Work hack #5: The Pomodoro Technique

Work hacks?

Work hacks are simple yet original methods that can be used quickly and directly to improve teamwork and work results. In our series, we present tried-and-true work hacks that sustainably change teamwork.

Work hack #5: The Pomodoro Technique

The Italian Francesco Cirillo developed the so-called Pomodoro technique. Cirillo subdivides work into units of 25 minutes each. A short break of 5 minutes follows each work session. And after 4 work sessions, there’s a longer break of 30 minutes.

• 1 work unit = 25 minutes
• after each work session: 1 short break of 5 minutes
• after 4 work sessions: 1 long break of 30 minutes

Incidentally, the Pomodoro (Italian for tomato) technique is called this because Cirillo used an egg timer in the shape of a tomato.

Working in units of time like this actually contributes to an increase in productivity, since you can devote yourself to the task in question, undisturbed and concentrated, during the specified time. As a result, you do not get distracted so easily.

Extra tip:

– large tasks are split into smaller to do’s so that they fit into 25-minute units

– several small tasks can be grouped together