Productivity

The Productivity Guide - How to Be More Productive at Work

September 15, 2022
The Wellness Tribe

We've all experienced a bad day while working from home.

You begin your day on a positive note. However, the deadline for a large project is approaching, and you don't have time to complete it. So, instead of staying on track and getting an early start, you get distracted by anything but work.

The majority of your workday is spent on Twitter, Slack, and LinkedIn. We won't even talk about email. So those ambitions of completing the assignment before lunch become far away.

You aren't alone: office workers spend 28% of their time on unnecessary distractions. In addition to this, an average of five hours are spent each week visiting non-work-related websites.

As soon as you put those useless distractions aside, you're hit by midday hunger pangs, and all you want is food. As a result of wasting your whole morning, your mind explodes into a frenzy, and your anxious afternoon transforms into an evening full of stress.

Try to imagine what it would be like if you had a productive workday every day; imagine what it would be like if it became a habit.

At first, you will need to put in more time and effort. Our recommendations, however, may be helpful for long-term adjustments in your work routine with a bit of self-reflection and forward thinking.

Starting Your Day

The Productivity Guide - How to Be More Productive at Work
Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash

A day's work can be set in stone within its first hour. But, with a couple of mistakes, you will find it's already 11 a.m., having no idea where the first two hours of your day went.

Morning productivity is all about developing habits that will last. So if you're looking for something to do on Monday, instead of opening Facebook, open Google Docs instead.

A Few Things To Start With

Starting your day with a nutritious meal will set you up for success. Dietary choices affect your productivity at work, as they provide everything your mind body soul needs.

It is recommended to consume low-glycemic carbohydrate diets throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels. For those of us who aren't nutritionists, this means lots of fruits and vegetables. In addition, an egg, banana, yogurt, or blueberry breakfast may improve memory and relieve stress.

You should resist the urge to look at your e-mail when you first arrive at your workstation. You might lose your most valuable thinking hours early in the morning if you start your day reading, responding, and sorting your inbox.

The constant checking of your email will also become a habit. Reading your email while you commute to work is an excellent idea if you don't drive to work. If you have any important to-do items to check in your email before heading out to work, allocate five to ten minutes for them.

Once you have inspected it briefly, please turn it off. You will notice the difference in your productivity.

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort." - Paul J. Meyer

The Little Things

Do you still want to open Gmail? You can achieve productivity goals most easily by developing "tiny habits." Tiny habits are simple, ongoing activities that create long-term behavioural changes.

For new behaviours to stick, consider the following factors:

1. Motivating factors that may assist in changing a habit.

2. Acts that make the new habit easy to form.

3. A stimulus that results in an action.

If you know that email is a huge distraction for you, schedule times to check it. Then, treat yourself to a snack break if you finish it in less than 15 minutes. Try this strategy for any habit you wish to create, such as reading or meditating, and you will have a perfect work life balance.

Setting Priorities

The Productivity Guide - How to Be More Productive at Work
Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash

It may not be ideal for everyone to have an organised to-do list, but we could all benefit from it. First, sort chores into priority levels and categorise them accordingly. Prioritising the simplest chores is tempting, but setting priority levels will remind you to focus on the bigger tasks first.

Identify Your Distractions

A diagnosis is essential to administering the correct treatment in medicine. In addition, it is essential to understand what precisely distracts you if you want to establish productive habits that last months, not days.

Using time tracking software or good old-fashioned pen and paper, keep track of how you spend your time for a week. Record when you encounter distractions and what they are during the process. 

Review your work time at the end of each week. Analyse patterns of cause and effect. For example, you may fall victim to reading the news while working. Then you scroll for 30 minutes on social media after checking your email.

The process of documenting your week may seem overwhelming to many people. They may claim that it will take a considerable amount of time. But don't ignore this one. You might have more work for one week, but you'll save hundreds of hours later.

A Remote Work Environment

Nowadays, more and more people work from home. Indeed, you're not distracted by co-workers at home, but that doesn't mean you're untouched by distractions. Homeworkers often become their own worst enemies when working from home.

Conclusion

Whenever possible, try to replicate your regular weekday on your off-days. A regular schedule of waking up, showering, and dressing as if you were going to work is important. Working from home doesn't mean staying at home all day.

Go to a coffee shop to avoid the temptation to clean the bathroom or organise your bookcases. Instead, commit to accomplishing more - preferably ahead of the weekly demands - when you work from home.

Occupational Wellbeing

Bringing Nature to the Corporate World: Nature-Based Wellness

January 10, 2023
Nitesh Padghan

Nature has always been a source of solace and rejuvenation for the human spirit, offering a peaceful escape from the chaos of daily life. But did you know that this same sense of peace and renewal can also be brought into the workplace and help achieve work life balance? 

