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April 28, 2024

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Remote Work Digest: April 28, 2024

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

8 Little Things That Make Remote Work More Efficient for Everyone | Artis Rozentals, Entrepreneur.com

Majority of employees, remote work remains a core part of their day-to-day life because, even when you work fully in-person if you have a colleague joining from home, you inevitably get sucked into a remote work dynamic. For many, this continues to be a challenge — remote work has its own specifics regarding communication, collaboration and general etiquette, which don’t come naturally to everyone.

So here are eight little things anyone can do to improve their remote work experience and that of their colleagues.

1.Make your availability known

Are you out for lunch? Picking up kids from school? Do you have irregular working hours? While remote work’s flexibility is one of its best features, ensure your team is informed about when you’ll be in work mode to avoid misunderstandings, missed messages and schedule clashes.

2. Document processes

Since much remote work collaboration is asynchronous, try to document processes, decisions, and strategies so that anyone in the team can find their footing at any time. If you don’t, there’s a risk of confusion and repetition — teammates might miss updates, and managers might grow tired of explaining the same things to everyone individually to get people on the same page.

3. Don’t forget about time zones

Americans may be accustomed to time differences between coasts, but with the rise of remote work, your team may have added some international talent. Emilia from Finland won’t be available for your afternoon catch-up because her day ended hours ago — and unless it’s been previously agreed upon, you shouldn’t expect her to be.

4. Use the same software and tools as your colleagues

Remote work and communication necessitate a variety of technologies for collaboration, work, and management. If everyone starts using whatever they like, it’ll sow frustration, impair cybersecurity and leave information scattered.

5. Don’t browse social media during meetings

That’s it — that’s the whole tip. You know it’s counterproductive and affects the overall quality of the meeting and your information retention capacity. Will you stop doing it after reading this? Let’s be real — probably not.

6. Avoid common video conferencing issues

Mute your microphone when you’re not talking, test your connection and tech beforehand, show up on time, turn on your camera, be presentable and ensure your background is as well. By now, we all know these video conferencing best practices, but very few people take the time to practice them. As a result, it’s extremely common for calls to get disrupted by basic tech issues, sowing frustration and impeding communication.

7. Respect different working styles

Everyone has their own ways of working that suit them best. Some people are gifted multi-taskers who want to know everything that’s going on and be constantly in the loop. Others thrive in deep work, and a single distraction can reduce their productivity.

8. Regularly celebrate wins

It’s no secret that remote workers struggle with loneliness. One of the chief arguments against remote and hybrid work is that it hampers team bonding and the development of a healthy company culture.

A great place to start is celebrating wins — develop a shared virtual ritual that involves the entire team and helps people connect.

These eight tips will significantly boost your team’s efficiency. But remember that for them to be effective, they need to become foundational to your operation. It’s not a one-and-done kind of thing but rather an ongoing collective effort to improve everyone’s working environment.

Snacks to success: Bites for happier employees | Nana Vijayaraghavan, Peoplematters.in

While healthy snacks may have been considered virtue signalling a few years ago, today they symbolise an investment in employee wellbeing by offering intentional positive lifestyle choices. These snacks, rich in nutrients and devoid of empty calories, fuel productivity and promote sustained energy levels throughout the workday. Moreover, they foster a culture that values health-conscious decisions, encouraging employees to prioritise their wellbeing amid the demands of their professional lives. In this way, healthy snacks serve as more than mere sustenance; they become emblematic of a company culture that prioritises the holistic wellness of its workforce, laying the foundation for a thriving and resilient community.

Significance of healthy snacks

Supporting positive mental health: Research indicates that incorporating healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, whole grains, and dried fruits can mitigate the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress. By offering these wholesome options, employers can actively support the mental wellbeing of their workforce, resulting in reduced absenteeism, elevated morale, and increased job satisfaction.

Increase in employee productivity: While processed snacks like fried foods, sugary drinks, and candies can induce lethargy and contribute to weight gain, healthy alternatives offer essential antioxidants and nutrients that bolster the immune function, sustain energy levels, and promote overall vitality. Employees who opt for nutritious meals are less prone to experiencing energy crashes or feelings of lethargy throughout the workday, ultimately leading to heightened productivity and sharper focus.

Employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention: Sharing healthy snacks can foster stronger relationships and build social connections, benefiting both happiness and health. Today’s workforce prioritises well-being, and companies that invest in initiatives like nutritious snacking show genuine care for their employees. This fosters a positive corporate reputation, appealing to both current and potential hires. Employees feel valued and supported, leading to increased engagement, collaboration, and a positive organisational culture.

Healthy snacking is just one of the many ways by which organisations can communicate their social responsibility and commitment to a healthier society and community. By investing in the holistic wellbeing of their employees, organisations pave the way for sustained success, innovation, career vitality, and growth.

8 Ways to Deal with Overwork and Burnout at Work | Hara Estroff Marano, Psychologytoday.com

Prioritizing mental health and setting boundaries around work are critical first steps. Cultivating healthy habits like regular breaks, time off, and mental health check-ins can go a long way.

1.Set boundaries and prioritize work-life balance. Be intentional about establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal time. Avoid the temptation to constantly be “on” and make time for rest, relaxation, and activities you enjoy.

2. Practice self-care. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and incorporate physical activity into your routine. These basic self-care practices can go a long way in managing stress and preventing burnout.

3. Take breaks and vacations. Use your paid time off and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Consider taking mental health days to recharge your batteries and replenish your energy.

4. Seek social support. Talking through your struggles can provide much-needed perspective and stress-relief. Research shows that social support from contacts in your network is significantly and positively associated with salary and promotions, too.

5. Manage your workload. Prioritize your most important responsibilities. Use your calendar to block off time for specific projects. To avoid interruptions, take advantage of your automatic response to emails. At the end of each day, take a moment to clear your desk and desktop and organize your to-do list for the next day. Managing your workload is an important aspect of self-care.

6. Explore mindfulness and relaxation techniques.  Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help calm your mind and body when you feel overwhelmed, paving the way for creative thinking, problem-solving, focus and concentration, and ethical decision-making. 

7. Ask for professional help. If you’re experiencing significant burnout or mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Most employers offer an EAP as part of their benefits package. It is free and confidential to employees and immediate family members, for support with mental health and any other personal challenges in your personal or professional life. 

8. Advocate for change at work. If your workplace culture significantly contributes to your burnout, speak up. While it is a sensitive topic, approach it from a win-win viewpoint. 

Mental health is our most precious resource. By being proactive and making mental health a top priority, you can combat overwork and burnout. With the right self-care strategies and workplace support, you can reclaim a healthier, more sustainable way of working.

3 in-demand, high-paying side hustles – some can pay more than $200 an hours | Gili Malinksky, Cnbc.com

Here are three high-paying, in-demand side hustles to consider according to Kristof and Daniella Flores, founder of side hustle blog I Like to Dabble.

SEO consulting

Search engine optimization helps websites gain more traffic by considering keywords people type in to look for like content. If you’re interested in learning how it works, there are all sorts of online courses on sites like Coursera and tutorials by Google itself.

SEO experts on Upwork are currently charging as much as $250 per hour.

Cybersecurity

With so much of people’s lives happening online, “cybersecurity is in extremely high demand and that will probably last forever,” says Kristof, adding that “the threats become more sophisticated and tougher to stop.”

Cybersecurity experts on Fiverr are charging as much as $1,480 per project.

Coding

Finally, another high paying hustle in the tech world is coding. “The part-time demand for it is so high, especially with AI and the need to train all of these new AI platforms,” says Flores, who goes by they/them pronouns.

Many people in the field have degrees in computer science, but that’s not necessarily a prerequisite. There are coding boot camps available online through sites like Codeacademy and various universities, and they can be enough to get started.

Coders on Upwork are charging as much as $200 per hour.

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Remote Work Digest: November 28, 2023

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

How to Make the Most of Your Home Office | Outlookindia.com

Creating an effective and productive home office environment is essential for those who work remotely. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your home office.

