10 Simple Computer Habits Every Employee Needs for a More Productive Workday
In today’s digital-first workplace, a slow or poorly performing computer doesn’t just affect one employee—it can disrupt team productivity, delay customer service and even compromise cybersecurity. While your IT department or Managed Service Provider (MSP) is responsible for maintaining the technical infrastructure, every employee plays a role in keeping systems running efficiently.
The good news? It doesn’t take a degree in computer science to make a meaningful impact. A few routine habits can help extend the life of your device, prevent slowdowns, and reduce unnecessary IT support tickets.
Here’s a list of simple, effective tasks employees at any company can do to keep their workstations performing at their best.
Daily Habits (A Few Minutes Each Day)
Close Unused Applications: Regularly review and close programs you’re not actively using. Even minimized apps can hog memory and slow things down. Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows) or Command + Option + Esc (Mac) for a quick overview.
Limit Open Browser Tabs: Each open tab consumes memory. Get into the habit of closing tabs you’re not using or using bookmark folders and browser extensions (like OneTab or Toby) to save pages for later.
Tip: You can always check your history in a browser to pull previous pages back up. If you accidentally close out of a tab, you can reopen it in Chrome and Firefox with Ctrl + Shift + T
Report Issues to IT Early: If your mouse lags, programs crash, or something just feels “off,” open a support ticket immediately. Small issues often snowball, and early reporting helps your IT team (like Fairdinkum) fix things before they disrupt your entire workday.
Log Out When You’re Done for the Day: Logging out fully ends all user sessions and helps background processes truly close. This is also crucial for allowing critical updates to install properly overnight.
Tip: Enable automatic screen locking after 5–10 minutes of inactivity for security compliance. Keep your computer safe even if you get up to get coffee or go to the bathroom by allowing your system to lock the screen after a certain duration.
Weekly Habits (A Quick Reboot)
Restart Your Computer at Least Once a Week: This simple step clears temporary memory (RAM), shuts down stuck processes, and often installs vital software updates.
Tip: Grab a cup of coffee during the reboot and login or schedule a regular Friday restart before the weekend to ensure a clean slate by Monday.
Monthly Habits (A Little Housekeeping)
Clean Up Downloads and Desktop Folders: These areas can quickly become cluttered with large files, slowing down searches and cloud backups. Delete old files, move work documents to company-approved storage, and remember to empty your recycling bin!
Check Storage Space and Clear Unused Programs and Profiles: Full hard drives drastically reduce speed and can prevent essential updates. Take time to uninstall old software you no longer use. If your PC has multiple user profiles, check with your IT team about removing old ones to reclaim space.
Less Frequent, But Crucial Habits (As Needed or Periodically)
Keep the Area Around Your Computer Clear for Airflow: This isn’t strictly a “computer habit” but it does impact your computer’s health. Overheating shortens hardware lifespan and causes slowdowns. Ensure desktops and laptops have clear ventilation; avoid placing laptops on soft surfaces.
Update Drivers Periodically: Outdated drivers can cause performance issues, display problems, or hardware malfunctions. Always check with IT before installing updates. They can verify if drivers are current or help schedule routine checks. (Manufacturers often have their own scanning tools like Lenovo Vantage or Dell Update Assistant).
Replace Computers Around the 5-Year Mark: Hardware ages, becoming less compatible with new software, slower, and more prone to failure. If your computer is nearing five years, assess its performance and frustrations. Talk to your IT team about upgrade timelines and proactive hardware refresh cycles to minimize downtime.
Why These Habits Matter More Than Ever
With more companies embracing hybrid work, remote setups and increased reliance on cloud apps, each user’s machine has become a vital hub in the productivity ecosystem. Preventative care doesn’t just improve speed, it extends the life of company assets, reduces security risks and keeps IT costs under control. If your business lacks a proactive tech care routine, Fairdinkum can help you implement comprehensive maintenance plans and remote support strategies.
Even the best IT team can’t help if employees ignore the basics. These simple habits take just a few minutes but offer massive returns in productivity, security and equipment longevity. Encourage your team to follow these steps and talk to your IT provider—or Fairdinkum, if you want a trusted MSP partner—about creating a workstation health checklist tailored to your business.