In an increasingly competitive milieu, companies are compelled to evaluate the way they work and how they can improve profitability. In a capitalist market that thrives on exploiting our natural thirst for success, satisfaction and happiness, we are constantly pressured to optimize our productivity and maximize our efficiency. These pressures can breed a lot of anxiety and stress among employees. Listed below are some scientifically proven tips for optimum productivity in the workplace.

Design an environment conducive to productivity. A large and growing body of research shows a direct correlation between productivity and work environment. On an individual level, the working environment can have a major impact on your attitudes, personal efficiency and productivity. In a toxic and cluttered environment, employees tend to squander their potential to the unheralded tragedy of procrastination. Getting this environment right clearly holds the potential for better performance of both human and physical resources, and thus significant rewards to business and wider economy. It can be in the form of letting in natural light, decorating or placing plants at the office.

Make employees feel like partners. If you want to improve the workflow of your company and boost the mood and creativity of your employees, let them feel and experience ownership in the organization because when people feel ownership of something, they look out for it, protect it and pour themselves into it.  It’s also important to explain to them how to run the business and help them to understand better how they fit in and the difference they can make to achieve the organization’s strategic goals.

Offer incentives and morale boosters. This is the most tried-and-tested way to revamp productivity in the workplace. Employers are getting more creative when comes to providing their employees with individual incentives and morale boosters that contribute to a changing, exciting, and motivating work environment. This reward system can be in the form of pay raise, additional time off, gift cards, bonus or job promotion.

Work in 90-minute intervals. The Association for Psychological Science suggests ratios of 90:20. 90 minutes of work followed by a 20-minute break may be the prescription for maximizing productivity. Scientists monitored elite performers and found that they practice in uninterrupted sessions that last no more than 90 minutes. Resting the brain for 20 minutes refreshes your body and prepares you for the next 90 minutes of work.

Try ‘coffee naps’. Basically, it’s drinking a caffeinated beverage before you take a nap for 15-20 minutes. is about how long as it takes for the caffeine to kick in. Studies have shown that coffee nap is more effective at restoring cognitive function and combating fatigue than either drinking coffee or taking a nap alone. This is because sleeping enhances the effect of coffee by increasing the receptors for caffeine in your brain.

Take breaks. It might sound counterintuitive, but taking scheduled breaks can actually help improve concentration. Some research has shown that taking short breaks during long tasks helps you to maintain a constant level of performance; while working at a task without breaks leads to a steady decline in performance.

Everyone is different and so is the way in which we increase our productivity. While some may become energized after a coffee, others may find a walk in the fresh air more effective. Find a way that works for you and your employees and enjoy accomplishing more throughout your day.

You may also want to read: Correlation of Emotional Intelligence to Career Success