1.Designing Your Workspace

The physical environment plays a crucial role in your work performance. Select a dedicated space with ample natural light, ergonomic furniture, and minimal distractions. Personalize it with plants, artwork, or motivational quotes to create a positive and inspiring atmosphere.

2. Technology and Connectivity

Invest in reliable technology to ensure seamless communication and efficient workflow. High-speed internet, quality audio and video equipment, and ergonomic peripherals contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable work experience.

3. Establishing a Routine

Maintain a consistent schedule to create a sense of structure. Set regular working hours, breaks, and a clear endpoint to your day to prevent burnout. This routine not only enhances productivity but also helps in achieving a healthier work-life balance.

4. Effective Time Management

Utilize tools and techniques for effective time management. Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and use productivity apps to stay organized. Break down your work into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress more achievable and less overwhelming.

5. Creating Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Communicate your working hours to family members or housemates, and avoid the temptation to overwork. Disconnect from work-related communication channels after business hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

6. Regular Physical Activity

Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Whether it’s a morning jog, a midday yoga session, or an evening walk, physical exercise contributes to improved mental health and overall well-being.

By intentionally designing your space, establishing a routine, and embracing a holistic approach to well-being, you can unlock the full potential of your home office and thrive in the new era of flexible work.

Management Tips: How Managers Can Lead Their Teams | Nicola Holder, Demotix.com

Effective leadership is the highlight of successful team management. Today’s business environment is witnessing distributed teams and work happens remotely. Therefore, managers face unique challenges in managing their activities. Fortunately, technological advancements have provided tools to streamline management processes.

Management tips for managers

Here are various tips can consider for their teams.

Communication

Communication is the bedrock of effective management. Managers must ensure expectations and feedback are communicated clearly to the team. Employee monitoring software can assist in this aspect by providing a centralized platform for communication. Managers can use features like messaging and announcements to disseminate information promptly.

Goals

Managers should establish measurable objectives for their teams. Employee monitoring software can help track progress toward these goals. It allows managers to identify areas of success and additional support. Setting clear expectations and regularly monitoring progress creates a sense of direction and purpose. It motivates team members to achieve their best.

Employee development

Investing in employee development is crucial for long-term team success. Employee monitoring software can help managers identify individual strengths and areas for improvement. Performance data can help managers tailor training programs and provide targeted feedback to enhance each team member’s skills.

Work-life balance

Balancing professional and personal life becomes essential for employee well-being and productivity. Employee monitoring software can assist managers in monitoring workload and identifying potential burnout risks. 

Collaboration

Employee monitoring software includes features that facilitate collaboration, like project management tools and collaborative spaces. Managers should encourage using these tools to promote teamwork and create a sense of unity among team members.

Feedback

Regular feedback sessions, supported by data-driven insights, can assist team members in understanding their strengths and areas for improvement. Managers can use this information to provide guidance and support.

Reward performance

Acknowledging and rewarding outstanding performance is critical to boosting morale and motivation. 

Address conflict

Managers should address conflicts promptly by fostering open communication and implementing strategies to resolve issues amicably. A proactive approach to conflict resolution contributes to a healthier team dynamic.

Stay informed

Managers should invest time in staying informed about the latest advancements in management technology. Knowledge enables them to leverage the full potential of employee monitoring software. They can move ahead of the curve in optimizing team performance and efficiency.

Data privacy

Respecting privacy builds trust within the team and creates a fruitful environment where employees feel valued.

Role of employees in seeking practical guidance from their managers

Open communication channels

Establishing a channel for regular feedback and discussions ensures concerns and questions are shared promptly. Using one-on-one meetings and team discussions allows employees to express their thoughts on work-related matters and seek guidance on challenges they may be facing.

Expectations

It’s essential to proactively engage with managers to ensure a clear understanding of expectations. Seeking clarification on tasks and project objectives helps employees align their efforts with the organizational vision.

Proactive participation

Actively participating in these conversations allows employees to articulate their career goals and collaborate with managers to create actionable plans for improvement. 

