How can people increase productivity in the workplace?

In this IELTS speaking practice example, we answer the Part 3 question: How can people increase productivity in the workplace?


Key Points

To be more productive at work you can: set clear goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks, manage your time, avoid distractions, take regular breaks, create a positive work environment, work with colleagues, learn and develop new skills, have a work life balance; companies can also support productivity by providing training, flexible working and recognition.

Expand on the following to develop a great IELTS speaking response

  • Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound (SMART) goals helps you focus and track progress.
  • Aim to do the most high-priority work earlier.
  • Engaging in proper organizing methods such as time management, using Time Blocking or the Pomodoro Technique.
  • Avoiding distractions such as using a social networking sites, notifications, or phoning a friend.
  • Breaks are important because they relieve stress, prevent burnout, and give your mind a chance to rejuvenate.
  • Get the best from people by developing an organizational culture in which employees are supported and encouraged to be cooperative and productive.
  • Take part in employee training and continuously try to acquire new skills and knowledge.
  • Manage stress by focusing on encouraging people to maintain a sound healthy mindset through having a good work-life balance and personal lifestyle away from work.

High-Score Sample IELTS Speaking Test Response

Well, I think boosting productivity in the workplace comes down to a mix of personal strategies and organizational support. On an individual level, setting clear goals is a game-changer. For instance, if you use SMART goals—like finishing a client report by the end of the day—it gives you a clear target to aim for. Personally, I find that tackling my most important tasks first thing in the morning works wonders. That’s when my mind’s the freshest, and I can give complex work my full attention.

Another thing I do is manage my time carefully. The Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, has been a lifesaver for me. It keeps me focused while also ensuring I don’t burn out. Speaking of breaks, they’re absolutely essential. A quick walk or even just stretching can refresh your mind and help you come back more energized.

On a broader level, the workplace environment plays a huge role. Companies that encourage collaboration and provide training opportunities tend to have more engaged employees. For example, when my last workplace started offering skill-development workshops, not only did we learn new tools, but it also boosted team morale because we felt valued.

Finally, I think work-life balance is often overlooked but critical. Overworked people are rarely productive. Encouraging things like flexible schedules or mental health days can really make a difference in keeping stress levels down and motivation high.


IELTS Examiner Analysis

Fluency and Coherence (Band 8)

The response flows naturally, with ideas logically connected and well-organized. Cohesive devices like "for instance", "personally", "another thing", and "finally" make the answer easy to follow. Minor pauses are used for emphasis rather than hesitation, reflecting a strong command of fluency.

Lexical Resource (Band 8)

A wide range of vocabulary related to productivity, such as "SMART goals", "Pomodoro Technique", "burnout", "skill-development workshops", and "work-life balance", is used accurately and appropriately. The speaker also includes paraphrasing and less common expressions like “boosted team morale” and “mind’s the freshest”.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 8)

Complex sentences with subordinate clauses - "when my last workplace started offering skill-development workshops, not only did we learn new tools, but it also boosted team morale" - and conditional structures - "if you use SMART goals, it gives you a clear target" - are used effectively. There are no noticeable grammatical errors.

Pronunciation (Band 8)

The speaker maintains clear pronunciation throughout, with stress and intonation used to highlight key points and add natural rhythm to the response. Words and phrases are articulated clearly, making the response easy to understand.

Estimated Band Score: 8.0

The candidate demonstrates a high level of English proficiency, effectively answering the question with strong vocabulary, grammar, and fluency. To reach Band 9, even greater precision in word choice and more sophisticated use of less common idiomatic expressions could be incorporated.