Do you know your share of slackers at work? Mostly, they are
intelligent people who could easily upstage everyone else's efforts if
they applied themselves a bit more. Yet, while everyone else is in
panic mode trying to get ahead, while the slackers know how to fulfill
their obligations, get decent feedback and enjoy a relatively
stress-free existence.
Once
upon a time, work was a busy place. You showed up, worked hard, stayed
late during your busiest periods and then went home. Today, many people
don't escape work. Before they even arrive at the office, they've
already sent a dozen e-mails from their phones and held teleconferences
with people all over the country. Once you're actually at work, things
are even crazier.
Saying 'no' won't get you fired.
If the boss or someone comes to you with a task that's part of your
core job duties, by all means accept it. If you're drowning in work,
however, telling co-workers that you just can't get to their request
right now won't necessarily hurt you. Tactfully explain that you'd like
to help them but you've got too much on your plate shows you care about
the quality and promptness of your work.
Don't multitask.
The ability to simultaneously talk on the phone, send an e-mail and
heat up the meatballs for the monthly potluck is an admirable quality
but not necessarily the most beneficial. Multitasking has become the de
facto approach to daily operations in many workplaces. The problem is
that we often end up doing a little of everything and never making much
progress on any one task.
Give yourself a break.
Literally, just get away from work for five minutes. Take a walk around
the floor or step outside for some fresh air. Without Saturday and
Sunday off, you'd probably go a little stir-crazy. Think of brief
breaks throughout the day as small-scale versions of weekends. You'll
return with a clear head and produce better-quality work.
Don't eat lunch at your desk. Eating
at your desk can be an occasional necessity, either because you're
close to a deadline or you're in a productive zone that you don't want
to interrupt. Having your lunch in front of a computer every day,
however, doesn't give your eyes or your mind time to relax. You might
feel like a slacker if you're the only one taking your sandwich outside
for 30 minutes, but your mental health is worth it.
Schedule some "me" time.
Go into your calendar and block off a period of time for whatever work
you need to do without interruption. Treat that time as if it were an
important appointment with your boss and consider it non-negotiable. If
someone tries to schedule a meeting with you, tell him or her that
you're busy but can try for another time. If possible, book a
conference room so you won't be interrupted by a chatty co-worker or a
phone call.