Some research suggests only around 17 percent of people are able to accurately estimate the passage of time.

It sounds counterintuitive, but taking scheduled breaks can actually help improve concentration.

For open-ended tasks or projects, try giving yourself a deadline, and then stick to it.

Entrepreneur Steve Olenski recommends implementing the "two-minute rule" to make the most of small windows of time that you have at work.

If you see a task or action that you know can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately.

According to Atlassian, the average office worker spends over 31 hours each month in unproductive meetings.

If you absolutely must have a meeting, there's some evidence that standing meetings (they're just what they sound like--everyone stands) can result in increased group arousal, decreased territoriality, and improved group performance.

While we tend to think of the ability to multitask as an important skill for increasing efficiency, the opposite may in fact be true.

Psychologists have found attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity.

This goes for any unexpected "bonus" time you may find on your hands suggests author Miranda Marquit.

Rather than wasting time chasing after this illusion, bang out your task to the best of your ability and move on.

Using work time to exercise may actually help improve productivity, according to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Allowing incoming phone calls and emails to dictate how you spend your day will mean you do a great job of putting out fires--but that may be all you get accomplished.

Set aside time for responding to emails, but don't let them determine what your day is going to look like.

During work hours, turn off your notifications, and instead build in time to check email and messages.

Researchers at Florida State University have found elite performers (athletes, chess players, musicians, etc.) who work in intervals of no more than 90 minutes are more productive than those who work 90 minutes-plus.

Jazz up your office space with pictures, candles, flowers, or anything else that puts a smile on your face.

Minimizing interruptions may mean setting office hours, keeping your door closed, or working from home for time-sensitive projects.