Wondering how to be productive at work when there’s nothing to do?

Are you looking for some tips to help keep you occupied?

It’s happened for the third day this week.

There’s absolutely nothing to do at work.

Of course, this is bound to happen.

There are times when you are inundated with work.

And then there are times when you wish you had at least one small project or assignment to occupy your time.

It’s just the natural cycle of things.

In this post, you’ll find some ways you can be productive at work when there is seemingly “nothing to do.”

Sometimes you have to think creatively, and laterally, to find ways to occupy your time.

Ask a colleague if they need help.

This is a fast way to get out of the “nothing to do” doldrums.

Maybe someone in your office has a project or two to spare.

Ask around, you never know who might need some help. 

Clean out your filing cabinet.

You’ll free up precious space in your filing cabinet.

Go through each of the files, one by one and remove expired or outdated material.

Successfully cleaned your files?

Spend the remainder of your time shredding or recycling documents.

Follow up with past contacts.

Get in touch with all those people you’ve been meaning to email or call.

These could be clients, partners, customers, and vendors.

Begin by making a spreadsheet of everyone you want to contact, then contact everyone on the list. 

Plan a new project.

You can make great progress on an upcoming project even if project plans haven’t been finalized.

All you have to do is think about your project on a broad level.

Generally speaking, what materials, resources, staff, or knowledge will you need?

Take your time to create a rough outline.

Declutter your computer’s desktop.

Open up desktop files one, by one. Trash any expired or irrelevant documents and files.

Take the time to create new file folders or file items into already existing folders.

While you’re at it, why not set a relaxing desktop wallpaper and screen saver?

Organize communal office supplies.

Do you have a frequently used office supply shelf, room, or closet in your office?

If so, it probably could stand a bit of attention.

Take some time to group like office supplies with like and consolidate supply containers.

Organize items so it’s easier for people to see and find what they need in a pinch.

Review and transcribe notes.

Do you have stacks of notes sitting around from recent meetings, brainstorms, or conferences?

Now’s a great time to sit back, and read all of your notes from start to finish.

Make notes or create action steps from relevant information, and transcribe any interviews or conversations as necessary.

Disinfect your workspace.

Workspaces can quickly gather a lot of germs.

Use a pressurized air canister or a vacuum to remove crumbs and dust your computer keyboard.

You can also wipe down tables, counters, credenzas, tops of cabinets, and the like with disinfectant wipes.

Collect all those coffee mugs and put them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand in the kitchen.

Take inventory or catalog a collection.

This is a great idea for those times when absolutely nothing is going on at the office.

You could take inventory of products, office supplies, or t-shirts for the company’s annual picnic.

Catalog books, magazines, files, work materials, you name it.

Use your imagination! 

Declutter *that* drawer.

Yes, that drawer.

You know, the one where you dump work notes, excess office supplies, and promotional items from industry conventions.

You can spend a good deal of time throwing out or recycling what you don’t need, and reorganizing everything you want to keep. 

Learn how to be productive every day

Productivity can be a personal subject. That’s why you should learn the skills you need to succeed.

My time management guide will teach you how to prioritize to-dos, manage tasks, and get things done.

If you want me to show you how to manage your to-dos at work and home, then check out my time management coaching services. Book a strategy session with me today!

How about you? Which of the above tasks will keep you busy? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!