The Pomodoro Method and How a Virtual Office Entrepreneur Can Use It to Boost Productivity

Posted on 05/07/2018

Owning a business that uses a virtual office means that the business owner is unable to keep tabs on their employees' productivity. However, even though the entrepreneur can't check an employee's computer screen as they walk through the office or see how much time they're spending at the water cooler, a lag in productivity is noticeable. Reduced productivity will means a reduced output of work. If you own a business that works from a virtual office and you've noticed that productivity isn't what it used to be, consider trying the Pomodoro Method.

What Is the Pomodoro Method?

Chances are, you haven't heard of the Pomodoro Method. "Pomodoro" means "tomato" in Italian, and this method was so named because of the tomato-shaped timer the founder of this method used. Back in the 1980s, an Italian man named Francesco Cirillo created a new method of approaching work that was designed to enhance productivity by optimizing how much time employees spend on certain tasks. This method involves planning a task, keeping track of progress, recording that progress, processing success, and then visualizing the next step. Cirillo created the Pomodoro Method in order to keep employees' mind focused throughout the day and reduce procrastination.

How Does This Method Work?

The Pomodoro Method allows the employee to fully concentrate on tasks in short bursts. The first step is planning which task they will attack. The employee will then track their progress, which involves setting a timer (it doesn't need to be tomato-shaped!) for 25 minutes. The employee will concentrate on this task for a full 25 minutes. At the end of these 25 minutes, the employee will record their progress. Perhaps they can check or cross the task off of a list. Then, the employee will give himself a short break lasting 3 to 5 minutes. This is then repeated with another 25-minute bout of work. After 4 repetitions, the employee will receive a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes.

How Can a Virtual Office Entrepreneur Incorporate This Method?

If you are willing to try a new method in order to increase productivity, incorporating the Pomodoro Method is easy. Encourage employees to set a timer for 25 minutes and to work in short, focused intervals. This method has received positive feedback for a number of reasons. It allows employees' minds to stay focused, it helps eliminate frustration that builds when working on the same task for an extended period, and it helps to alleviate fatigue. This method can increase employee satisfaction, and it is also good for business. The Pomodoro Method encourages employees to prioritize tasks and it motivates them to finish tasks well. Businesses using this method have reported an increase in productivity. However, it is important the business owners do not force their employees to use this method. While it will take between 7 and 20 days to fully master this method, this is not suited to everyone. After all, there are a variety of different learning and working styles out there. While the Pomodoro Method might increase productivity in one employee, it might hinder another. Give your employees the option of using this method after a trial period.
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