Getting back to ‘inbox zero’

With autumn now in full swing, many of us are still feeling the effect of the post-summer blues. Whether you took a holiday abroad or some time for yourself, regaining your working momentum in the stretch between August and December can be tough, says the Sussex Innovation.

A recent survey conducted by Reed revealed that 78% of UK workers found returning to work stressful after a period of time off. But there are a few simple productivity tricks that can help you to maintain balance in the final part of the year.

1. Understand your productivity golden hours: Making note of when you feel most energised and motivated throughout the day can really help when scheduling for productivity during the changing seasons. By scheduling your day based on your energy levels, you may find it easy to build a working routine and get those ‘harder to shift’ tasks out of the way early.

2. Block task-specific focus time into your schedule⁠: By dividing your day into multiple sections, you can work more methodically, prioritise tasks, and avoid distraction. It can also help you allocate more focused time for urgent tasks by preventing surface-level multitasking between different activities. For example, a great starting point for returning to work is setting aside time to catch up on emails. This allows you to address urgent messages, plan your week, and alleviate the stress of an overwhelming inbox. However, don’t be tempted to spend all day answering emails – block out the time and move on when it’s up!

3. Plan short breaks between tasks⁠: Taking a break between tasks can enable you to recharge and process information. Small breaks between activities have been shown to reduce the risk of decision fatigue and help you maintain more consistent performance levels. Build time into your schedule to get up and walk around, rest your eyes or switch off for a moment.

4. Refresh your desk space: Whether you are working from home or in the office, keeping your space clean and tidy is really important for creating a positive and productive work environment. A clutter-free workspace not only removes the potential for distraction, but helps boost mental clarity, creativity, and concentration.

5. Communicate with your team: Effective communication with your team is crucial for getting up to speed on new projects, delegating tasks, and ensuring that urgent matters are addressed promptly. Make regular appointments to meet as a team and discuss priorities, responsibilities and actions.