The Productivity Sine Wave: Map It To Get Maximum Work Done
Sine waves are not just limited mathematics. The productivity sine wave decides when you can get the most work done and in how much time. Our energy levels rise and fall during the day and same is the case with our productivity levels. Mental exhaustion and too much work can lead to stress and anxiety about completing the work in a given amount of time.
Why Track Productivity?
There are a number of reasons why productivity must be tracked. Few of these reasons may be for the employers and the other for the employees. Here are dash major reasons why companies choose to track employee productivity.
- Ensure all company goals and objectives are met by the employees.
- Provide employees with a transparent feedback on their work.
- Highlight the areas that need improvement and could use more work.
- Make sure company’s resources are being utilized fully and in correct areas.
- Regulate workflows and ensure the team is working right on track.
- Enhance team communication and shift the balance of power between employees and employers.
- Developing goals that are common to the workforce and the employers.
- Employers can be sure that they are getting the work that they are paying for.
- Employers can better manage their resources when they know what requires more work.
- Boost team confidence and help bring their latent talents to the surface.
- Build employer-employee trust through remote productivity monitoring.
- Transparent work reports true employee progress and status.
What’s Productivity Mapping?
Productivity mapping includes noting down your productivity levels throughout the day. It would go like a cosine wave. Here’s how the cycle may look:
9AM: Fresh but still a bit groggy. Jumpstarting the day with coffee. Productivity score: 5/10.
11AM: Highest productivity. You’re in the zone. Productivity score: 10/10.
12PM: Productivity starts to go down. Energy being consumed. Score: 6/10.
2PM: Very low energy. Need to re-fuel. Productivity Score: 2/10.
4PM: High energy after refueling. Productivity Score: 7/10.
5PM: Energy and mental capacity lowering down. Productivity Score: 6/10.
6PM: Lowest energy level. Productivity Score: 2/10.
From this example, you can see that a person is most active during midday or mid-afternoon and not so much in the morning, noon and evening. Mapping out the times when you’re the most active and productive can let you schedule your work and activities accordingly.
This way, you can know when you can produce the most quality work and in in highest quantity.
How To Get The Most Out Of It?
When scheduling your activities, it is always advisable to place the activities that require maximum mental energy or thinking skills at times when your productivity levels are the highest. You can schedule the tasks that require moving around in times when your productivity is relatively low.
If the tasks are not movable, then it is better to refuel your energy levels using some fresh air or some quick high-energy snacks, so you can continue working according to the schedule set by your employer or yourself.