Constructive use of employee monitoring software

Actively engaging with monitoring tools can help employees self-reflect on their time management and seek guidance from managers on strategies to enhance effectiveness.

Feedback loop

Establishing a feedback loop is essential for ongoing improvement. Employees should actively seek feedback from managers on their performance and projects. 

Bottom line

Embracing clear communication and prioritizing employee development can help managers lead their teams to greater efficiency and success. The key is to strike a balance between using technology and maintaining a human-centric approach that values the well-being and growth of each team member.

How to Take Your Startup to the Next Level with Time Management | Maya Johnson, Killerstartups.com

With the right time management strategies, you can save more time as a startup entrepreneur, ensure that your most vital responsibilities are addressed, and reduce your stress at the same time.

Here’s how to take your startup to the next level with more effective time management.

Hire Help (and Delegate)

First, consider hiring help and delegating some of your responsibilities. It’s arguably the most direct and effective way to reduce your task list if you have the budget for it.

Third-party companies. If you’re planning on growing the business, your best option is hiring a third-party company to take over some portion of the responsibilities for your business.

Employees. Hiring employees can be useful, especially if you need key leaders in long-term roles, but it can also be expensive. Consider hiring for talent, rather than just experience, to reduce your costs while still recruiting excellent candidates.

Contractors. Hiring contractors is usually less expensive and more flexible than hiring traditional employees, but it can give you access to competent people who can help you with just about anything.

Cut Meetings

As an entrepreneur, you might spend even more time in meetings. But the truth is, not every meeting is necessary, and most meetings feature at least some time waste. One of the best ways to increase productivity for yourself, as well as the people around you, is to reduce the number of meetings you hold and reduce the time allotted for each meeting.

Automate Whatever You Can

With the right technology, you can practically eliminate certain tasks that previously required you to expend manual effort. In addition to saving time, automation improves consistency, practically eliminating the possibility of human error interfering with your operations. 

Stop Multitasking

Even innocuous forms of multitasking, such as checking emails while in a meeting, interfere with your ability to pay attention and remain productive. Focus on one thing at a time.

Make Use of the Pareto Principle

The Pareto principle is an informal guideline that, in many scenarios, 80 percent of your results can be attributed to 20 percent of your inputs. For example, 80 percent of your sales could come from 20 percent of your clients.

Try to apply this to your job. If 80 percent of your impact can be attributed to 20 percent of your responsibilities, which responsibilities would those be? These are responsibilities that should always get your full attention and top priority; everything else is somewhat expendable.

Schedule Heads-Down Time

During these scheduled hours, take no phone calls, text messages, or chat requests; you may even want to disconnect from the internet. You’ll find yourself much more productive under these circumstances.

Track Your Time

Finally, make it a point to track your time. What do you do throughout the day? How much time do you spend on various responsibilities? When do you feel like the day slips away from you? By studying your patterns and habits, you’ll learn more about how you work and spend time – and you’ll be in a much better position to make improvements.

Better time management has the potential to make you a better entrepreneur. With more time and a better sense of productive control, you’ll be ready to take your startup to the next level.

These 9 health complaints could be hurting your career success—and one culprit is fueling most of them | Erin Prater, Fortune.com

Workers who reported the highest levels of unproductivity at work were likely to suffer from one or more of the following nine complaints, they found. From most common to least:

1.Depressive symptoms

2.Lack of appetite

3.Insufficient sleep

4.Heart palpitations and/or shortness of breath

5.Dizziness

6.Joint pain

7.Headache

8.Stomach/intestine problems

9.Diarrhea and/or constipation

Men who reported high levels of unproductivity at work also commonly reported one or more of these four additional symptoms:

– Mental illness

-Lower back pain

-Eye strain

-Stiff neck and/or shoulders

The following types of people were more likely to report lagging productivity at work:

-Men

-Older adults

-Managers (vs. non managerial employees)

-Customer service professionals (vs. administration and sales)

A recommended shift in focus

Employers may be able to improve employee productivity by focusing on stress reduction, rather than the elimination of lifestyle-related disease risk factors like smoking and a sedentary lifestyle, researchers suggested. That’s because nearly every symptom distracting employees of both genders can stem from stress.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry recommends that companies attempt to improve employee health by encouraging proper diet and exercise, in addition to curbing excessive work hours.

