How to increase productivity at work

Salary sacrifice
 
Modern work comes with constant pings, open-plan distractions and the challenge of switching between home and office. If you’ve ever wondered how to increase work productivity, the good news is that there are practical strategies you can use to take back control of your day.
 
Here are fresh ways to enhance productivity and get more from your working hours.
 

8 tips for increasing work productivity

1. Set boundaries around notifications

Instant access to email, chat platforms and apps can lead to lost productivity. Constant pings fracture your focus and drag out smaller tasks that should take minutes. Think of how often a Slack message derails you mid-task or how a quick Teams pop-up ends up consuming ten minutes.
 
Practical steps include:
 
  • Batch-check notifications at set times.
  • Mute non-urgent channels in Slack or Teams.
  • Adjust response times so colleagues know when you’ll reply.
This minimises environmental distractions and helps you stay focused on important tasks.
 

2. Protect deep work time

Deep work is one of the most effective ways of increasing output in fast-paced environments. When you need to accomplish something meaningful, carve out time for uninterrupted focus. This is where maximising productivity truly happens. Yet it's often undermined by constant calendar reminders or last-minute invites.
 
Try these productivity strategies:
 
  • Block out meeting-free hours in your calendar.
  • Group similar tasks together to avoid context switching.
  • Use note-taking tools to capture ideas quickly and return to your own tasks without breaking flow.

3. Rethink meetings

Unnecessary meetings are one of the biggest drains on workplace productivity. Video call fatigue is real - particularly when your day is broken up by internal meetings that could have been an email. To enhance work efficiency, consider:
 
  • Using async updates instead of daily internal meetings.
  • Scheduling regular check-ins but keeping them short.
  • Clarifying business goals before setting up a call so everyone is on the same page.
This approach ensures time spent together is purposeful, encourages stronger engagement, and contributes to job satisfaction instead of adding to "busy work".
 

4. Declutter your digital workspace

A cluttered inbox or file system creates friction and lowers productivity levels. Searching for the “right version” of a file or juggling five different project boards eats into valuable hours worked.
 
Steps to boost productivity include:
 
  • Archiving or deleting files you no longer need.
  • Using folders or tags to group similar tasks.
  • Adopting the right tools for instant access to documents.
Adhering to naming conventions for files, documents and even email subject lines.
Digital decluttering reduces wasted time spent hunting for information and enhances quality work in a timely manner.
 

5. Redesign your physical work environment

Your surroundings matter for productivity at work. A noisy open-plan office filled with side conversations, or a home workspace doubling as a kitchen bench, can reduce focus and lead to frustration.
 
Consider:
 
  • Noise-cancelling headphones to minimise distractions.
  • Small workspace tweaks like desk storage or better lighting.
  • If you work remotely, define a dedicated area to reinforce work-life boundaries.

6. Manage energy, not just time

Traditional time-management skills are only half the story. To improve productivity, focus on your energy patterns. A mid-afternoon slump, for example, is a poor time to tackle detailed reports but perfect for smaller tasks like quick responses or admin.
 
Tips for managing energy:
 
  • Tackle important tasks when your energy peaks, like in the morning.
  • Break up screen time with physical activity - like a brisk walk outdoors - to reset your brain.
  • Take adequate time for breaks rather than pushing through multiple tasks endlessly.

7. Use SMART goals to prioritise

While a simple to-do list can be helpful, modern productivity requires a more strategic goal-setting approach. Without it, it’s easy to drift into unimportant tasks that don’t align with your priorities.
 
SMART goals are a useful way to structure your focus, as they are:
 
  • Specific: clear and detailed rather than vague.
     
  • Measurable: trackable so you can see progress.
     
  • Achievable: realistic given your time and resources.
     
  • Relevant: aligned with your priorities and business goals.
     
  • Time-bound: set within a defined timeframe.
How to apply SMART goals:
 
  • Break down large projects into smaller steps.
  • Allocate adequate time to accomplish each stage.
  • Review progress regularly to stay on track.

8. Embrace flexible work arrangements wisely

Hybrid and remote work can enhance work productivity if managed well, but they can also blur boundaries. Distractions when working from home - from deliveries to laundry to social media - can chip away at productivity levels just as much as office noise. For those struggling with remote work loneliness, this can also contribute to difficulties concentrating.
 
Practical steps include:
 
  • Defining clear start and finish times to protect your work-life balance.
  • Using regular check-ins with colleagues to stay connected.
  • Adopting async-first communication gives you space to work efficiently without constant interruptions.
This helps create a productive rhythm that supports both employee well-being and engagement.
 

From focus to progress

Finding ways to stay productive is a strong foundation, but it’s only one part of creating a fulfilling work life. Small changes in how you manage focus, collaboration and energy can open the door to broader career growth.
 
Ready to become more successful at work? Level up with career advice from our experts at Hays.