What is the Pomodoro Technique? Boost your productivity at work

Do you feel you are not as productive as you could? Maybe, just like many other people, the great accessibility of social networks and the convenience of working from home causes a simple task to extend for more time than expected. You may end up racing against the clock to finish the work. Struggling to avoid distractions and boosting productivity can be a challenging sometimes. 

The good news is that there is a tool that can help you get your best performance: the Pomodoro Technique. Have you heard about it? At T2W we have experience with talent management, so we can help you use this technique. In this article we will explain what is the Pomodoro technique, the way it works, and some apps that can help you put this concept into practice. 

What is the Pomodoro Method? 

Let’s start with the basics. The Pomodoro technique is a time management method. It is so effective that it has become one of the best ways to boost employee performance at work. When it’s applied correctly, it can help you complete your responsibilities at work in no time. It’s important noticing that this is a method that can be applied successfully at work as well as in an academic background. 

How does pomodoro work? 

Before we begin, you will need a couple things so that the technique works. First, you will need a timer. If you don’t have one at home, you can use an app from your cellphone; there are many you can use. Second, you will need discipline. Without that, the method won’t be as effective as it should. If you have both, we can begin. 

1. One task at the time 

The first step is creating a list of tasks you have to complete during the day. Once you have the list, select one task. You must do one task at the time since this method doesn’t work out good with multitasking. We recommend starting with the toughest task because during the first hours of the day your energy is at its peak and you can handle better difficult tasks. 

2. Set 25 minutes 

Ok, you have identified the first task you will complete. Now take the timer and set a 25-minute period. During this time, you have to focus on working in a continuous way and without any distraction whatsoever. Be strict with yourself and avoid paying attention to other matters during that period of time. If you use a real timer, put your cellphone away. If you use a timer app from your cellphone, you need to turn off all notifications.  

3. Take a small pause 

Once the timer indicates the 25 minutes of work are over, it’s moment to take a small pause. This time, the pause must take 5 minutes. During the pause is important to leave the room if you work from home or walk out of the office if you are at the work premises. Keep your mind away from work and relax. Pauses are important since attention span is limited and it requires some time to recover. Besides, working hard for too long can cause stress or, in the long term, the burnout syndrome. 

4. Start a new pomodoro 

When the 5-minute pause is over, you can go back to work on the same task or if you finished it, you can check the list you create initially and choose the next task you will complete. Then, take the timer and set another 25 minutes of intense work. Each group of 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of pause is called a pomodoro. As you can notice, each pomodoro will take a total of 30 minutes. Finally, once you complete four pomodoros it’s time to take a longer pause. This time, the pause should take 20 minutes. 

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Pomodoro apps 

Technology can help you a lot if you want to use this method. Here we give you some of the apps that can help you use the pomodoro technique from your phone. 

1. Brain Focus productivity timer 

This is a simple timer that will help you schedule your periods of work and pauses. With the app you can change each period to fit your personal working style. It also helps you silence your cellphone notifications from the app. The app is available for Android and iOS. 

2. Noisli 

With this app you can schedule your work and pauses but it adds up a little of background noise. This app offers special playlists that will help you concentrate and work better. If the place you work from gets noisy sometimes and you can’t concentrate, this is the option you need. The app is available for Android and iOS. 

3. Focus to-Do 

This is an app that offers many options. Not only you can schedule your work but it is also a task management app. That helps you focus on larger projects that have many small tasks. The app is available for Android and iOS. 

Now you know the meaning of pomodoro and the way you can apply it in your work routine. Try to make it part of your workday and leverage the different apps available today. You will see a positive change in your productivity. 

At Talent2Win, we strive to align your company’s business objectives with the best Talent Acquisition strategies available. If you want to learn more about the services we offer, do not hesitate to contact us.