5 things that improve productivity

It’s been fascinating to observe what people need for their productivity at TEC, and I wanted to share those observations. Take note, these are just observations, and not research-based insights.

A second screen

Yep, a second screen! Here’s the thing. We’re all working on multiple ideas and using a variety of online platforms and desktop apps. On one screen, you’re regularly switching between windows and tabs, and you lose your flow of work and thinking. The second screen allows you to have the main work / task you’re focusing on to stay open while you can use your primary screen for other activity.

Separation from home

This feels like it should be an obvious one, but here’s how it’s different to just working from home. WFH is a great option for many reasons - among those things like childcare, elderly care, caring responsibilities, personal health and wellbeing needs, getting building work done. But WFH also means there’s a lack of separation being at home and being at work. Sure there are good ways to make that separation happen e.g. having a home office. But if all you have available at home is your living room and your bedroom, or the kitchen table, they are poor substitutes. When our coworkers work from The Epping Connection and have a hot desk they can use, they know it gives them a physical environment where they can get good work done.

A good working environment

Related to the previous point, a good working environment makes a tantamount difference. It’s why corporate offices over the years have paid attention to workplace design. Availability of quiet rooms for private calls, spaces for collaboration, meeting rooms, good toilet facilities, as well as standing desks and ergonomic chairs all make a difference. And our coworkers and members at TEC have these things available to them because we understand that different work needs different physical spaces.

The importance of community

For many business professionals, they can often feel like they’re disconnected from other industries and professions. We grow and learn when we have good connections with other professionals. I’ve learned a lot about things like social media management, design thinking, cryptocurrency, recruitment and executive coaching all because I’ve had the opportunity to talk with coworkers and members about the work they do. That helps me understand where I might need that professional support myself, or know that I have a reliable person to discuss things with.

Building business relationships

Related to the above, often those connections have lead to business relationships and business development opportunities arise. An important part of productivity is to not just complete and achieve good work, but to grow the work you’re doing and the client base. That mutual benefit is clearly helpful to all involved, and enables further thinking about how you want to manage and lead your business.

Of course there are many other things that impact on and actually improve productivity. From a coworking perspective, my observations are on what I’ve seen work for our coworkers and members.