Stress is the number one factor of work productivity. Fifty percent of stressed-out employees have higher absenteeism rates. That means they're taking more sick days than their blessed stressed employees. Here are six ways to increase your productivity levels. 

Get Acquainted with Your Calendar

Your calendar shouldn't be filled with just appointments and meetings. Schedule everything in your life. Whether you're researching online degrees, following-up on tasks from your last meeting, or writing a proposal for a client, you should include these other tasks on your calendar. The same goes for checking your inbox. Set aside time to respond unanswered e-mail messages. 

This allows you to focus on other work responsibilities without letting these messages fall to the wayside. Schedule the day on the way you want to work can increase productivity. If you're a night owl, designate the first half of your evening to work on things that take up the most of your focus. Save the remainder of the night for tasks when you'll have less energy and can be completed with automated tools. 

Write a To-Do List, Then Cut it in Half

Productivity is not about getting more work done in less time. It's about how you prioritize your tasks. If you write down a list of 20 tasks, then you'll be frustrated and stressed out. You may give up on your to-do list long before attempting it. 

Create a to-do list that includes three to five tasks that need to be done as soon as possible. You'll get more done by focusing on the most important matters. 

Put an End to Multi-Tasking 

It's time to focus on one thing at a time. Working on several tasks at a time may make you feel as if you're getting more done, but it can hinder your progress. It can also lead to a decreased attention span. Your mind will float from one topic to the next, hindering your ability to focus and finish the given task at hand. 

Don't let text messages or emails distract you from the work that's right in front of you. Acknowledge when you receive a text or e-mail, but finish the task before jumping into the message and getting distracted by your phone. 

Don't scroll through your social media timeline or Netflix lineup when you should be working. Motivate yourself to get the work done first so you can enjoy doing these things later. Offer yourself little rewards such as an afternoon off or a walk to the park. If you want a "Netflix and chill" day by yourself, then give yourself one after your work is done. 

Break Your Routine 

Ruts are bound to happen. Give someone the same tasks 40 hours a week can become mundane and tedious in the long run. This is a great way to kill one's productivity levels. To combat the fight against monotony, rotate tasks and introduce new skills whenever possible. This allows you to expand on your skill set and have a better understanding of your role works. 

Find Your Work Groove 

It's been found that 70% of employees who work in open-space offices are more susceptible to noise. This noise can greatly decrease productivity by up to 66%. It's important for business owners to recognize how music can negatively impact productivity levels. Music can block out those external noises, allowing you to focus on your work. 

Keep in mind that different types of music will help in different ways. For example, ambient music is better for work that requires a high level of skill or accuracy. Dance music helps proofreaders focus while pop music is helpful for data entry specialists. 

Take Breaks from Your Desk 

Getting away from your desk reduces stress levels and increases productivity levels. Make it a commitment to go for a walk every day if possible. A 10-minute walk has shown to improve the overall function of your brain by 4% and improves creativity by 60%. Not to mention, it's good for you. 

Only start with one or two tips mentioned in list. Remember quality over quantity. Whether you want to increase your work abilities or start by saying "no" to unnecessary tasks, choose one change and stick with it for 30 days. Over time, it'll become a normal part of your work routine.