Intro
In today’s fast-paced world, being productive on the go has become a total game-changer! It’s all about making the most of your time when you’re not in the office. Whether you’re answering emails during your commute or working on projects while traveling for business, it’s about incorporating those moments outside the active office hours into your normal work routine to get things done and stay on top of your tasks. Simple, yet super effective!
A Preamble
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses worldwide have embraced remote work and outsourcing, and one of the often-overlooked trends that have risen in parallel is the growing mindset of productivity on the go.
The New Normal
With advanced tools and cloud-based systems, work is no longer confined to your office desk. In fact, the idea of having to sit in an office to get work done has become increasingly counterproductive when compared with the advantages that come with the ability to work from almost anywhere, thanks to the rapid evolution of technology.
While productivity on the go is not a brand-new concept—businesses have long used this approach in their strategy: think when you go on that business dinner or casual drive with an investor—the recent maturation of technology has made it easier to complete more complex tasks outside conventional workspaces.
With just a smartphone, cloud access, and a few well-integrated apps, employees can manage emails, track tasks, collaborate with teams, and store important files—anytime, anywhere.
So, what does this mean for you?
Embracing Productivity on the Go
Most of us already engage in some form of productivity on the go without even realizing it. Picture a typical commuter checking emails, responding to messages, or watching a tutorial while standing in a queue. However, many of us still don’t fully recognize the potential of this approach or underestimate its power to significantly boost productivity.
If implemented correctly, productivity on the go can spread out our workload, reduce stress, and even carve out more time for relaxation and leisure.
A 2022 study from Carleton University, surveyed 1,500 professionals across six organizations. It revealed that the average knowledge worker spends 47.2 hours a week on tasks, but a staggering 17 of those hours were spent on emails alone.
17 HOURS A WEEK ON EMAILS ALONE
Imagine the impact on productivity if we could leverage those 17 hours—and the smaller pockets of time throughout our day more effectively. With the right approach, routine tasks such as answering e-mails can be completed efficiently during idle moments, such as while waiting for a meeting to start, freeing up time for more high-priority work or personal relaxation.
Making the Most of Business Travel
Business travel naturally lends itself to productivity on the go, but, while business travel can be a great chance to have exciting experiences and networking opportunities, it can also be a great way to fall into unhealthy routines, poor posture, and at its worst burnout and overwork. To strike a healthy balance, it’s important to incorporate strategies that promote both productivity and well-being.
For example, packing workout clothes for a business trip is a great motivator to stay active. You took the bother for that extra luggage so you might as well use it! Activities like stretching, walking, or meditation are refreshing ways to even out the less healthy aspects of long flights or hotel stays.
In recent years, the concept of business travel has evolved into something far more exciting and transformative. Enter the rise of the digital nomad a new wave of professionals who prioritize exploring the world while maintaining their careers. For these individuals, the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures, and live adventurously is not just a perk; it’s a lifestyle. The allure lies in the ability to enrich their lives, uplift their personal growth, and make a meaningful impact—without compromising their ability to earn or succeed in their professional pursuits. For digital nomads, work and adventure go hand in hand.
Avoid Working in Strenuous Conditions
Don’t work in physical positions and settings that make you strain any part of your body. This can be damaging to your health and productivity in the long run. A colleague of mine shared his experience of suffering nerve damage after working on a laptop at an uncomfortable angle on a plane. While recovering he was advised never to work while flying again. However, this not only did not diminish his productivity but even increased it, by forcing him to rethink his approach to travel productivity. Now, he uses his travel time for leisure and personal enrichment, such as reading a book, a magazine or catching up on a movie.
Keep it Light
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve productivity on the go is to reduce unnecessary physical and mental clutter. We’ve all had that experience—you’re headed to a café or taking a bus ride to work, but you’re weighed down by a heavy laptop bag and other items that aren’t essential to the task at hand.
Traveling light doesn’t just apply to physical luggage—it also extends to the digital tools you use. For instance, while some people feel compelled to bring a laptop on every business trip, a tablet or a smartphone with the right apps might be far more efficient for the tasks in view. It’s important to be open to and be on the lookout for new technologies and lighter, more flexible tools to help streamline your workflow. By keeping your digital toolkit lean, you free up time and mental space to focus on what really matters.
Exploit The Right Apps
Tools like Google Maps for navigation, Uber for transport, and apps like Slack for team communication are all examples of how technology can support productivity on the go. Additionally, having cloud-based document management systems ensures that your files are accessible across all devices and synchronized in real-time, no matter where you are.
I particularly find Facetime very beneficial when working away from my family for a long time.
Keep Deliverables in Mind
While the flexibility of productivity on the go can be appealing, it’s important to stay organized and intentional with your time. It’s easy to fall into the trap of using idle time for trivial tasks that don’t move the needle on your overall goals or spend more time doing tasks you can complete in shorter amounts of time. To avoid this, it’s crucial to tie every task you take on while on the go to a larger objective.
For example, while waiting in a queue or during a commute, instead of spending time aimlessly browsing the web, focus on tasks that align with your goals and deadlines—whether it’s responding to emails, reading relevant articles, or brainstorming ideas for your next project.
You don’t have to judiciously use time management software, but writing a simple to-do list in your phone’s notes can help keep you on track, ensuring that every task completed is meaningful and connected to your work objectives.
The Power of Meal Times and Walking Meetings
Another resourceful way to maximize productivity on the go is by integrating work into your meals. Business meetings can often feel like they need to take place in formal settings, but you can seize opportunities during your meal times to bond with colleagues, clients, or partners while simultaneously making progress on key business goals.
Walking meetings are a no-brainer way to combine productivity with health. Because not only does walking boost physical well-being, it also stimulates creativity, as shown by a Stanford University study. Walking in groups fosters better relationships, too.
If you work from home or have a private office, consider setting up a treadmill workstation to integrate light physical activity into your workday without sacrificing productivity.
The Star Productivity Tool: Power Banks
Lastly, one of the most practical tips for productivity on the go is to always carry a power bank (especially if you’re in Nigeria,) if you know you know.
Smile.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Work
The power of productivity on the go lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly into our fast-paced lifestyles, providing flexibility without sacrificing performance. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or working remotely, the key is to use time efficiently, leverage technology, and stay organized. By adopting these practices, you can transform every moment into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and success.
If you have additional insights or tips on how to harness the full potential of productivity on the go, feel free to share them in the comments.
The future of work is here, and it is mobile!
About Author:
Whip- Smart Service Providers Limited is a recruitment, training, and consultancy firm in Lagos, Nigeria. For over 7 years we have been in the business of finding and equipping the most qualified professionals for organizations and individuals. People and skills are our forte.
