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Finish up at home
Added by cashzilla
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If you are left waiting for email responses at the end of the day, don't forget that you can always use remote access software or even your mobile internet to check your emails and follow up any last-minute business from home. The time you would've spent waiting can be better employed in completing your commute.
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Do one thing at a time
Added by cashzilla
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Don't try to multitask. You may think you're being efficient and getting more done in the same period of time, but in reality you're probably taking longer to complete each individual task, and there's always the risk you'll overlook something or your quality of work will suffer.
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Lunch late
Added by cashzilla
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Take your lunch later in the day. Most of us are more alert and work more quickly and efficiently in the morning (especially if you tend to suffer a post-lunch slump), so you’ll maximise your ideal work time and get more done.
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Start early instead
Added by cashzilla
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Similarly, if you really do have extra work to complete that must be finished that day, come in an hour early rather than staying late. Your natural body clock will be working in your favour and you will accomplish more in a shorter space of time.
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Organise your priorities
Added by cashzilla
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Make a to-do list each morning, and organise everything in order of priority. That way you won't suddenly realise 10 minutes before leaving that you've forgotten something important, or fritter away your entire day on minor tasks then have to stay late to complete the essential projects.
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Ignore the pressure
Added by cashzilla
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Don't get sucked into a culture of working late every day. It's fine to stay late on occasion, when there's a big project or extra work to be covered - this shows you're a team player who isn't afraid of hard work. However, too many workplaces seem to expect their employees to regularly put in extensive overtime, when really this isn't accomplishing anything. Be clear about your obligations and priorities.
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Set times and deadlines
Added by cashzilla
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Try to schedule difficult tasks for earlier in the day, when your mind is fresh and can deal with them more quickly, and set shorter deadlines for yourself – often you can accomplish the same task in a shorter period of time, and will only procrastinate if you allow yourself longer to complete it.
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Avoid interruption
Added by cashzilla
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Cut out as many interruptions in your day as possible - it can take up to 20 minutes to regain your work flow once interrupted. Establish "private" time when people should only disturb you for emergencies - close your office door or put on a pair of headphones (even if you're not actually listening to anything), turn on your email autoresponder and set your online status to away.
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Time your meetings wisely
Added by cashzilla
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Avoid scheduling meetings for late in the day - these can easily run over and delay your departure. If possible, block out your calendar after 4pm each day so people won't try to schedule meetings with you, or establish set times during the week when you are available for appointments.
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Communicate efficiently
Added by cashzilla
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Choose wisely whether you phone or email someone, especially late in the day. Whereas calls can involve lots of chat, and depending on who you call, may branch out into endless conversations, communicating by email can also delay your departure if you're left waiting for a response, with no indication of whether the person at the other end has even received the message. Instant messaging systems may be a good compromise between the two, and many offices nowadays have access to such systems.
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Email
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