{"id":2381,"date":"2022-10-03T07:06:53","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T07:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=2381"},"modified":"2023-06-26T07:03:36","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T07:03:36","slug":"nothing-to-do-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Stay Productive When There&#8217;s Nothing To Do At Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s a quiet day at the office and you just don\u2019t know what to do. There is no supervisor looking over your shoulder and no possibility of overtime in the foreseeable future. To some, this may sound like an office dream come true. However, in reality, <strong>a lot of people with nothing to do at work will actually feel lost<\/strong>, unmotivated and unfulfilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being challenged at work is not only important for the company you work for. It\u2019s actually a strong personal motivator and a way to know that your professional skills and knowledge are in demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what can you do when there is nothing to do at work? Below, we will look into several helpful strategies that can help you improve your professional skills further your career or motivate you to develop personal projects that will secure your future.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"938\" height=\"635\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-938x635.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"How To Stay Productive When There&#8217;s Nothing To Do At Work\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-938x635.png 938w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-50x34.png 50w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-768x520.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work-1130x765.png 1130w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work.png 1152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 938px) 100vw, 938px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d77dd70e9b0\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d77dd70e9b0\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#What_does_it_mean_to_have_nothing_to_do_at_work\" >What does it mean to have nothing to do at work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#How_to_stay_productive_when_theres_nothing_to_do_at_work\" >How to stay productive when there&#8217;s nothing to do at work<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#1_Ask_for_extra_projects\" >1. Ask for extra projects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#2_Create_a_deadline_for_yourself\" >2. Create a deadline for yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#3_Consider_your_career_goals\" >3. Consider your career goals<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#4_Plan_your_time-off\" >4. Plan your time-off<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#5_Get_organized\" >5. Get organized<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#6_Take_up_a_course\" >6. Take up a course<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#7_Build_professional_relationships\" >7. Build professional relationships<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#8_Look_for_alternative_opportunities\" >8. Look for alternative opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#9_Work_on_personal_projects\" >9. Work on personal projects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#10_Plan_your_business\" >10. Plan your business<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/nothing-to-do-at-work\/#How_to_stay_productive_when_theres_nothing_to_do_at_work_summing_it_up\" >How to stay productive when there\u2019s nothing to do at work: summing it up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_to_have_nothing_to_do_at_work\"><\/span>What does it mean to have nothing to do at work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, when a person has nothing to do at work, it means that there are no or few tasks that your employer expects you to complete. Sometimes, this can be a very welcome break from strict deadlines and a stressful and fast-paced working environment. However, if this period of not having to work lasts too long, it can have a counterproductive effect and make an employee feel unneeded and irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/should-i-go-to-work-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Should I Go to Work Today? The Answer is Simple<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to use resume builder<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_stay_productive_when_theres_nothing_to_do_at_work\"><\/span>How to stay productive when there&#8217;s nothing to do at work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-1024x495.png\" alt=\"nothing to do at work\" class=\"wp-image-2383\" width=\"800\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-1024x495.png 1024w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-50x24.png 50w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-768x371.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-1536x742.png 1536w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-2048x989.png 2048w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-938x453.png 938w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nothing-to-do-at-work_-1130x546.png 1130w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are in a slow period at work, the most important thing is to not let it become a demotivator. Here are several effective strategies that can help you use the free time you have at the office to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Ask_for_extra_projects\"><\/span>1. Ask for extra projects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your goal is to build a career at the company that currently employs you, asking for extra work will be the right step in this direction. If you don\u2019t have enough work for an extended period of time, consider asking your supervisor for additional projects. If your supervisor grants you extra responsibilities, you may be able to receive more benefits or qualify for more advanced opportunities with the company in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Create_a_deadline_for_yourself\"><\/span>2. Create a deadline for yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have something to work on but no deadline has been assigned to the task, this assignment can drag on. Consider becoming your own supervisor in this situation and settling a deadline for the work. Challenging yourself to complete a task within a limited time can be very motivational and help you practice performing in a more stressful environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Consider_your_career_goals\"><\/span>3. Consider your career goals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Going through a slow period at work can be a great opportunity to organize your plans and ideas for the future. You can use this time to reflect on the work you are currently doing and what you want from your future professionally. If you often find yourself with little or nothing to do at work, it may be the time to ask yourself whether you are in the right position or line