Get more done in the working day

● Work can be overwhelming, and productivity can suffer when you feel you are battling to keep on top of your tasks.

“In a highly competitive job market, employees are expected to be productive in their roles – which often encompass more than one aspect. The good news is there are changes one can make to ensure they are more productive,” says ManpowerGroup SA MD Lyndy van den Barselaar. She has the following advice:

● Before you leave the office at the end of the day, draw up a to-do list for the next day. Include only “the tasks and activities that you must accomplish for the day, and list them in order of priority”. Then, when doing the tasks, focus on one at a time;

● If you feel like you never have enough time, try to keep a detailed time log for about a month. Write down how you spend each hour, then see where you might be able work more efficiently;

● Wake up an hour earlier so you have time to go over your to-do list and prepare yourself before getting to work; and

● Look after yourself, eat well and stay hydrated so you do not have energy slumps. “Taking care of your health is important for managing stress, avoiding burnout and performing at one’s best,”

Van den Barselaar says. – Margaret Harris