7 Ways To Be More Productive At Work

As a society, we're obsessed with productivity. Any gadget or trick that can help us to get things done more efficiently is something we can't get enough of. Commercials for smartphones, tablets and laptops boast about their ability to let us connect anywhere, turning simple downtime like being on the bus into time spent working. The merits of this obsession can be debated, but these tips and tricks can help you be more productive – without shelling out for a new tech toy. 

You've probably heard it a lot, but employees who take a break are more productive than those who don't. But if we hear it so often, why do so many ignore the advice? It may be that you're competitive, and want to move up the corporate ladder by being a hard worker. Or it may be that you feel you can't take a lunch if you are going to keep up with those competitive people.

An article by AOL Jobs discussed the results of a Central Michigan University study that showed people who had their dogs underfoot in the office worked more collaboratively than those who did not. In fact, having the canines around meant an overall improvement in communication between employees. The furry friends led to a more creative and relaxed working environment, and having your pooch around means a built in excuse to take a few minutes to go outside.

According to MSNBC, researchers at Leeds Metropolitan University in the U.K. found that professionals who spent 30-60 minutes on their lunch break working out experienced an overall performance boost of about 15%. Workers reported better time management skills, an increased ability to meet deadlines, and felt more satisfied with their day.

Writing a blog while at work is generally frowned upon by employers, but writing on your own time can help you be more accountable. Writing in general is a great way to release tension and organize your thoughts; if your blog about your daily professional achievements and goals, it can be a way to keep you focused and on track.

Anyone who has pulled an all-nighter knows that sleep is important. Getting enough gives us energy, memory and mental clarity. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to weight gain, depression, and even cancer and heart problems.

When it comes to your computer screen, there's something to be said for the size being just right. PCMech.com reported a study done at the University of Utah, which showed that people using a single 24-inch monitor performed tasks 52% faster than those using an 18-inch monitor. Taking a close second with a 44% speed increase were those using two 20-inch monitors. In addition, consider the distractions your computer set up is providing you with. Programs like WriteRoom and JDarkRoom will allow you to wipe out any background images or visual distractions on your screen, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.

While you may feel like it's your job as a good employee to finish all the tasks assigned to you, it is your responsibility to tell your manager when you're overloaded. If you continue to accept new tasks, management may assume you have the time to complete them. Don't be shy about asking your boss to prioritize your workload and help you offload tasks that can be completed more efficiently by someone else.

Keeping up is important, but luckily these productivity tricks all have a general theme: making you healthier. When we feel well, we are better workers, so take a bit of time to take care of yourself – your career will thank you for it.