracted. There are a few signs that it might be time to take a break from work. If you are feeling tired, stressed, or anxious, if your productivity is declining, or if you are having trouble concentrating, it might be a good idea to step away from your work for a little while.
During break
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone has different needs. However, some activities that can help you relax and rejuvenate include taking a walk, listening to music, reading or spending time with family and friends.
Return to work
It is important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them. However, you also don’t want to take too many breaks, as this can impact productivity. A good rule of thumb is to take a break every 90 minutes or so. This will give you time to relax and rejuvenate without disrupting your workflow too much.
Ending the workday
At the end of the day, it is important to disconnect from work so that you can relax and recharge. One way to do this is by setting a ‘ quitting time’ and sticking to it as much as possible. Turn off email notifications, close any open tabs and let others know when you are unavailable. This will help you avoid getting sucked back into work mode when you should be relaxing.
Communication
Stay connected with your team or supervisor so that you are on the same page. There are a few things to keep in mind when communicating with your team or supervisor.
First, make sure to be clear and concise. This means avoiding jargon and using simple language that can be easily understood. Second, try to be as responsive as possible. This means checking in regularly and replying to messages on time. Finally, make sure to stay organized and keep track of important conversations. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Productivity Party for Accomplishing Tasks
Celebrate your accomplishments and keep pushing yourself to be even more productive. At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on what you have accomplished. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Then, set a productivity goal for the next day and make a plan to achieve it.
Reward yourself
After you have achieved your productivity goal, reward yourself! This can be something small, like taking a break to read or watch a movie. Or, it can be something bigger, like buying yourself a new piece of equipment or taking a trip. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that will motivate you to keep pushing yourself to be even more productive.
Reflect on your work
Take some time at the end of each week to reflect on your work. This will help you identify any areas where you can improve your productivity. It will also help you see how far you have come and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Make a plan
Use what you have learned from your reflection to make a plan for the next week. This plan should include specific goals and steps that you will take to achieve them. By taking the time to plan, you can ensure that you are making the most of your time and reaching your productivity goals.
Connect with productive people
One of the best ways to celebrate is to connect with other productive people. This can be done by joining a productivity group or following productivity bloggers. Connecting with others who are working towards similar goals can help you stay motivated and on track.
Try a productivity class
If you want to learn more about productivity, try taking a class or attending a seminar. Many productivity experts offer classes and workshops on various topics. This is a great way to learn new tips and tricks that you can use to improve your productivity.
Productivity is important, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Success requires a balance between productivity and other important factors, like your mental and physical health. By taking care of yourself and setting realistic goals, you can create a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.
Use these tips to help you measure productivity in a work from anywhere set-up. By being aware of your productivity levels, you can make sure you are getting the most out of your work day. And, by setting productivity goals and rewarding yourself for accomplishments, you can stay motivated and focused on your work.
Related Questions
- How do I make a work from anywhere set-up more productive?
By taking care of yourself and setting realistic goals, you can create a healthy and sustainable work-life balance. In addition, try to connect with other productive people, take productivity classes, and make a plan for each week.
- What are some productivity tips for work from anywhere employees?
Some productivity tips for remote workers include staying connected with your team or supervisor, taking breaks, and setting productivity goals. Additionally, try to reflect on your work regularly and connect with other productive people.
