As the days get shorter and the sun seems to set earlier and earlier, staying productive can be a real challenge. Whether you’re out in the field or sitting at your desk, darkness comes quickly-and so does the urge to take a nap.
But don’t worry! In this article, our consultants share some useful tips to help you stay productive, even when the daylight fades fast.
Why does it matter?
Before we get into the tips, let’s first explore why we often feel tired, upset, or even experience winter blues during this time.
Shorter days have an impact on your overall mood and energy
As the days get shorter and sunlight decreases, our bodies respond with changes in energy and mood. Sunlight affects the production of melatonin , the hormone that regulates sleep, and serotonin, which affects mood. With less daylight, melatonin levels rise, leading to feelings of fatigue, while serotonin levels drop, affecting motivation. These shifts are at the root of seasonal fatigue, making it harder to stay focused and alert.
How do shorter days affect workers in the energy sector?
In the energy sector, staying high productivity and focus is crucial for ensuring safety. Shorter days mean less natural light for field workers, which can increase the risk of accidents on site. Distractions and reduced energy levels can also compromise attention to detail, leading to potential safety hazards. In the office, lower productivity can delay critical decisions and affect overall project schedules. Keeping energy and focus high to minimize risk and ensure operations continue smoothly without compromising safety.
How to keep higher levels of productivity: tips from our consultants
Now that we’ve explored why shorter days can make staying productive a challenge, let’s take a look at some of the brilliant strategies our consultants use to get through the day.
Sang, a Mechanical engineer shares his secrets to improve his productivity whether in the office or at the field:
My first approach is to set clear, achievable, and measurable targets. If I find it hard to meet a deadline due to unavoidable circumstances, I delegate some tasks to my colleagues. This will boost the morale of my colleagues as they see that I believe in their abilities.
Secondly, I ensure that I prioritize the work assigned to me based on their importance and Eisenhower matrix has come in handy in assisting me do this.
I also improve my productivity by doing whatever it takes to remove distractions at my workplace. One major step is ‘throwing away’ my phone to ensure I have quality time to focus and deliver my best work. Lastly, I make sure to implement the 5S methodology to maintain an organized and efficient workspace.
Read more about Eisenhower Matrix here.
Besides setting your priorities and cutting out distractions, Uwem, a control room operator, also shares these useful suggestions:
1. Taking short breaks
2, Having your to-do list
3. Focusing on a task and getting is done.
4. Asking for clarification where necessary
Additionally, Mark, a process assistant, points out that exercise can help maintain productivity. He shares his tips on how to stay active:
First, take the stairs instead of the elevator—it’s a quick and easy way to get some exercise. I also make sure to take frequent breaks, getting up to stretch or walk around so I’m not sitting for too long and feeling fatigued. Another thing that’s helped is using a standing desk. Switching between sitting and standing keeps me from getting stiff and helps with blood circulation throughout the day.
And in the filed, one point is focusing on posture. Use of proper form while lifting loads of the ground or moving. Seek assistance in case the load is heavy to mitigate on-site injuries. And  constant hydration will also keep the body energy up.
Conclusion
Thank you to our consultants for sharing their insights. These tips show that staying productive during the darker months doesn’t have to be so tough. Whether you’re in the field or at your desk, these simple strategies can help you power through the winter, no matter how early the sun sets!
