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

Hybrid Working Lingo: The Top 5 Buzzwords You Need to Know

December 7, 2022
The Wellness Tribe

In the era of hybrid working, several buzzwords have become increasingly important to understand. These terms can help us navigate the changing landscape of work and communicate effectively about the ways in which we are working. 

In this article, we will discuss five of the most important buzzwords in the hybrid working era: Frolleagues, distributed teams, asynchronous communication, Proximity Bias, and Productivity Paranoia.

Frolleagues

Frolleagues : Hybrid Working Lingo - Top 5 buzzwords you need to know
Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash

Frolleagues are individuals who are both colleagues and friends, and the frolleague relationship can begin as a professional one and then evolve into a friendship. It is common for people who work together to form close bonds and friendships, especially if they spend a lot of time together and have shared experiences.

It is essential to recognise that different people may have different boundaries around their work relationships, and it is important to respect those boundaries. It is also important to be mindful of the potential risks or challenges that can arise when mixing professional and personal relationships and to communicate openly and honestly with frolleagues about expectations and boundaries.

If you are an introvert struggling to socialize here's our guide of : Social Networking When You Hate It - An Introvert's Guide

Distributed Teams

A distributed team is a group of individuals who work together but are not physically located in the same place. This type of team is common in the era of hybrid working, as it allows for a mix of remote and in-office work. With distributed teams, it is important to establish clear communication channels and set expectations for collaboration and communication.

Asynchronous Communication

Asynchronous communication is a term used to describe forms of communication that do not require all parties to be present simultaneously. This can include emails, instant messaging, and other forms of written communication. In the era of hybrid working, asynchronous communication is important for allowing team members to collaborate and communicate effectively, even when they are not all in the exact location.

Proximity Bias

Proximity bias refers to the tendency to favour or give preferential treatment to individuals who are physically present or close to themselves. This bias can manifest in various ways in the workplace, such as providing more opportunities or attention to employees who are physically present in the office or overlooking the contributions or needs of remote workers.

Proximity bias can harm employees working remotely or not physically present in the office, as it may lead to a lack of equal opportunities or recognition for their contributions. It can also negatively impact team dynamics and morale, as it may create a sense of unfairness or inequality among team members.

Productivity Paranoia

Productivity paranoia: Hybrid working lingo: top 5 buzzwords you need to know
Photo by Dasha Yukhymyuk on Unsplash

Productivity paranoia refers to the anxiety or stress individuals may feel around their ability to be productive, especially in the modern workplace. This anxiety may be fueled by societal or cultural pressures to be constantly productive and achieve high levels of success, as well as by a lack of work-life balance or a lack of support from employers or colleagues.

In the era of hybrid working, productivity paranoia may be exacerbated by the challenges of working remotely, such as the blurring of boundaries between work and home life or the need to juggle multiple responsibilities. It may also be fueled by the fear of not being seen as a valuable contributor to the team or organisation or by the fear of being left behind in an increasingly competitive job market.

Closing Words

In conclusion, as a corporate wellness company, we always stay attuned to the buzzwords and trends shaping the modern workplace, especially in the era of hybrid work. However, by understanding the terms, we can better support the health and well-being of employees as they navigate this new way of working.

It is also crucial for us to recognise the potential challenges and risks that may arise in a hybrid work environment, such as productivity paranoia and proximity bias. By addressing these issues and promoting inclusivity and equity, we can create a healthy and supportive workplace for all employees, regardless of their physical location. Overall, the era of hybrid work presents both opportunities and challenges. By staying informed and proactive, we can continue to support the well-being of employees in this evolving landscape.

HR Report

Gartner Report Unveils 2024's Top 5 HR Priorities

November 1, 2023
Nitesh Padghan

As we step into 2024, the corporate world is not just evolving; it's transforming at a pace like never before. For HR leaders, this means navigating through a maze of new challenges and opportunities. 

Based on Gartner's extensive survey of over 500 HR leaders across diverse industries and countries, we've pinpointed the top five priorities for HR in 2024. These aren't just trends; they're the signposts guiding HR professionals through a landscape that's changing under our feet. 

From redefining leadership roles to embracing cutting-edge HR technology, these priorities are reshaping the way we think about work, culture, and employee engagement. Let's dive into each of these priorities, understanding their nuances and the strategies to address them effectively.

A New Era of Leadership

In the realm of HR, the development of leaders and managers is paramount. Gartner's survey reveals a startling 73% of HR leaders believe their leaders and managers aren't equipped for change. This is a big deal. Why? Because change is the only constant in today's business world. The solution isn't more training; it's about rethinking the role itself.

First, let's talk about resetting expectations. It's about empowering managers to focus on what they do best – leading and developing their teams. This means less time on admin and more on people. 

Next, we need to rewire habits. Good management isn't just about skills; it's about daily habits that build a strong team culture. Finally, rebuilding the manager pipeline is crucial. This means giving potential managers a real taste of the role, letting them decide if it's right for them. It's about making the role fit the person, not the other way around.

Building Connected Cultures Remotely

Organizational culture is next on the list. It's about how people feel at work. Do they feel connected? Do they believe in what they're doing? In a hybrid world, this is tougher than ever. Gartner points out that 47% of HR leaders are struggling with this in the new work environment.

The key here is intentionality. Culture doesn't just happen; it's built. It's about aligning everyone with the company's vision and values. Then, there's connectedness. In a world where remote work is common, creating a sense of belonging is crucial. 

This means more than just virtual happy hours. It's about meaningful interactions that build a community. Lastly, microcultures in teams can make a big difference. Each team has its own vibe, and nurturing this can strengthen the overall culture.

The HR Tech Transformation

HR technology is a big talking point. With 56% of HR leaders saying their current tech doesn't meet their needs, it's clear there's a gap. The future is about AI and advanced tech, but only 22% of HR leaders are actively engaged in this conversation. That's a problem.

First, understanding the tech landscape is crucial. What's out there? What fits our needs? Then, it's about readiness. Is our workforce ready for this tech? Do they have the skills to use it effectively? 

Lastly, ethics and risks can't be ignored. With any new tech, especially AI, understanding the ethical implications is key. We need to ask the tough questions before diving in.

Leading Through Transition

Change management is all about helping people adapt. But here's the thing: 82% of HR leaders say their managers aren't equipped for this. Employees are feeling the strain, with many reporting lower trust and engagement levels.

The solution? It's a threefold approach. First, communicate. People need to understand what's changing and why. Second, quality training is non-negotiable. People need the right tools to adapt. Finally, managing fatigue is crucial. Change is exhausting, and acknowledging this is the first step to helping employees cope.

Redefining Growth in the Workplace

Lastly, we have career management and internal mobility. The stats are worrying – 66% of HR leaders think their company's career paths aren't compelling. This is about giving employees a roadmap for their future in the company.

First, it's about moving away from rigid career paths. The future is fluid, and career paths should be too. Next, it's about aligning roles with experiences, not just job titles. 

This means thinking about what skills and experiences employees gain in each role. Finally, it's about support. Employees need guidance and tools to navigate their career journey within the company.

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, it's clear that the HR landscape in 2024 is about much more than policies and payroll. It's about leading through change, building cultures that thrive in hybrid environments, leveraging technology smartly, managing change compassionately, and carving out dynamic career paths for employees. 

By addressing these priorities, HR leaders can not only navigate the complexities of the modern workplace but also shape it into an environment where both the organization and its people can flourish. The future of work is here, and it's time for HR to lead the charge, turning challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and lasting success.

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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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