A procrastinator is someone who chronically avoids certain tasks or intentionally looks for distractions. This may be due to a fear of failure, being indecisive or even enjoying the stressful rush of leaving tasks until the last minute.1
Approximately 20 per cent of us are procrastinators, which can lead to struggles including anxiety, insomnia and issues in personal or workplace relationships.1
Check out our top tips below, to find out how you can reduce procrastination in the workplace.
Break tasks down
Some procrastinators avoid completing tasks as they appear too daunting. For a productive start without feeling overwhelmed, split the project into manageable chunks. You’ll be able to track the progress of your task, set yourself achievable deadlines and stay motivated by ticking off each objective whilst keeping the end goal in sight.2
The Pomodoro Technique
If you struggle to concentrate for long periods of time at work, the Pomodoro Technique could be a way for you to combat procrastination.
The method is a simple system to help boost personal productivity and is all about working in focused chunks of time before then allowing yourself a short break. For example, choose a task and set a timer for 25 minutes. Once complete, take a five-minute break and then repeat three further times. Once you’ve completed four rounds, take a 30-minute break.3
With deadlines looming, this creates a low-anxiety way of driving people to focus on the task in hand.
Minimise disruption
According to a survey, this is the decade of digital dependency with people in the UK owning a smartphone jumping from 17 per cent in 2008 to 78 per cent in 2018. The same survey found that, on average, people look at their phones every 12 minutes, meaning electronics are one of the main causes of procrastination.4
To avoid your phone becoming a distraction make sure it’s not on your desk. Hide it away in your bag and ensure it’s on silent, so new notifications don’t interrupt your focus.
Start with the hard tasks
Research suggests that we’re at our most alert at approximately 10am, before we experience a dip in the afternoon. Try to ensure the tasks that require the most concentration, are the first jobs ticked off your to-do list. Doing these high-priority tasks first, while the brain is still at its most awake means you’ll be less likely to procrastinate.5
Reward yourself
A big element of keeping on track with your tasks, is to reward yourself after each hurdle. Whether that’s having a 10-minute walk, browsing social media or taking your lunch break rather than working through it, these small incentives are a positive reinforcement to further motivate yourself.6
Help your staff stay on top of their health
To help your employees look after their mental and physical wellbeing, why not provide them with a health care cash plan?
From as little as £4.15 per employee per month, employees can get money back on their everyday health costs. Our employer paid cash plans are designed specifically to support your business by helping your employees to stay on top of their health.
1Psychology Today, 2Reed, 3Financial Times, 4Ofcom, 5Inner Drive, 6Brain Workshops