Did you know that one million workers miss work every day on account of stress? It has been estimated that this trend costs employers $600 per worker annually. Stress is also a productivity killer, which subsequently causes additional stress, and many people get into this vicious circle not knowing that some simple and seemingly trivial changes can make a big difference and help them get out of that exhausting routine. Here’s a list of useful tips for boosting productivity at the office.

Declutter Your Workspace

According to a recent study, intelligent people are messy and all that creative chaos stimulates them. This kind of working environment characterized by a desk full of papers, office supplies, and various objects might promote creative thinking and bring about some fresh ideas. Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and many other great minds have been known to work engulfed in clutter. On the other hand, imagine how much time you waste trying to find a misplaced document or a report. Decluttering your desk is one of the first steps towards boosting productivity, so make sure to clean everything up, throw away the things you don’t need, organize your documents, and put them in labeled folders. Since this can be a time-consuming task, a practical device such as Dymo Label Writer 450 Duo can help you keep your files neat and easy-to-find. Don’t forget to do the same with your digital documents and email.

Eliminate Multitasking

This buzzword has made its way into resumes and CVs, as people like to describe themselves as of having great multitasking skills. Still, a research study has shown that juggling your tasks and using several multimedia devices at the same time can actually harm your brain by lowering the density of your gray matter in the region of the brain called ACC which responsible for emotional control and decision-making. This means that if you want to keep your mind sharp, focus on one task at a time and don’t jump on something else until you finish it. You’ll soon notice that it will take you less time to complete your workload for the day.

Give Yourself a Break

Although taking several little breaks while you’re trying to finish a long task might seem like you’re causing counterproductive interruptions, the thing is that scheduling a couple of short pauses will only help you clear your head and improve your concentration. During those moments, you can do quick stretching exercises to improve your blood circulation, or simply try to relax. But make sure to follow your schedule and return to work exactly according to the plan.

Reduce the Number of Meetings

Surveys say that office workers spend 31 hours a month in meetings, while 50% of those meetings are perceived as highly unproductive time-wasters. Try to avoid meetings as much as possible, and attend only those that are mandatory. Whenever you need to have an important discussion with your co-workers, organize stand-up meetings, as they’re more efficient, effective, and dynamic. Some stats indicate that people in stand-up meetings need approximately 30% less time to make decisions, and what’s more important the swiftness of the process doesn’t affect the quality of decisions.

Use Your Commute Wisely

Instead of reading newspapers, napping, or browsing the internet while you’re commuting to work, you can use this time to check your email, make a to-do list for the day, or complete an easy task. This is especially productive if you spend an hour or more on your way to work, so don’t waste this opportunity to reduce your workload.

The First Hour Is the Most Important One

In order to give your day a boost, dedicate the first hour to the most demanding and challenging task, and do as much as you can while you’re still fresh and chirpy. Many people make a mistake by starting their day slowly and sipping their coffee while they’re checking their email inbox or even social media. Psychologically speaking, managing to complete an important assignment will raise your morale and provide you with a sense of fulfillment. That’s why successful people make the most of their first hour at work while they’re bursting with energy.

As you can see, these changes aren’t dramatic and yet they can dramatically increase your productivity at work.