What are Productivity OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We've tailored a list of OKRs examples for Productivity to help you. You can look at any of the templates below to get some inspiration for your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own Productivity OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Productivity OKRs examples
You will find in the next section many different Productivity Objectives and Key Results. We've included strategic initiatives in our templates to give you a better idea of the different between the key results (how we measure progress), and the initiatives (what we do to achieve the results).
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to streamline workflow for enhanced productivity
- ObjectiveStreamline workflow for enhanced productivity
- KRIncrease overall output by 15% through process optimization
- Train staff on new optimized procedures
- Implement lean methods to boost productivity
- Evaluate current processes for inefficiencies or bottlenecks
- KRImplement and train staff on at least two productivity-boosting software tools
- Choose suitable productivity-boosting software tools
- Implement and monitor usage of new software
- Set up training sessions for the chosen software tools
- KRReduce time spent on non-critical tasks by 30%
- Identify non-critical tasks and assess their time consumption
- Implement efficient strategies to expedite non-critical tasks
- Monitor and adjust task execution to meet the goal
OKRs to improve personal productivity through effective time management
- ObjectiveImprove personal productivity through effective time management
- KRReduce wasted time in workday by 30% by streamlining tasks and minimizing interruptions
- Establish 'Do Not Disturb' periods for focused work
- Automate repetitive tasks where possible
- Implement a task management system for organized scheduling
- KRImplement and follow a personalized time management system consistently for 90% of tasks
- Follow the outlined plan consistently across 90% of your tasks
- Assess and improve your system based on productivity results
- Define your daily tasks using a personalized time management system
- KRIncrease time spent on high-priority objectives by 25% each week
- Identify and rank objectives based on their priority levels
- Continuously review and adjust your time allocation
- Allocate 25% more time weekly to top-priority tasks
OKRs to enhance productivity and task management during the workday
- ObjectiveEnhance productivity and task management during the workday
- KRReduce task overflow to the next day by 50% by improving time management
- Dedicate specific hours for unexpected tasks
- Implement Pomodoro technique for better productivity
- Prioritize tasks based on urgency and complexity
- KRComplete at least 85% of assigned tasks within the designated deadlines each week
- Regularly monitor and adjust task progress
- Allocate sufficient time daily for completing tasks
- Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance
- KRImplement and consistently utilize a digital task management tool to monitor daily tasks
- Research and select a suitable digital task management tool
- Create a routine for regularly updating and reviewing tasks
- Set up and personalize configurations for daily task monitoring
OKRs to eradicate procrastination and bolster productivity for superior daily results
- ObjectiveEradicate procrastination and bolster productivity for superior daily results
- KRIncrease individually-assessed productivity score by 30% by quarter's end
- Implement time management strategies to boost workflow efficiency
- Encourage regular breaks to maintain focus and motivation
- Set clear, attainable individual performance goals
- KRImprove task completion rate by 90% compared to previous quarter
- Implement advanced productivity tools to streamline workflow
- Enforce strict deadlines and foster accountability
- Identify and eliminate frequent causes of task interruptions
- KRReduce wasted time—defined as unproductive activity—by 50% per week
- Identify and eliminate unnecessary tasks in daily routine
- Use productivity tools to streamline work processes
- Allocate specific time slots for each task
OKRs to increase overall sales productivity for our offshore IT services team
- ObjectiveIncrease overall sales productivity for our offshore IT services team
- KRAchieve a 20% increase in quarterly revenue from offshore IT services
- Upsell enhanced IT services to existing offshore clients
- Implement targeted marketing strategies in offshore jurisdictions
- Streamline delivery process to boost operational efficiency
- KRReduce the sales cycle duration by 15% for offshore IT services
- Implement streamlined communication systems for improved efficiency
- Provide sales team advanced negotiation training
- Close deal gaps with efficient project management strategies
- KRClose 5 new strategic B2B deals specifically for offshore IT services
- Identify and contact 10 potential B2B partners for offshore IT services
- Follow-up with potential partners to negotiate and close deals
- Prepare and deliver tailored presentations on our offshore IT services
OKRs to improve our team's productivity and efficiency