The concept of nature-based wellness has been gaining ground in the corporate world for a good reason. The benefits of incorporating elements of nature into the workplace are numerous and range from reduced stress levels to increased creativity and productivity. 

This article delves into the science behind nature-based wellness, its impact on the corporate world, and the steps companies can take to bring the outdoors in and foster a nature-filled workplace culture. 

So, let's take a deep breath, close our eyes, and imagine a nature-infused workspace. Are you ready? Let's begin our journey.

Nature's Healing Powers

Bringing Nature to the Corporate World: Nature-Based Wellness
Photo by George Milton

Nature profoundly affects our well-being, which is rooted in the deep connection between our bodies and minds. Studies have shown that just a few minutes spent in nature can lead to lower levels of stress hormones and increased feelings of calm and tranquillity. 

So, how does this magic happen? The answer lies in our mind-body connection. When we immerse ourselves in nature, our bodies respond by relaxing, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of well-bein

"Nature is not just a backdrop for our lives; it is the essential foundation for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being." - Jane Goodall.

Nature not only has a calming effect on our minds but also has the power to spark our creativity and productivity. Studies have shown that exposure to nature positively impacts cognitive function and creativity, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to increase productivity. 

A Nature-filled Workplace: A Guide

A nature-loving workplace culture inspires creativity, innovation, and collaboration. It fosters a sense of purpose and meaning, as employees feel like they are contributing to a greater cause. It promotes health and well-being, as nature has been proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve mood.

Creating a nature-loving workplace culture requires a shift in mindset from a focus on productivity and profit to a focus on people and the planet. It requires leaders who are passionate about nature and who lead by example. It requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Simple plant-infusion techniques

Bringing the outdoors in has never been easier. Here are a few simple ways to infuse nature into your workplace:

  • Add potted plants to your office space. Studies have shown that just a few plants can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce stress levels.
  • Create a “green wall” by hanging plants on a living wall. This adds a pop of colour, helps improve air quality, and provides a calming effect.
  • Use natural light and open windows. Encourage employees to take breaks outside or in a well-lit area.
  • Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and glass into your office design. These elements provide a connection to nature and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Creating a nature-loving workplace culture

Creating a nature-loving culture starts at the top. Encourage your leadership team to embrace the benefits of nature and incorporate them into the workplace. Some ways to do this are:

  • Offer regular nature-based wellness activities, like guided hikes or outdoor yoga sessions.
  • Encourage employees to take breaks and step outside to appreciate the natural world.
  • Provide a quiet, nature-filled space for employees to take a break, relax and recharge.
  • Encourage employees to bring in natural elements from home, such as photos of their favourite outdoor spot or a small potted plant.

In addition to the physical environment, a nature-loving workplace culture encourages sustainable practices. From reducing paper usage to implementing a recycling program, employees are educated on how their actions can impact the environment and are given the tools to make a positive change.

Moreover, a nature-loving workplace culture promotes opportunities for employees to participate in community outreach and environmental initiatives. This not only fosters a sense of community within the workplace but also allows employees to impact the world outside of their job positively.

Encouraging employee involvement

Bringing Nature to the Corporate World: Nature-Based Wellness
Photo by Gary Barnes

Employee involvement is key to creating a nature-filled workplace. Encourage your team to participate in nature-based wellness activities and bring their love of nature into the workplace. Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Appoint a 'Green Team' - elect a 2-4 member team to come up with ideas 
  • Provide resources - Arrange workshops & seminars for knowledge sharing
  • Encourage participation: Offer incentives for employee involvement
  • Experience sharing: Allow employees to share outdoor stories

Final Words

The importance of incorporating nature into the corporate wellness arena cannot be overstated. It’s not just about creating a more aesthetically pleasing work environment; it’s about investing in the well-being of employees and creating a workplace culture that values wellness. By doing so, businesses will see increased employee engagement and satisfaction and a more positive and productive workplace.

As a corporate wellness company, we invite businesses throughout the world to incorporate nature into workplaces. Whether it’s placing potted plants, offering outdoor wellness activities, or simply encouraging employees to step outside, there are many ways to bring nature into the workplace. 

By doing so, you’ll be making a positive investment in the well-being of your colleagues and creating a more positive and productive work environment. So, take the challenge and start incorporating nature into your workplace today!

Productivity

How to Maximize Your Efficiency While Working From Home

October 12, 2022
The Wellness Tribe

It can be challenging for many of us to work remotely or in the office when productivity drops, and with it come new obstacles in the workplace. In the face of distractions, interruptions, and the constant need to maintain an adaptable mentality, it may be challenging to manage, pursue, and commit to new strategies to increase job performance.

Regardless of where you are in your career or how you got there, growing yourself professionally should be an ongoing exercise that challenges and inspires you.

Putting it off is a bad idea until your manager brings it up in your performance review. By following these strategies, you can elevate your professional game and become your most productive self, in addition to improving your health and wellbeing at workplace.

