Key Ways To Increase Productivity in Your Laboratory

Do your workdays in the laboratory feel disorganized? If so, you could be missing out on periods of productivity in your lab space. Keep reading to learn some keyways to increase productivity in your laboratory and organize your workdays.


Keep the Lab Clean and Clutter Free

The first rule of a productive laboratory is to keep your space neat and clutter-free. If you show up to a messy lab station or desk, you’ll waste time cleaning and organizing when you could have been working. Cleaning is especially important in a laboratory. If you don’t clean and disinfect your supplies and workspace after each day, it could lead to contamination of your tools and the next project, sacrificing even more time.

Remember to clean up after experiments and projects at the end of the day to promote a mess-free space when you return.

Prepare Your Materials

One of the biggest timewasters in a laboratory is traveling from station to station to find the supplies you need. Before starting a new experiment or task, collect all the necessary materials, samples, supplies, and equipment before beginning. Having everything in front of you at your station reduces the number of trips you need to make around the lab while working. Don’t forget to put everything back in its place once you’re finished to avoid losing tools and supplies. Consider buying chemicals and solvents in bulk to make sure you have a surplus of materials for your tasks.

Track Time You Spend on Tasks

Time tracking is a productivity tool you can use in any workplace. However, this strategy can be especially useful in the laboratory. Keep a log of how long you spend on certain tasks each day, and review it after a week or so. This will help you address areas of improvement. If you notice certain tasks taking too long, you may want to change up the equipment you use during these steps. It could be time to recalibrate your equipment, schedule repairs, or replace it altogether.

As you evaluate your laboratory’s operations, remember these tips to help you boost productivity. By taking a few moments every day to set yourself and your team up for success, you can turn your laboratory into a productive environment.