How to get more done at work -

How to get more done at work - In the workplace, its all about getting it done faster and with less help. Employers, always looking to do more with less, expect workers to be efficient and effective. Sometimes, this means one person is assigned work that two people might have handled in the past. How can you overcome these obstacles and walk out of the office without feeling like a chicken without a head? Follow these steps: 1. Get organized. You wouldnt travel to a new place without a map, a GPS or directions. Dont expect to be productive without a list of things to do and a workspace that is conducive to getting it done. Arrange your workspace so that you have everything that you need handy. Dont forget to straighten up your computers desktop so its easy to find files. Youll save yourself valuable time and a lot of aggravation when you plan ahead so that you can find things youll need. 2. Be realistic. Theres nothing worse than starting the day full of optimism and with a to-do list a mile long only to realize that you only had time to check off one or two items. Consider your day and the constraints on your time when you put together your list. Youll be more productive when you set out to complete a reasonable amount of tasks 3. Dont multitask. Workplaces seem to encourage multi-tasking; dont we all seem to do more than one thing at all times? While you may think it makes sense to check email throughout the day while youre in the midst of other projects, for example, all youre doing is setting yourself up to fall down a potentially never-ending hole of things that will distract you from your important priorities. Make times during the day for all of your major activities, including returning phone calls and emails. Youll likely notice that you can get more done by the end of the day. 4. Figure out your most productive times. What are the best times for you to get your work done? Do you get your best work done first thing in the morning, or are you a true night owl? When possible, try to schedule your most challenging tasks for when youll be at your best. In addition, consider the ebbs and flows of your workplace. If you know youll be interrupted constantly in the mornings, youll be more productive if you plan to complete short tasks during those times and save your projects that require more focus for quieter periods. 5. Dont waste time on the computer. Do you stare unproductively at your computer screen for extended periods, even if you know you arent getting your work done? This is a big waste of time. Youll be more productive if you take a break. Take a walk, read something or clear your head and get back to the computer once you get re-inspired. 6. Just say no to meetings. You want to be a team player and volunteer for committees and to help with events at work, but be selective. Try to identify ways to help out that dont involve a lot of in-person meetings, which tend to be big time sucks. If you are in charge of a program or activity, limit the number of scheduled meetings and try to get things done via email or brief phone calls. 7. Use social media as a break. We all know how easy it is to get distracted when checking social media. One minute, youre checking out a friends photo, an hour later, youre still posting comments and making updates. Unless youre incorporating social media as part of a professional strategy at work, its probably best to save yourself a lot of time by only viewing social networking sites when you have free time outside of work. Also, your boss may notice if you are always updating your status during the work day, so its best to avoid even scheduling posts during those times. 8. Identify ways to keep up with the news you need to know. While mindless social media use doesnt improve your productivity, when you use Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn and Facebook to help you stay abreast of the news you need to know, it can help you be more productive and in-the-know at work. Make a point to identify several great online resources who share details that help you get your work done and follow them closely. Select a time or two each day to review their updates and youll be well prepared for your productive day at work. You may also like 11 habits of the best bosses How to win over your colleagues Secrets to being happier at work Originally appeared at AOL Jobs Photo by db Photography | Demi-Brooke