- ObjectiveImprove our team's productivity and efficiency
- KRDecrease wastage of resources by 20%
- Train staff on resource conservation strategies
- Conduct regular equipment checks for optimal functionality
- Implement efficiency measures in production processes
- KRIncrease weekly team output by 15%
- Monitor, evaluate, and adjust work processes regularly
- Enhance staff skills through focused training
- Implement efficient work strategies and new productivity tools
- KRReduce project turnaround time by 25%
- Delegate responsibilities effectively among team members
- Implement time management techniques
- Streamline workflows and eliminate unnecessary steps
OKRs to elevate productivity in academic research
- ObjectiveElevate productivity in academic research
- KRImplement and maintain a research schedule, ensuring minimum 5 hours of effective work daily
- Draft a dedicated 5-hour daily research schedule
- Regularly evaluate and adjust schedule for effectiveness
- Implement routine to follow the established research schedule
- KRSubmit two high-quality research pieces for publication review
- Conduct comprehensive research on chosen topics
- Submit papers for publication review
- Write and edit two research papers
- KRAttend at least 3 professional development workshops related to research methods or practices
- Ensure participation in each workshop attended
- Register for the chosen professional development workshops
- Identify suitable workshops focused on research methods
OKRs to enhance productivity and reduce stress via effective time management
- ObjectiveEnhance productivity and reduce stress via effective time management
- KRIncorporate a weekly self-care routine to lower stress levels by 15%
- Schedule set times each week for these activities
- Evaluate stress levels each week to track improvement
- Identify activities that promote relaxation and enjoyment
- KRImplement a time tracker to record and analyze how time is spent weekly
- Research and select a suitable time tracker software
- Install and set up the time tracker system
- Train staff on how to properly use the time tracker
- KRDesign and follow a structured daily routine, improving task completion by 20%
- Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance
- Monitor progress and adjust routine as needed
- Create a detailed daily schedule including all essential tasks
OKRs to increase design competency and productivity for high-quality outputs
- ObjectiveIncrease design competency and productivity for high-quality outputs
- KRAttain and maintain a 90% satisfaction rating from internal teams for all design projects
- Conduct regular feedback surveys with internal teams after each project
- Implement suggested improvements from feedback promptly and efficiently
- Provide continuous training and development for the design team
- KRComplete a comprehensive graphic design course with 85% or higher score
- Schedule regular study hours for course materials
- Enroll in a reputable graphic design course
- Complete all assignments and exams timely
- KRProduce 15% more design projects as compared to last quarter
- Increase weekly design output through efficient time management strategies
- Invest in new design software to streamline workflow
- Delegate smaller tasks to free up design production time
OKRs to enhance productivity and discipline to reach designated goals
- ObjectiveEnhance productivity and discipline to reach designated goals
- KRDecrease procrastination behaviors by using productivity tools, increasing focused time by 30%
- Research and choose productivity tools suited to personal work style
- Block off 30% more dedicated time for specific tasks
- Regularly monitor and adjust strategies based on productivity levels
- KRComplete all projects two days ahead of the deadline
- Finish assignments earlier than planned deadline
- Start projects as early as possible
- Prioritize tasks to ensure efficient work flow
- KRImplement and follow a rigid daily schedule, reducing task-switching by 50%
- Prioritize tasks and allocate specific time slots for each
- Strictly adhere to the designed schedule every day
- Design a consistent daily timetable including all essential activities
Productivity OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
The #1 role of OKRs is to help you and your team focus on what really matters. Business-as-usual activities will still be happening, but you do not need to track your entire roadmap in the OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Don't fall into the set-and-forget trap. It is important to adopt a weekly check-in process to get the full value of your OKRs and make your strategy agile – otherwise this is nothing more than a reporting exercise.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Productivity OKRs
The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Productivity OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
OKRs to expand content distribution through podcasts or videos OKRs to establish a well-structured advisory board OKRs to enhance service quality for Waste Warriors' beneficiaries OKRs to enhance stakeholders' proficiency in project estimation OKRs to enhance product compatibility for Windows and Linux platforms OKRs to boost engagement and adoption of B2B2C advocacy program