Do you want to improve productivity levels at the end of the week in your business?
In my work as a productivity consultant and time management coach, I regularly ask my clients to observe their routines.
One of the key problems I address with clients is, “I feel like the week just ended. I don’t feel grounded in my business or work.”
The week’s end doesn’t just happen. A gradual slowdown of your work can be helpful to ensure the transition to the weekend is more comfortable and relaxing.
Here’s a simple countdown method to wrap up work at the end of the week.
Your work tasks may differ depending on your industry, so feel free to adjust the method to your needs.
What matters most is your mindset when it comes to winding down your week.
Hold an end-of-week review
Thursday morning can be a launching pad for closing out the week’s work.
This is a suitable time to ask yourself, “What absolutely needs to get done today for tomorrow? What must be finished or wrapped up before the week is through?”
Once you’ve reviewed your workflow, make a list of tasks that need to be completed Thursday morning and afternoon.
This especially holds true for time-sensitive items that must be completed before noon or end of day Friday.
Have other tasks in your workflow that aren’t urgent or important for this week?
Plan and schedule tasks into your calendar for the following week so they’re already entered into your workflow.
Make space for follow-up communication
Thursday afternoon can be a practical time to communicate with others.
The initial flurry of the work week has come and gone, most meetings have been scheduled and held, and the overall workflow is slowing down.
Consider using this time to initiate non-urgent queries with others as they may be more receptive at this time.
You may find it easier to reach others in person, or via phone, text, email, or video call.
This is also a good time to follow up with people you contacted earlier in the week or the previous week.
Lighten up your work with a change in tasks
It’s Friday morning. The weekend is almost here, but you’re feeling drained.
But there’s still work to be done. What should you do?
Consider working on an activity that’s not directly related to your daily routine.
It may give you a boost and change in pace that you need.
Do you think, plan, meet, and write the rest of the week?
You could file papers, tidy up your workspace, delete emails, log or transfer data, download information, or go through that stack of mail.
Do you build, construct, meet with clients, see patients, develop or review during the week?
Perhaps this is a time for you to brainstorm, evaluate, review, write, or convene with others.
No matter your line of business, the whole idea is to change up your type of work tasks so you can gently ease out of the workweek.
Learn How to Improve Your Productivity
Tasks are a key part of the world of work. That’s why it’s so important to be able to do your work efficiently and effectively.
If you want clarity around being more productive in your business or life, book a free 30-minute video strategy session with me today.
How about you? What approach are you going to take when it comes to end of the week work? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!
This post originally appeared on Inc.com.
0 Comments