What is the Pomodoro Technique and Does It Work?

Turns out interval training is not just good for your physical health, it’s good for workplace productivity, too.

Working hard in intervals, taking a short break, and repeating that cycle again and again can help you and your team cram more into the workday while actually freeing up the wasted hours you lose to inefficiencies or distractions.

As you evaluate ways to optimize workflows and boost productivity across your SMB, taking small breaks can be a powerful strategy. One technique many professionals turn to is called the Pomodoro Technique.

The Pomodoro Technique Defined

Developed in the late 80s by Francesco Cirillo, this time management technique follows a few simple steps to make the most out of your minutes. Here’s how to do it:

• Find your task and grab a timer – Cirillo used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer when he initially developed the technique – hence, the name “Pomodoro”, which is Italian for tomatoes. Before you start your timer, identify your task for the work session.

• Set your timer for 25 minutes – During this time, focus on just one task. While you won’t be able to complete the entire task in that amount of time, fear not. You will return to it. The whole idea is that you’ll be more productive and focused because you only have 25 minutes to do it.

• Take a 5-minute break when the timer goes off – After your first interval of 25 minutes is up, record what you’ve accomplished and take a very short break.

• After 4 Pomodoro cycles, take a longer break – Once you’ve completed this cycle 4 times – so 100 minutes of actual work – take a more restorative break of up to 30 minutes. Go for a walk. Eat lunch. Reset. And then get ready to start your next cycle.

Does the Pomodoro Technique Work?

While everyone works differently, many people do find the Pomodoro Technique to be a helpful way to stay on task and improve efficiency. The Pomodoro Technique can be particularly effective when you apply these strategies:

• First, break down larger, more complex projects into smaller items you can take action on. That way you’ll know when a task is accomplished. Plus, you won’t feel so overwhelmed by a large and looming task.

• Second, if you have smaller tasks that you could accomplish in less than a single Pomodoro cycle, group them together.

• Third, abide by the timer. Keep working until the timer rings. Don’t look at your phone, check emails, or let any other distraction interrupt you during your focused minutes.

If you or others on your team struggle with procrastination or find yourself easily distracted by the endless things that come up during the day, give the Pomodoro Technique a try. You may be surprised to see how much you can accomplish when you focus your time and work.

To learn more about improving workplace productivity and gain efficiency advantages at your SMB, get in touch with our team at The OIS Group.