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The Perils of Wasting Time at Work
by
Dave Willmer, executive director of Office Team
While
most administrative professionals don’t purposely put off their priorities
at work, those who frequently mismanage time should be aware that their
actions — or lack thereof — could cost them choice assignments, promotions
or even their jobs.
Following are five of the most common productivity killers in the workplace
and tips for avoiding them:
Productivity killer: Chronic tardiness
The solution: While everyone is tempted to hit the “snooze” button in
the morning, tardiness is a bad habit. To overcome this problem, determine
when you have to be out the door to make it into work on time. Aim to leave
five to 10 minutes before your “must-leave” time. Carpooling with someone
else who works in your office may also help you become more punctual. Be
sure to build extra time into your commute for unexpected delays.
Productivity killer: Cyber-slacking
The solution: If you’re a celebrity-gossip junkie or sports
score-checking fanatic, break yourself of the habit of scanning the Internet
while working on projects. Although taking the occasional mental break to
look up something online is part of modern-day work life, save the majority
of your in-depth news and blog reading for home in order to stay focused at
work.
Productivity killer: Post-lunch lethargy
The solution: Eat for energy. Healthy, wholesome lunches — not a
candy bar, soda and bag of chips — can help you combat the dreaded mid-day
slump and aid attentiveness the entire afternoon. If you feel your energy
draining, head outside or take a walk around the office to get your blood
flowing again.
Productivity killer: Distraction attraction
The solution: While it’s beneficial to your career and overall
well-being to have good relationships with your coworkers, job duties should
never take a backseat to socializing. Complete your work first, then take
some time to chitchat.
Productivity killer: Errand-running
The solution: It’s simple: Focus on work when you’re at work. Save
the shopping, pharmacy trips and dry-cleaning runs for your off-hours.
Whenever possible, schedule routine dental or medical appointments before or
after work, or ask for permission to take a long lunch break instead of
trying to squeeze in an appointment. If you have extenuating circumstances,
such as issues involving childcare, discuss the situation with your manager.
The two of you may be able to work out a more flexible schedule.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dave Willmer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at
www.officeteam.com.
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