Why Remote Work Is a Good Idea

Why Remote Work Is a Good Idea
Photo by Windows on Unsplash

There is a preferred work environment for everyone. Some prefer complete solitude, while others need the hustle of a coffee shop to stay focused. But, no matter our individual preferences, none of us enjoy working with noisy colleagues.

Here are some statistics to consider: 

  • There is a 61 percent belief that noisy coworkers are the most distracting factor at work; 
  • To maximize efficiency, 86% prefer working alone; and 
  • There is a 40% perception that spontaneous meetings are a huge distraction in the workplace.

The good thing about working remotely is you don't have to deal with all these distractions. Although it may sound harsh, the best advice is to solve your own problems. Do not ask questions that Google cannot answer. Don't put yourself in a position where you need to be micromanaged.

The Pomodoro Method

Working nonstop for a long time starts to fry your brain. On the other hand, experts claim that working in 90-minute increments increases productivity.

There is a limit to how long the human mind can work before it has to rest, which is 90 to 120 minutes in reality. So give yourself a break after 90 minutes and focus entirely on the most critical item on your priority list.

You may want to explore the Pomodoro Technique if you aren't satisfied with recurring 90-minute work periods. Focus on one assignment for 25 minutes. Then, take five minutes to rest. Make three more repetitions of this method.

In case your workplace has an employee wellbeing program, chances are you've already introduced the Pomodoro method. If not, consider doing so in the future. 

How to Overcome Procrastination

‍How to Overcome Procrastination
Photo by Magnet.me on Unsplash

Typical workers spend 2 hours a day procrastinating. A typical individual takes 23 minutes to regain focus after being sidetracked. Sound familiar, doesn't it?

Some of the distractions we enjoy are keeping an eye on Twitter, reading the news, organizing our inboxes, and cleaning our desks. A frightening aspect of our behavior is that we are quite adept at convincing ourselves that such distractions are part of our job description. With the increasing size and importance of assignments, most people are becoming more prone to procrastinating.

However, we should not let ourselves be fooled: when we delay, we focus on the worst aspects of our endeavor, which makes the task seem even bigger. Rather, follow our favorite advertising campaign: Simply do it and consider your priorities list.

Don't let email be your afternoon escape, even if you avoided it in the morning. Individuals check their email 36 times per hour on average. This amounts to 13 hours spent reading, deleting, sorting, and sending weekly emails. You don't have to respond to an incoming email immediately. Keep a regular schedule of checking your email throughout the day instead of rushing.

Creative Exhaustion

Creativity is a crucial trait of a successful employee, whether you spend your days creating art in Illustrator or crunching figures in Excel. But how can you stop an afternoon brain cramp when creative thoughts appear out of reach? 

Keep your research time limited so that you can overcome procrastination. Getting lost in a sea of GIFs and further away from your starting point can be an easy trap. So to jumpstart your momentum and prevent afternoon headaches, turn your gaze away from your device.

On average, people spend 7.4 hours per day in front of a computer screen. Taking a diary into a brainstorming session will prevent dry eyes. Consider drawing a flowchart or doodling to get a better sense of the scale of your project. 

Finally, use your downtime to brainstorm. There is no denying the fact that many of our best ideas come while driving or taking a shower, so it is important to be able to leave work at work.

Mastering the Art of Working Remotely

In recent years, remote labor has been on the rise. But, in addition to its apparent advantages, working remotely also has its disadvantages. The benefits are a 30-second commute, greater flexibility, and more control over your surroundings.

Remote work can be difficult to separate professional and family lives without physically separating them.

Additionally, you may find it difficult to focus while roommates, children, and spouses are in the background. 

Establish a Home Office or Desk

If you feel like working from your bed or sofa, we recommend doing so for a change of scenery. Working from home, however, requires consistency. Establish your main workstation at the kitchen table or at a desk during the day.

It will help you associate that location with efficiency, productivity, and work. In addition, you get bonus points if you equip the site with dual monitors, a charging station, and anything else you need to get the job done.

Prepare Yourself for a Lot of Communication

Working remotely makes your team members and management less likely to become entangled in unexpected verbal brainstorming sessions. Consider checking in with them more often than usual. Communicate your objectives and initiatives to your team or collaborators.

Get your coworkers together for a coffee chat or remote Zoom meeting. Be sure to clarify any unclear details in emails or virtual meetings. Despite being away from your workplace, don't let yourself go unnoticed.

Setting Your Logoff Time

There are many challenges associated with working from home. For example, some days, you'll want to log out at 3, while on other days, you'll want to work until 8 p.m. Having the freedom to work from home is excellent, but don't let it compromise your well-being. 

By setting a logoff time, you’ll be able to stay productive until the end of the day, and you’ll know exactly when it’s time to watch TV, cook dinner, or go for a walk with your spouse.

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This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.

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