Sometimes, you can’t avoid that work will pile up.
Maybe because you just came from a vacation and everyone just dropped what they need you to do on your desk while you were away. Maybe you got sick and had to take a sick leave from the office so naturally when you came back, there were lots of work waiting for you. Maybe you are a freelancer who works at your own time and has, unfortunately, poor time management. Maybe you got pressured by your friends to go to a party instead of finishing studying for your exams. Maybe you thought you could do everything in the last minute, not noticing that almost all the tasks have the same deadline. Maybe you slept too much. Maybe you thought you still have lots of time or that you underestimated the task, thinking it will be too easy for you to finish.
Whatever your reason may be, the truth of the matter is, your work piled up. Now you are faced with piles of paperwork and other tasks to fulfill with the deadline falling on the same date. You are already overwhelmed just by thinking about everything that you have to do. You said yes to all these commitments and trying to be the responsible person, you will try your best to finish each one.
But how can you assure the quality of your work when you are rushing? How can you be sure that you won’t forget about anything? How can you be sure that you will make it on time? How can you still take care of yourself and try to stay calm when you’re cramming too many things?
We have some tips below for you when work has piled up and you need to finish everything on time.
1. Dedicate 100% focused hours to finish the tasks.
Turn off your notifications first and let everyone know that you can’t be disturbed. You have to stay focused so that you can finish the task right before you. Plus, if there are too many distractions, the tendency is for you to make errors or forget something.
2. Communicate to your boss/superior/client/fellow colleague or to all parties concerned the status of your work.
Communication is key for you to not burn ties with your professional contacts. Let them know your progress, the reason for any possible delay, and the steps that you are doing at the moment to make it to the deadline. They will surely appreciate the heads up.
3. Make a list of everything that you have to do.
Even though you are rushing, you don’t want to forget something that was tasked for you to do as well. That’s arguably even a bigger mistake than missing the deadline. Make sure that you won’t forget anything by having a checklist on hand.
4. Finish your work one by one.
Multitasking actually destroys productivity. It also makes your performance poor. You want to finish one task first before you move to another. Well, you can do small tasks in between big assignments as sort of a breather, but just make sure that you don’t do multiple things at once. As mentioned above, you need to put in focused hours. You can only focus in one thing at a time so do not attempt to do multiple things because the quality will only suffer and you may end up not finishing either of the two.
5. Ask for help if you need help.
If it’s a do or die situation or you can’t really finish tasks anymore, ask for help. For example, you can’t do chores at home at the moment because you are loaded with work. Ask for help from your family or housemates and let them know your reason for not being able to do your task. You can also delegate if you are a boss or supervisor but make sure to adjust your expectations because you gave it at a late time. You can ask a close friend, a partner or a sibling to help you out with small logistic or administrative tasks, as long as they are free to do so. Make sure to treat them afterwards.
6. Work in the right environment, in a workspace that motivates you, encourages you to do your best, and that inspires you to keep going.
Investing in the right tools will help you have the right work environment. You can invest in ergonomic furniture that can help sharpen your focus, lift your mood up, make you alert, address your health concerns, and give you a premium comfortable working experience.
Here are two products that you can try from trusted ergonomics brand, FlexiSpot:
Comhar All-in-One Standing Desk Wooden Top-48”
This standing desk takes up minimal floor space that is perfect for those with small homes or limited space for a work area. It boasts a smooth and easy transition from its height adjustment range of 28.3” to 47.6.” It provides a spacious desktop measuring 48” x 24”. The legs are made of powder-coated steel tubing that is scratch and stain-resistant.
This desk can easily fit a laptop, keyboard, mouse, paperwork, desk accessories, and two monitors. The control panel allows you to program four height memory presets and also comes with USB ports. It has an anti-collision function that ensures your objects or devices are protected while the desktop is in motion.
Soutien Ergonomic Office Chair
This ergonomic chair from FlexiSpot has the following great features: 3D lumbar support system, 135-degree lounge tilt, and 4D adjustable armrests.
It has three height adjustment levels with a system that gently rebounds. The elegantly curved backrest will conform to the neck and spine that will provide the maximum headrest and lumbar support. The armrests are adjustable in four dimensions that contour effortlessly to the arms and elbows. It is made of Italian-imported chenille and K+R temperature sensitive fiber that will provide maximum ventilation and the most delicate of fabrics. It also features the best-in-industry Samhongsa Class 4 Gas Lift which guarantees that this chair will be able to handle whatever you throw at it.
Final Word
To avoid a situation like this in the future, spend your time wisely, learn to say no, and manage expectations by not overselling yourself and what you can do. Know your limits so you can deliver your commitments.
