We’ve all had those days where we can’t stay focused or where the time we’ve spent working is disproportionate to the amount we’ve produced. Here are some useful tips that will help increase your efficiency at work and improve your time management skills.

1.    Communicate effectively

This may sound obvious, but ineffective and inefficient communication can lead to a lot of wasted time. Ensure that whether you are setting a task or giving feedback, you are doing so in a manner that is clear and concise. This leaves little room for misinterpretation and errors that can be made from a lack of understanding, ultimately saving you time.

2.    Set goals and break down tasks

Setting goals provides direction and focus. Knowing what you are working towards and seeing your progress can be a major motivator. A helpful way of reaching goals is to break it up into smaller tasks. Being able to tick several tasks off the to do list per day is a huge morale booster and by setting goals and breaking them up into smaller chunks, you can focus your attention and energy on the items according to their priority.

3.    Clarify workplace processes

This point is often overlooked, but it can usually be simply rectified. By clarifying workplace processes, you ensure that all team members are aware of the proper channels and procedures that should be adhered to. This cuts out time that might have been wasted on the back and forth of clarifying these same processes after the fact.

4.    Delegate when necessary

Although this point is probably more relevant to team leaders and managers, it is useful information for all employees to have. Each team member displays a variety of strengths so, when delegating, try to split up the tasks according to each person’s area of expertise.

5.    Encourage a balanced lifestyle

We all know what burnout feels like or know someone who has experienced it. The same way that a sprint is not viable over a long distance, a consistently fast-paced and stressful working environment can lead to the cultivation of a negative work ethic. This is a huge demotivator and can slow production down significantly. Encourage your teammates to take regular breaks, get decent rest and spend some downtime over weekends where they can switch off from work responsibilities.

Of course, there are many more ways that workplace efficiency can be improved, but these five steps are a good place to start.