Question from Job Seeker: I have been continuously working over-time for the past six months and while I was feeling more productive at first with an ability to keep working long, finish more, meet every single deadline and feel more satisfied about myself, I now feel this is negatively affecting both my health and performance. I appreciate your help. Answer from Bayt HR Guru: Fist of all, thank you for your valuable question! Unfortunately, it seems that many people suffer today from the same case especially that technology made us available 24/7.
Every job might require spending some extra hours at work occasionally, but it shouldn’t become second nature! When one has a lot on their plate they tend to lose focus of the target and the objective becomes “doing” more instead of “achieving” more. Bayt.com’s “Employee Motivation at the workplace” poll shows that 57% of Middle East professionals tend to suffer from excessive work pressure in the workplace, 32% of whom state the pressure they endure is almost on a daily basis. Work pressure more often than not stems out of a combination of factors that include extended working hours, newly increased responsibilities, very tight deadlines and a lack of clarity on expected procedures or outcomes. Here are some tips on avoiding working overtime by being more productive
1. Plan, plan, plan: To be productive, you must get into the habit of planning in advance. You can create a short to-do list for the next day before you leave the office. You will be surprised at how much of a difference that will make!
2. Do the most important thing first: Do the most challenging or most urgent item in your list; even before you check your email if possible.
3. Take short breaks: Having a short break is a great way to release tension, clear your mind, and restore your energy. Use it to reward yourself when you’ve accomplished a certain task and it will keep your productivity up.
4. Delegate: Delegating efficiently will help you get things get done within a limited time frame without stress or pressure.
5. Prioritize: Multi–tasking is not for everyone. In fact, focusing on one thing at a time might prove to be much more effective and productive in your case.
6. Say ‘No’ when needed: The workplace today is probably more hectic than ever before, and as much as you would want to please your colleague/boss/upper management, you should first make sure your important deliverables would not be adversely affected.
7. Incorporating Stress Busters into daily Routine: Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine, follow a healthy lifestyle, put your hobby into practice, and listen to the music that makes you happy and relaxed. And if all this doesn’t help than a holiday definitely will!
8. Speak with your manager: Always remember that clear communication is essential for happiness, especially at work. If you are being overworked, speak to your manager on the option of hiring someone to help you.
