Although people tell us to be productive throughout our jobs, there are moments where we simply have nothing to do. We may have completed our tasks throughout the whole week, or have just finished a project. Today, June 20, is World Productivity Day. But what are some ways to be productive during downtime? Fear not, here are seven suggestions.
1. Read over workplace policies
It’s always good to be up-to-date on the latest workplace policies within your company. If you have a company handbook, be sure to read it over and familiarize yourself with the policies within the organization. You can also read about the workplace benefits which come with your job position. You never know when you’ll need that information. So it may be better to review now than never.
2. Clean your office space
When papers are stacked everywhere, you may feel your cubicle or room due for reorganization. During downtime, sort out the documents and file them accordingly. Put old documents you may not need anymore in a paper shredder. And be sure to lock your cabinets.
3. Ask your supervisor if they need assistance
If your supervisor has plenty of tasks to finish, send them an email or knock on their door to see if they need any assistance. Let them know you are now finished with your tasks for the day, and you’re ready to assist them on any tasks if they need aid.
4. Consult with your supervisor to take on new projects
If your supervisor has a new project, ask them if you can help them take it on, especially if you notice that you finish your tasks early. This will show you’re passionate about your work and are able to lend a helping hand whenever necessary. You may be able to learn new skills and demonstrate your knowledge as well.
5. Answer emails
Sometimes, we all wait to answer emails at a specific time. However, when you’ve finished your work, you can continue checking your email inbox and see if there are any new emails to answer.
Furthermore, if you have any new emails to send out that include documents, now is the perfect time to draft those documents.
6. Complete tasks for the next day
If you like to get a head start on tasks, simply look at your to-do list for the next work day and complete the tasks you’ve listed. That way, if you run into a roadblock, you’ll have more time to figure it out. And you’ll be able to pace yourself evenly.
7. Track the inventory around your office
I know this isn’t necessary, but you can keep track of the inventory around your office. These can include documents, writing materials, or electronics. If you need more pens, be sure to give your supervisor a heads up. And if you need a coat hanger for the winter months, send an email about it. As a result, you can get your broken equipment fixed immediately.
When you’re working in an office, it’s always good to keep an organized and clean space, and keep track of the inventory. Offices always get into a mess, especially with the amount of paperwork you must do. So it’s good to manage your documents continuously to finish your tasks on time.
It’s easy to try to get away with wasting time when you’ve completed your work early. However, following these steps can help you get ahead in your work and stand out as a dedicated employee.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
