Do you take the time to set yourself up for success at the beginning and end of each workday? Often, managers simply dive into their tasks the minute they walk through the door, and they don’t stop until it’s time to head home.

But, if you spend a bit of time at the start and end of each day focusing on activities that set you up for success, you can increase your overall efficiency, allowing you to perform better in less time. If you are ready for some tips that can help you master these critical times in your workday, here’s what you need to know to start and end your days at work better.

The first 15 minutes, when properly managed, can have a significant impact on the remainder of your day. Instead of diving into emails or jumping right into a task, take a few moments to prioritize your workday.

List all the activities you need to accomplish and put them in order from most to least important. This allows you to have a guide for the remainder of your time at work, ensuring you focus on the proper objectives at the right time. However, if you have something particularly challenging on your plate, consider putting it at the top – even if it isn’t the most pressing priority. This gives you a chance to tackle it while you’re fresh, which may make it easier to handle.

Additionally, take some time to drink a glass of water. Dehydration can impact your ability to focus, so enjoying a full glass now can help you throughout the day. While you do, consider the big picture. This moment of contemplation can bring you clarity, allowing you to shape your day wisely.

Finally, check in with your team before you jump into your work. Share some encouraging words with them and see how they are doing. This doesn’t have to be a deep dive status update, as simply touching base can help motivate them and provide you with the assurance things are going smoothly.

As your day starts to come to a close, make sure to wrap up small administrative tasks, like answering emails. Then, clean your desk off and put unneeded items in their proper place, such as files you are finished with or supplies you don’t need immediately the next day.

Next, take a moment to consider your objectives for the next day, jotting down a few notes, so you have them available tomorrow. You should also stop for a second and think about how your day went, reflecting on the highs and lows, so you can effectively check in on yourself.

Finally, if at all possible, completely disconnect from work. Mute any work-related notifications, such as those for incoming emails or chat messages. This will make it easier for you to relax and enjoy your evening, increasing the odds you’ll return to work the next day fully rested and rejuvenated.

By following the tips above, you can use the beginning and end of your day to set yourself up for success. If you’d like to know more, the professionals at TempStaff can help. Contact us to discuss your workplace productivity goals today and see how our services can benefit you – with everything from the proper staff to how you end your days at work.