In today's workplace, it is enough for a worker to just discharge the duties penciled in their job description. Although no one will tell you this, not even your HR manager, the truth remains that they expect you to do much more than what is written in your job title.

And by much more, we don't mean taking up other people's responsibilities because that might land you in big trouble or even be perceived as an act of eye-service by those around you. However, we mean you should be able to discharge your basic duties with minimal guidance, high efficiency, and at a rapid rate.

That is, you need to be more productive than your colleagues - hyper-productive to be precise. So, how can you do that? You may wonder!

Not to worry, that's what you're on this page to learn. But before we go into the details of that, let's first take a dive into the things you stand to gain when your manager perceives that you're hyper-productive.

Why you need to be hyper-productive

The old metrics are gone

Being punctual to work. Face time. Obeying instructions. And minding your business. These things don't matter again. The yardstick now is simply your output! The more value you create, the more valuable you become. That means you have to understand what is valued by your organization and align your actions to meet that.

A chance for promotion

When the time for promotion comes, managers will most likely review your performance based on the values you're bringing, not the basics you're doing. That is, how many of your colleagues look up to you for answers when they get stuck, how invaluable are you to the organization?

Unlimited vacation time

The more productive you are, the more off-time you can justify. Work harder today so that you can lay claim to a lengthier holiday tomorrow.

A chance to get a raise

If you ever harbor the hopes of getting a raise sometime in the future, then you need to start raising your performance level today. Although higher output doesn't necessarily mean your employer will approach you with an offer to raise your salary, it can be a great bargaining chip when you decide to make a move.

Increase opportunities

Abraham Lincoln once said, "Things may come to those who wait ... but only the things left behind by those who hustle." If you want to increase the number of opportunities that come your way, you need to create space for them.

How to be hyper-productive

Make a plan for the day

Although you may have no idea what the day's task is likely to be, you can still set an expected target and incorporate some plans to exceed expectations. For example, if you're a dispatch rider, you can use some digital tools like Google Maps to find out the most efficient routes in your immediate or distant neighborhood and then pencil them down. 

It doesn't matter if you have to use a pen and paper, an Excel spreadsheet, or a smartphone app. Just find a tool that works for you that will help you get organized and more productive.

Automate your tasks

Irrespective of what your job is like, there is always an app or a digital tool you can use to automate things. Apps are designed to make the workflow run smoothly and efficiently, so if you have some on your smartphone or desktop computer, you can bet that your workflow will not be what it used to be. 

From scheduling to project management, tasks assignment to time tracking, reminders to note keeping, flowcharting to the execution of tasks, and everything else in between, you can find an app that is appropriate for your job position from these lists of productivity tools.

Categorize your tasks

To categorize tasks based on their priority level, you can adopt the "two-minute rule." According to Steve Olenski from Entrepreneur, identifying and completing those tasks that take two minutes or less can make you more productive. 

Handle the biggest tasks when you're most alert

Sometimes we procrastinate those big tasks because we think they demand special attention. And by the time we get to them, we're too burned out from our day to give it the attention it needs. Stop this! The biggest tasks should be the ones you handle when you're at your best.

Be the go-to guy

Being hyper-productive doesn't have to end with you. It involves helping others too. 

But be careful how you offer to help so that the colleague you're trying to help doesn't feel insulted. Saying things like "Hey Danny, how's work going on your end," can inspire a "please, come check this out for me" response. Don't worry, your bosses see this, and they're observing how invaluable you're becoming in the firm. 

Take breaks

To be more productive, you need to give as much attention to your rest as to your work. Several studies have shown that taking regular breaks helps concentration and boosts your mood.