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The Perils of Wasting Time at Work
[/i]By Robert Half International[/i]
Warning: Employers are cutting slackers less and less slack.
Recent reports indicate that companies throw away billions of dollars annually in lost productivity. The average worker admits to wasting more than two hours each workday, on everything from making personal phone calls to socializing with co-workers to simply "spacing out." The cost to U.S. businesses: up to $759 billion per year.
Employers have taken notice and are cracking down on disengaged workers. While most workers don't purposely put off their priorities, 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
Why it's a problem: The old adage "Better late than never" doesn't hold water in the workplace. If you're always the last one into the office, colleagues and managers may question your professionalism and be upset by your lack of respect for the team, even if you're staying late to compensate. After all, they might not be aware of your night-owl tendencies. Equally problematic, you may be frazzled and unfocused when you finally get to your desk.
The solution: While everyone is tempted to hit the "snooze" button in the morning, tardiness is a major bad habit. Luckily, it's easily remedied. To overcome this problem, determine when you have to be out the door to make it into work on time. Then 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: Cyberslacking
Why it's a problem: The "harmless" 15 minutes you spend here and there surfing the Web and e-mailing friends adds up over the course of a full workday. In fact, research by Robert Half International indicates that, on average, employees spend nearly an hour a day on personal Internet use while at the office. According to Websense, Inc., this could cost American corporations more than $178 billion annually in lost productivity. You're also leaving an electronic trail of your non-work activities that might come back to haunt you.
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. You'll stay focused and get more quality work accomplished. And don't forget that your office computer is actually the employer's equipment. What you do on that computer is, in fact, the company's business.
Productivity killer: Post-lunch lethargy
Why it's a problem: You feel fatigued and your productivity dips immediately after lunch. Plus, the boss likely notices your sluggishness and the resulting lack of output. In a recent Robert Half International survey, executives said noon to 2 p.m. is one of the least productive times of the day for employees.
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
Why it's a problem: When you're easily sidetracked by chatty co-workers, latte runs and excessive snack breaks, you're more likely to miss deadlines and scramble to finish projects.
The solution: While it's beneficial to your career and overall well-being to have good relationships with your co-workers, job duties should never take a backseat to socializing. Complete your work first, then take some time to chitchat. Your cube mate will be around for a while; your deadline won't.
Productivity killer: Errand-running
Why it's a problem: Successfully balancing personal and professional commitments is important, but doing so does not mean using work hours to run private errands. Allowing personal obligations and tasks to consistently interfere with your job is a surefire way to damage your career.
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 or an elderly parent, discuss the situation with your manager. The two of you may be able to work out a more flexible schedule.
Production and concentration are keys to professional success. While we all occasionally get sidetracked, the aforementioned tips will help you get back on task, stay motivated and engaged and prepare for success.
Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
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[/i]By Robert Half International[/i]
Warning: Employers are cutting slackers less and less slack.
Recent reports indicate that companies throw away billions of dollars annually in lost productivity. The average worker admits to wasting more than two hours each workday, on everything from making personal phone calls to socializing with co-workers to simply "spacing out." The cost to U.S. businesses: up to $759 billion per year.
Employers have taken notice and are cracking down on disengaged workers. While most workers don't purposely put off their priorities, 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
Why it's a problem: The old adage "Better late than never" doesn't hold water in the workplace. If you're always the last one into the office, colleagues and managers may question your professionalism and be upset by your lack of respect for the team, even if you're staying late to compensate. After all, they might not be aware of your night-owl tendencies. Equally problematic, you may be frazzled and unfocused when you finally get to your desk.
The solution: While everyone is tempted to hit the "snooze" button in the morning, tardiness is a major bad habit. Luckily, it's easily remedied. To overcome this problem, determine when you have to be out the door to make it into work on time. Then 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: Cyberslacking
Why it's a problem: The "harmless" 15 minutes you spend here and there surfing the Web and e-mailing friends adds up over the course of a full workday. In fact, research by Robert Half International indicates that, on average, employees spend nearly an hour a day on personal Internet use while at the office. According to Websense, Inc., this could cost American corporations more than $178 billion annually in lost productivity. You're also leaving an electronic trail of your non-work activities that might come back to haunt you.
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. You'll stay focused and get more quality work accomplished. And don't forget that your office computer is actually the employer's equipment. What you do on that computer is, in fact, the company's business.
Productivity killer: Post-lunch lethargy
Why it's a problem: You feel fatigued and your productivity dips immediately after lunch. Plus, the boss likely notices your sluggishness and the resulting lack of output. In a recent Robert Half International survey, executives said noon to 2 p.m. is one of the least productive times of the day for employees.
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
Why it's a problem: When you're easily sidetracked by chatty co-workers, latte runs and excessive snack breaks, you're more likely to miss deadlines and scramble to finish projects.
The solution: While it's beneficial to your career and overall well-being to have good relationships with your co-workers, job duties should never take a backseat to socializing. Complete your work first, then take some time to chitchat. Your cube mate will be around for a while; your deadline won't.
Productivity killer: Errand-running
Why it's a problem: Successfully balancing personal and professional commitments is important, but doing so does not mean using work hours to run private errands. Allowing personal obligations and tasks to consistently interfere with your job is a surefire way to damage your career.
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 or an elderly parent, discuss the situation with your manager. The two of you may be able to work out a more flexible schedule.
Production and concentration are keys to professional success. While we all occasionally get sidetracked, the aforementioned tips will help you get back on task, stay motivated and engaged and prepare for success.
Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
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