If there’s one thing we know about a day in the life of accounting personnel, it’s that it’s full of distractions. Where some employees have the time and space to get into the zone and do their most productive work, accounting jobs are a non-stop whirlwind of activity. It’s easy to lose the flow of efficiency when you’re trying to stay on top of a hundred-and-one tasks.
Five Tips to Help Accounting Teams Have A More Productive Day
Whether you’re an accountant, tax professional, payroll staffer, or bookkeeper, you know productivity is key to a job well done. That’s why we’ve come up with five tips for having a productive day in accounting.
1. Have a different focus for each workday
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work to do in a given day. Having a designated day for accomplishing specific tasks can help you stay on track. Keep similar functions on the same day for maximum efficiency. It will help you keep your mind organized, and people will soon start to recognize “what day it is.”
2. Go to bed early
There are tons of well-researched health reasons to go to bed earlier. But did you know that going to bed even one hour earlier than your usual time can impact your confidence and motivation as well?
According to Benjamin Hardy, you’re more likely to make low-quality decisions when you’re exhausted. By taking the time to make good choices like going to bed early, you’re empowering yourself to feel confident and refreshed. For a restful night’s sleep, try to give yourself 30 minutes of silence before bed.
3. Hit the ground running
Wake up fresh and ready to rumble. Start your day by drinking a big glass of water – it’ll wake you up and keep you hydrated. And don’t forget to make your bed! A tidy room is way more relaxing than a messy one. Do some light exercise, take a cool shower, and you’ll be ready to start your day off right!
4. Plan your day before you start
It helps to go into your workday with a good plan. Make room in the schedule to allow three main tasks to be accomplished. Leave room for three extra tasks that you can work on if you have time. Make a to-do list. Paper is best, but apps also get the job done. Lastly, keep your documents and files tidy and organized. Clean up your desktop (on the computer and your actual desk) to be sure everything you need is accessible so you can dive back in tomorrow.
5. Use meetings to get things done
Let’s be honest: meetings can really drag on. Unfortunately, they’re a necessary and unavoidable part of a workplace environment. Maximize efficiency by scheduling your meetings for the time of day when you are least productive. After lunch is often a good choice, as you might be sleepy from eating and talking is an excellent way to wake up. Keep your team meetings short and sweet; 15 to 20 minutes is plenty of time to get up to speed, and don’t forget to take and share notes!
In conclusion, staying organized and well-rested are the best ways to maintain productivity, do your best work, and empower your team to do the same.
