Try a Location Shift for a Quick Productivity Boost

Do you ever find yourself unable to focus, easily distracted and antsy for lack of a better word? Try changing your physical location and work atmosphere. Think like a real estate agent…location, location, location. Some people can work anywhere and under any condition. They are obviously from some foreign planet that I have never been to. Most of the rest of us have days when we just need a change of pace.

Could you approach your employer about the possibility of working from home a couple of days per week? There have been many studies that show that telecommuting actually saves companies money and increases worker productivity levels. If that is not an option for you, how about moving to a conference room or looking for a different office or cubicle location. Sometimes just a change in the noise level, lighting or a window can make an incredible difference.

If you work from home as I do, sometimes the solitude can become smothering. It’s hard to imagine that a work space could be too quiet, but it happens. One of my favorite solutions is to take a morning and work from a favorite coffee shop with free Wi-Fi access. Another option is to try your local library. You obviously can’t conduct business on the phone there, but that might be just what you need if you are having difficulty concentrating on some project work. Often just moving to a different room is enough to bring about a shift in momentum.

Instead of haranguing yourself to buckle down and get it done, try a location shift first. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. What works for me may not work for you, but you’ll never know unless you try. Do you have any great suggestions? Please share.