10+ Productive Things to Do When Bored at Work

No matter how motivated a person is at their job, there are bound to be times during the day or week when they feel bored at work. This can be due to many reasons, such as low energy after lunch, or simply wanting to finish your work quickly. When you're bored at work, instead of scrolling through your phone, why not turn those boring moments into opportunities for growth, creativity, and improvement?

In this article, we'll explore more than 12 productive things that will come in handy when you're feeling bored at work. Each of the things mentioned here will improve your skills, organize your workspace, and, simply put, help balance your work-life. Boredom at work doesn't mean wasted time; instead, that time should be used for self-development and smart work habits.

1. Clean and Organize Your Workspace

The environment of your workspace plays a crucial role in your focus and creativity. If your desk is too cluttered, it can also lead to a cluttered mind. Whenever you feel bored while working, you can:

• Clean your desk, clear areas where you keep unnecessary things.

• Organize all your files, documents, and sticky notes.

• Get rid of any old papers and files.

• A clean desk not only makes you look professional but also helps refresh you, leaving you feeling ready for the next challenge.

2. Update Your Resume or Linkedin Profile

Whenever you feel bored at work, you can update your LinkedIn profile in your free time.

• You can add your recent achievements to your profile.

• You can update your professional resume.

• Add any skills or certifications you've acquired in the last few days or months.

• This only takes a few minutes and can be very beneficial for your career.

3. Learn Something New Online

These days, you can use your free time to learn something new. Sometimes, when we're constantly working in the office, it can get boring. In such a situation, you can learn something new from platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, or YouTube.

• You can also watch a 10-minute tutorial.

• You can listen to podcasts related to your industry.

• You can also find leadership insights on TED Talks.

• You can also read blogs related to your field.

4. Organize Your Digital Files and Inbox

• You can organize your digital files and inbox in your free time.

• Clear the data on your desktop.

• Delete downloaded documents that are no longer useful to you.

• Back up important documents and files.

• Organize all photos, videos, reports, and files.

• You should also filter your email, archive all old messages, and unsubscribe from spam newsletters. After doing all this, your laptop or computer will feel clean and efficient.

5. Plan Your Week in Advance

Instead of worrying about work boredom, you should plan your upcoming week. Instead of waiting for the chaos of Monday, you should utilize your quiet moments.

• Set personal and professional goals for the coming week.

• Prioritize projects.

• Schedule all your reminders and meetings.

• This small step improves your time management.

6. Strengthen Professional Relationships

Productivity doesn't always mean completing a task; building connections is also a form of productivity.

• Whenever you're bored, you can help your team members.

• You can also go for lunch or a tea break.

• You can help your team members with something they're unable to do or that's stuck.

• These small things strengthen your relationships, creating a positive work environment and encouraging collaboration.

7. Read Industry News

You can read about news related to your field, what's new in the field you're working in, and what updates have been made to existing ones.

• For this, you can visit some reputable websites and read their articles.

• Keep an eye on your competitors.

• You should learn new strategies to advance yourself.

• This is an effective way to break boredom and keep yourself productive.

8. Brainstorm New Ideas

If you have some quiet time, you can use it to think creatively. This can be a great time to brainstorm.

• You should focus on ways to improve your current work processes.

• You can plan new ideas or marketing strategies related to your field.

• Don't try to turn these ideas into projects right away; instead, write them down and share them with your team or manager later.

9. Review Your Goals and Progress

Whenever you're bored with your work, you should reflect on your personal and professional goals.

• To do this, ask yourself some questions: What have you achieved this year?

• What new skills will you develop before the end of the year?

• Can the daily work you're doing help you achieve your long-term goals?

• You should write down all these thoughts in a notepad, which will motivate you to focus on your goals.

10. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts or New Tools

You can learn some keyboard shortcuts and computer tools in your free time to increase your productivity.

• You should learn new Excel formulas and tricks for managing Google Sheets.

• Explore project management tools like Trello and Asana.

• For tasks you perform repeatedly, look for tools that automate them.

11. Listen to Motivational or Educational Podcasts

If the company you work for allows headphones, you can listen to some useful content.

• You can listen to industry-specific interviews.

• Listen to mindset and motivational podcasts.

• This will not only help you break your boredom but also improve your mindset.

12. Take Mindful Breaks

Productivity isn't about being constantly active, it's about balancing things. If you're feeling mentally stuck, you should use this time to relax.

• Take deep breaths.

• If there's a walking area near your office, take a 5-10 minute walk.

• Small breaks help recharge your brain, improving your focus.

• Sometimes, slowing down is the best way to be productive.

Conclusion

Feeling bored while working isn't a waste of time or a lack of energy. Rather, it's a time to reset yourself. You can do any of the things mentioned above. The next time you feel bored while working, you should take a break from other tasks or watch tutorials on skills related to the task you're doing.