of work. It may also be a sign that you are ready to move up the career ladder and take on new responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Plan_your_time-off\"><\/span>4. Plan your time-off<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slow time at work may be a great time to plan your vacation. If you have little to do, your supervisor may be more likely to approve a <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-call-out-of-work\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3298\">request for time off<\/a> as it will not affect any current responsibilities. Education can be a great way to escape an unproductive work environment and use this period to relax and reload your brain. This way, you will come back refreshed and ready to take on new challenging projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Get_organized\"><\/span>5. Get organized<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your work revolves around various types of data, you can use your free time to organize this data into files and folders on your PC. You can clean up your desktop and make it easier to find the information you need in the future. You rid your PC of clutter and unneeded files to free up some space. Or, you can even use this time to teach yourself various organizational techniques such as the Pomodoro Method. This can be a highly useful investment of your time: according to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.focusboosterapp.com\/blog\/the-science-behind-the-pomodoro-technique\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> a recent case study<\/a>, the Pomodoro Method can potentially help you finish 40 hours of work in under 17 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Take_up_a_course\"><\/span>6. Take up a course<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A slow period at work can be a good time to take up a course to improve your professional skills. You may use this time to catch up on some reading in your line of work or to enroll in a course that will make you a better expert. A lot of educational programs are now available online: from short-term courses to university study plans with a degree. Alternatively, you can use this time to master a new language: whether it\u2019s a foreign language or a programming language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Build_professional_relationships\"><\/span>7. Build professional relationships<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have little to do at work, consider using this time to get to know your coworkers. This can be especially beneficial if you are new to the company and don\u2019t yet know your team well. If your coworkers are busy, you can offer to help them with their assignments. Being useful to your team members can help you feel as part of a community and make work more fulfilling. What\u2019s more, you can use this time to develop cooperation strategies that will help you in the future:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.proofhub.com\/articles\/workplace-productivity-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> according to Proofhub<\/a>, 86% of executives name ineffective communication as the lead cause in productivity-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Look_for_alternative_opportunities\"><\/span>8. Look for alternative opportunities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you feel under-utilized and unfulfilled in your current position, it may be time to look for a new role in a different company. A slow period at work may be the perfect time to do this. You can use this opportunity to check what\u2019s on offer on job hunting websites, research other companies in your line of work and more. As a result, you may be able to find a job that will challenge and excite you in a more dynamic and promising workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Work_on_personal_projects\"><\/span>9. Work on personal projects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are done with all your work assignments, you can use the free time you have for personal projects. These can be education, reading, catching up on the news in your industry or even completing a puzzle. Naturally, what you can do in your free time at work depends on the rules of the company that employs you: some employers may have strict policies in place that won\u2019t allow you to take up any activities that are not work related. Use your best judgment to decide what activities are suitable for your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-be-goal-oriented-at-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How To Be Goal Oriented At Work?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Plan_your_business\"><\/span>10. Plan your business<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your ultimate goal is to have your own company and build your own business, a slow period at the office could be a good time to make plans in that regard. You can note down ideas for your company\u2019s offerings, consider what you will need to get started, explore fundraising options and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_stay_productive_when_theres_nothing_to_do_at_work_summing_it_up\"><\/span>How to stay productive when there\u2019s nothing to do at work: summing it up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do your best to look at the situation when there is nothing to do at work as an opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>It may be an opportunity to prove yourself in your current role by taking on additional responsibilities.<\/li><li>It may be a way to explore alternative employment options or even get a part time job.<\/li><li>It may also be a way to improve your professional qualifications by enrolling in relevant online courses.<\/li><li>You can use this time to talk to your team, discuss current and future projects and improve communication.<\/li><li>Finally, you can use this time for personal projects: organize your workspace, plan your professional future.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However you choose to use your free time at the office, make sure you stay productive. This will keep you motivated, energized and happy in your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are feeling unmotivated at work, check out our post on<a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/i-hate-working-but-i-have-to\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> I Hate Working, But I Have To. What Should I Do?<\/a><\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s a quiet day at the office and you just don\u2019t know what to do. There is no supervisor looking over your shoulder and no [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2382,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[8,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2381"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2381"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6177,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2381\/revisions\/6177"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2381"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=2381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}