Working on a computer all day can be tedious and tiring. And doing the same things over and over again can affect your morale, which, in turn, can impact your productivity. Here are five essential tips for PC users that can help boost your productivity in the workplace.
Keep tabs on your productivity level
Say goodbye to aimless browsing on social media and welcome a more efficient workday. Start by keeping track of your daily activity with apps such as RescueTime. This handy Chrome extension will show you how much time you spend on different websites and provide you with a productivity rating. By identifying where you're spending too much time, you can make changes to better manage your day.
Follow through with your to-do lists
Digital to-do lists such as Google Tasks and Trello can help you tackle big projects by breaking them down into smaller, easier-to-manage tasks. With features like deadline setting and clear instructions, you'll find getting things done a breeze. And the best part? The satisfaction of crossing items off your list and seeing your progress in real time.
Remove clutter and distractions
By removing outdated files, uninstalling unused or outdated programs, and categorizing documents into appropriately labeled folders, you can reduce distractions and enhance your productivity. This also simplifies the process of locating files and boosts your computer's performance.
You can also declutter your email inbox with features such as Priority Inbox in Gmail or Clutter in Outlook to weed out unimportant messages and keep your inbox free of spam.
Restrict time-wasting websites
Scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be a slippery slope, taking up precious hours of productivity. But you can easily take control by either blocking access with URL filters or using browser extensions such as StayFocusd or Strict Workflow that limit your time on non-work-related sites. Avoiding these distractions can help you make the most out of your workday.
Maximize keyboard shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts simplifies and speeds up the execution of tasks that would typically require a mouse. While there are over a hundred helpful shortcuts, the following are the most frequently used:
- Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + X: copy, paste, and cut selected items
- Ctrl + Z: undo an action
- Alt + Tab: toggle between open applications
- Alt + F4: exit the active application
For more keyboard shortcuts for Windows, refer to this updated list of advanced shortcuts.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different productivity hacks until you find the one that works best for you. If you need help taking your productivity even further, don't hesitate to contact us. We can give you detailed insights into how we can make sure that you efficiently and effectively reach greater heights.