Productivity Tips for Contractors

Construction Business Owners Using Time Tracking App to be more Productive Construction business owners are some of the busiest people we know. Often we have customers that wear many hats in their business from accounting to working out in the field. In this post, we discuss some of the top productivity tips construction professionals can use to increase their efficiency and hopefully get more done.

Remove Distractions

While we often talk about the benefits a smartphone can have on the life of a contractor, we also realize it can be a distraction if not managed adequately. In today’s world, we are always connected. It can be distracting and addicting to check Facebook, messages, and emails continuously. If you need to focus and get some work done, consider putting your phone out of sight and out of mind. Removing your smartphone for awhile will allow you to concentrate on the task at hand. All of those social media updates and emails will still be there.

People often like to brag about how well they can multitask, while research show that humans really can’t multitask, but instead we switch from task to task very quickly. There is a lot of benefit to focusing on what you’re working on and intentionally ignoring all other distractions. If you’re working at a computer or on other paperwork, consider trying the Pomodoro technique, this technique involves working on 1 task for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. During that 25 minutes, you give the task your full attention and effort and allow no distractions. (this includes the phone)

Track Where you Spend your Time

One of the best features of the busybusy app is the ability to track your own time. Many articles have described the surprising shock people go through when they start tracking their time and realize how much time they waste on things that don’t matter. Tracking where you spent your time will allow you to identify where you are spending the most time and if your time should be managed differently.

Along with tracking where you spend all of your “work” or business time, you should also consider what you’re doing in your personal time. Tracking your own time may bring many insights into your life that could improve your business. Perhaps you’ll discover you’re spending more time watching tv at night than you thought.

Even if you don’t track your time every single day, consider doing it for a short period. The data you will gather from using a time to track software will be invaluable in establishing healthier working habits.

Eliminate Decision Fatigue

It’s amazing to learn that willpower is a finite resource that can be burnt out. In the modern world most people are making hundreds of decisions every day.

All of these decisions take a toll on your brain and your willpower. Have you ever got home from a long day at work, and all you wanted to do was sit on your couch, watch tv, and not think about anything? Then you have probably experienced decision fatigue. You can implement simple strategies to reduce this from happening to you.

With decision fatigue mostly taking it’s toll on people in the evening, then it’s important to make sure you get your most important tasks done in the morning.

Plan Breaks

It’s crucial to have a strong work ethic when building up your construction business, but it’s also smart to plan and take breaks. Taking breaks allow your mind to rest and recover, and when you return to your tasks more productive.  Most people have a set schedule for when they work, but many people never plan their breaks but take time rather randomly or when the moment strikes.

If you have a big day ahead of you, then do yourself a favor and make sure you plan scheduled breaks. While it seems counter-intuitive, research suggests that a small break now and then will help you get more done rather than less. If you work at a computer, all day then get outside for a little bit. Take a walk around the office or in the parking lot if possible. If you’re working on the job site, take a “planned” break every once in a while. Stretch your muscles, have a chat with a co-worker, play a little game on your smartphone. This small break can allow your brain to reset, and when you return to work, you’ll feel refreshed and more energized to finish out the work day strong.

What do you do?

We only mentioned a few tips in this post, but we would love to hear what everyone else is doing to be more productive in their construction business. Do you have any special tips, tricks, or hacks you implement to make your work more productive and efficient? Let us know in the comments.