by Carol Gioia

Created on: October 08, 2009   Last Updated: October 31, 2009

Keeping busy at work makes the day go by faster and also keeps your energy level high.

It is easy to keep busy when the job is new and you have much to learn. Once you have become proficient at fulfilling all of the duties in your job description, you could experience lulls in the work day between tasks.

It is tempting to use potential downtime to make personal phone calls, balance your checkbook, or some other personal endeavor, however, if you are a person of integrity, you will resist such temptation and look around for ways to stay busy that will benefit your employer.

Tips for how to keep busy at work:

* Volunteer to help a coworker

If your workload is light and you have accomplished all there is to do, look around at your coworkers and evaluate their potential need for help. . If you spy someone who appears stressed and overwhelmed; ask if you may be of assistance until your own desk becomes busy again.

* Volunteer to answer the phones

The receptionist often has other tasks to complete in addition to the pressure of answering multiple phone lines. By filling your downtime manning the phone, you could give the receptionist the opportunity to take a break or finish his/her other duties, thus contributing to an overall smoothly run business.

* Help with filing

Every business has filing to be done. Filing is one of those mundane tasks that continually grows and is never done. If you are familiar with the filing system in your office, put your lack of busyness to good use by helping to file. In any company, when the filing is up-to-date, every other employee holding a position in the office benefits.

* Take on a special project

Inquire with your supervisor whether there is something you can help with to ease the workload for himself/herself or someone else in the office. Often, taking that initiative will be impetus for your superior to offer you a special project that can be added to your normal job description and accomplished during those lulls in the day.

* Clean the break room

One of the messiest places in many offices is the break room. If there is a refrigerator and microwave, wipe them down and straighten around them. Eliminate clutter and trash. Your fellow employees will be gratified to have a neat environment in which to relax, thanks to your efforts. You will feel better for having productively used your downtime.

* Offer to run errands

If you know the bookkeeper makes a daily run to the bank and post office that breaks up his/her day and makes it difficult for him/her to finish tasks in a timely manner, volunteer to run these errands. This is just one example of potential relief you could provide for another member of the company. Helping others is a feel good experience and you will find yourself energized by your generosity.

Of course, if being away from your own desk is going to be a problem for someone else who might be required to answer your phone or attend to a client, then the negative effects of your helpfulness will offset your good intentions.

In a work environment, you want to temper a generous spirit with sound judgment.

One of the best solutions for keeping busy at work is to ensure your own desk is neat and orderly, your office is free of clutter, your personal filing is updated. Because the main duties of your job description are completed, does not necessarily mean you have nothing to do.

By keeping yourself busy during the work day, you will garner more job satisfaction. You will also be able to enjoy your personal time with a greater sense of peace, knowing you have given your employer an honest day's work.

Learn more about this author, Carol Gioia.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.