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When you are a freelancer, or you run a small business with a team, you need to be as efficient as possible. Everything rests on your ability to meet the demands of your clients, manage your workload and be as effective as possible. There are several things you can do to make this a reality.
Office
If you don’t happen to have a padded, silent room for your desk or a large office with soundproof cubicles for your staff, then you are going to have to make the most of what you do have. If you work from home, you should try and work in a corner, tucked out of the majority of the noise, and if possible have a dedicated room that you can go to and shut the door. For a team, you want to make sure that you have the most comfortable space that you can afford. They will be more productive if they are happy. You also need to ensure that their computers or laptops are in good working order. Using a managed It company will help you stay ahead of things like ransomware, viruses, malware, and malfunctions – all of which will cost you time and money.
Clean
Although many people say that they are happy to work in some light mess, it is actually better if the space is clean and clutter-free as often as possible. If you work from home, then do yourself a solid and clean your office at least once a week. If you manage and office keeps it a policy that people keep their space clean at all times. Make sure that you have provided bins under every desk so that people can dispose of rubbish. Hiring a cleaner to keep taking of the rest is going to make the job much more comfortable.
Purpose
Never head to your office or open your computer unless you have a purpose. If you sit intending to do ‘something’ you will more often than not end up doing nothing. Instead, make a point of making a list of everything that you need to do each day so that when you get to your workspace, you are ready to go and have a clear direction. The same goes for your team if you have one. Make sure that they have a clear direction every day and tasks to tackle.
Distractions
Sometimes it is impossible to dodge all distractions. But it might just be time to flip over your phone, or put it in a drawer, turn off your emails and go all in. If you have people that like to message and call you often during the day, try and work that into your natural lunch breaks. You do have the option not to answer the phone too.
Take Breaks
It is essential that you take breaks regularly. While you might be tempted to power through, and there is a lot of research that backs deep work, you shouldn’t go for too long without stretching your legs and getting something to drink.
