Have you ever left the office feeling you like didn't accomplish anything? Productivity killers are rampant and it's easy to let them creep into your work life.

The most successful people and productive organisations are intentional about creating a productive work environment. Today, we will learn about seven productivity best practices you can start using today.

Boost Employee Engagement

A recent Gallup poll showed that only 32 percent of employees are engaged at work and 15.7 of workers are 'actively disengaged'. When team members suffer from a lack of engagement, productivity falls and turnover increases.

Increase employee engagement by involving people in every level of the organisation in changes and company initiatives. When people feel like their voices and ideas matter, they are more invested and engaged in the outcome.

People work better with people that they trust, like and respect. Create social opportunities outside of the office for team members to connect and build relationships. Schedule team lunches, social events, or schedule specific times for walking breaks during the day to connect outside of work and watch engagement and motivation rise.  

Limit Distractions

Distractions are a top productivity killer. You might be one of those people who have 17 tabs open on four screens. It's a trap to think we can get more done by multi-tasking. Make a to-do list and finish one task before you start a new task.

You might not realise it, but people waste time when they move in between tasks frequently. Multitasking drains your energy reserves and slows down your brain's capacity to process information and complete new tasks.

There are also tools available to keep you more focused during your day. Turn off your notifications, put your phone on do not disturb and try a tool like LeechBlock to limit time on certain websites, such as social media. You'll be surprised at how much you can get done when you stay focused!

It's also helpful to have a clean desk to keep you from getting distracted by a pile of items and notes on your desk. Take time every week to tidy up to optimise your working space.

Reward High Performers

When employees are motivated by the promise of rewards, they become more productive so they can reach their goals. When team members exceed expectations, be sure to provide meaningful rewards and praise.

Rewards can include a wide range of financial or social praise. You can give high performers raises or bonuses, public acknowledgment in a company-wide email, promotions, awards, gift cards or extra perks like increased paid time off or flexible working hours.

When employees feel like they are appreciated for their hard work, they will keep doing it and work harder to earn more rewards.

Create a Collaborative Work Environment

One of the more important productivity tips any organisation can use is to create the most collaborative work environment. When teams don't collaborate, they miss important tasks, duplicate work and waste time.

Smart companies take advantage of technology that helps them improve productivity and collaboration. For example, Savewave is social performance management software that helps team members create and communicate about goals and tasks, participate in chat streams and store and upload files.

Samewave also increases accountability for individual members of the group with Promise-Based Management. The team makes promises to one another in a transparent space, so everyone knows who is responsible for what and when it's needed. Best of all, Samewave is free. Sign up today to start improving office productivity and saving time.

Eliminate Unproductive Meetings

It could be argued that nothing kills office productivity more than pointless, unproductive meetings and phone calls. Do your office workers have a stand-up meeting every morning where little is accomplished?

Make sure your meetings have a purpose before planning them. If a meeting doesn't have an agenda that results in tangible action items for every member of the group, you probably don't have to have one. Audit your meeting schedule and make sure they start on time and end on time.

Use Music to Increase Productivity

While some people might be skeptical, studies have shown that listening to certain types of music may make you more productive, especially when it comes to completing repetitive tasks. Try wearing headphones and listening to some classical music while you work.

The research says that music without lyrics is best for improving productivity and can also help reduce distractions. With today's increasingly popular open office environment, listening to music can help drown out the noise of a loud workplace and deter colleagues from interrupting you from your work. Give the calming sounds on the productivity tool Noisli a try.

Implement a 'Power Hour'

Whether you do it the first thing in the morning or right after lunch, creating a 'power hour' on a daily basis can have a great positive impact on your productivity. Take an hour of your day where you focus on your work without any distractions and don't have any meetings.

Close out the other tabs on our computer screens and block the time off on your calendar so your co-workers will know you are busy. Don't look at your email inbox or check your voicemails and commit to getting as much work done as possible in that hour.

You'll be surprised how much you accomplish and it will feel great. You might end up extending the hour and getting more of your free time back.  

Optimise Office Productivity Today

Becoming more productive in your work doesn't have to be complicated, but it doesn't require thoughtful commitment and dedication. Successful people implement strategies and habits that make them more productive and efficient so they can produce their best work.

Becoming more productive won't happen overnight. Try incorporating one of these tips every week, and before you know it you'll find yourself getting more done in less time.