For working moms, most days start early and end late with a lot of activity in between. Yet many of us reach the end of a long day and wonder exactly what we've accomplished. How could we increase our productivity?
The day was busy, even frenzied. But did we spend quality time with our families? Never fear. You can increase productivity at work and at home in order to make time for what's really important.
1. What Is Productivity?
Photo by: Sean MacEntee/Flickr
We use the word productivity a lot, but what does it really mean? Before you can improve or increase productivity, you must have a clear understanding of what that means to you as a working mother. You may be surprised by the definition.
2. Are You Busy or Are You Productive?
Photo by: Bizmac/Flickr
As working mothers, we're all busy. Productive? Maybe not. We're in constant motion from morning to night, but are we really getting anything done? Understanding the difference between busyness and productivity is the key to getting more accomplished in a shorter period of time.
3. 5 Ways to Increase Productivity at Work
Photo by: Dennis Hamilton/Flickr
It's the day before your vacation, and you are crossing things off your to-do list at breakneck speed. Some of these things have been on the list for quite some time. Why is it that you can suddenly get them all done right before vacation? Perhaps it's because you are more focused and limit interruptions. Imagine how productive you'd be if you applied this same before-vacation mindset to your work all year long.
4. Work-Life Benefits Improve Productivity
Photo Credit: Stockbyte/Getty Images
Want to increase productivity at the office? Work for a company that values work-life benefits such as flexibility, telecommuting and employer-subsidized child care. A recent study found that employees with good work-life benefits work harder and get more done.
5. Take Tasks from Worst to First
Photo by: Juhan Sonin/Flickr
It's hard to feel productive when you have a project or task hanging over your head, especially if it's one you've been dreading. Sometimes, simply the anticipation of the task drains and mentally exhausts you. The solution? Do your worst task of the day first. You'll be surprised how doing your least favorite task of the day first will increase productivity (and your mood) both at work and at home.
6. 5 Ways Working Moms Waste Time
Photo by: Harsh Agrawa/Flickr
Daily distractions have a way of undermining productivity both at work and at home. Are you allowing email, Facebook or television to take up more of your time than they should? Or perhaps you're spending long hours at the office because of your fear of delegation? Use these tips and suggestions to identify and avoid five ways that working moms waste time.