But researchers also recommend that employers focus on improving mental health, stress levels, and sleep among employees. Sleep problems in particular may indirectly or directly lead to:

  • Working long hours
  • Work overload
  • Interpersonal conflicts
  • Low job satisfaction

A 2021 study published in the Kansas Journal of Medicine also found that employees who reported more stress were significantly more likely to be unproductive at work.

The following factors can cause work-related stress, according to the World Health Organization:

  • Poor work organization (the way jobs and work systems are designed and managed)
  • Poor work design (lack of control over work processes)
  • Poor management
  • Poor working conditions
  • Lack of support from colleagues and supervisors
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October 30, 2023

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Remote Work Digest: October 30, 2023

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

6 ways Remote Work Transformed My Finances | Laura Beck, Finance.yahoo.com

To understand how remote work has transformed finances, let’s look at a few real-life examples — from Augustinas Milaknis, head of PR at Ratepunk, and writer Emery Bowles — about remote work tools and managing remote teams.

Milaknis shared how remote work saved him money on commuting costs. Not having to commute to an office every day provided huge relief for his wallet.

“The biggest change was the fact that I didn’t have to pay for a taxi or other kinds of transport to get to my work, which was a problem since I live quite far away from the city. This alone saves me a couple hundred dollars a month,” he explained.

I Cut Down on Meals Out

“Another very welcome change was eating home-cooked meals for breakfast and lunch every day. Since I don’t have to go to diners or restaurants around my workplace during lunchtime, I save a ton of money on food-related expenses, and drinking homemade coffee and not going to the coffeeshop two times a day, as I used to when I was working a non-remote job helps, too,” he said.

I Relocated to a Lower Cost-of-Living Area

In expensive urban areas, salaries often barely cover basic living expenses. But remote work opened up the option to move to locations with cheaper rents and home prices. Bowles could stretch his income further and gain an improved quality of life in an area that better aligned with his budget and lifestyle goals. For remote workers, geography no longer has to limit options.

I Gained the Flexibility to Travel

Working while traveling was a game-changer. With a remote job, he gained the freedom to become a digital nomad. instead of using precious vacation days, he could simply work from Airbnbs and coffee shops abroad. Blending work and adventure opened up affordable travel opportunities.

However, Some Expenses Went Up

Bowles pointed out some downsides of remote work on personal finances, though. With no office environment or commute separating home and work life, he found boundaries blurring.

“With the comfort of home, I found myself occasionally splurging on high-end home office gadgets and ergonomic furniture. Plus, the blurred lines between work and leisure meant higher utility bills from being home more often,” he admitted.

Without conscious effort, it’s easy for remote workers to veer into impulse purchases for their home workspace. And higher electricity, gas and internet costs from increased home usage can eat into budgets. While remote work can save money in some areas, expenses in others can rise.

9 Proven Productivity Hacks to Supercharge Your Performance | Abha Warrier, Yourstory.com

Productivity is the ability of an individual or a team to work efficiently with maximum output in a given time frame. There are multiple factors that determine your productivity such as motivation, training, time management, stress levels, and physical and mental health. Especially, if you work at or run a startup, it’s not just about working harder but smarter, ensuring each stride is purposeful, each effort, monumental.

Tips to improve your productivity

The key lies in discovering the unique blend of strategies that resonate with your individual rhythm, driving you to achieve more in your distinctive entrepreneurial dance.

1.Set your goals

Setting clear and realistic goals is a must. If you begin by setting goals that you might not be able to achieve right away, it generally tends to discourage you and you begin to question your own ability.

2.Perform tasks in order of priority

Make a list of the tasks you need to accomplish in a day (or any different duration) and list them based on the order of importance. This will help you get an overview of your tasks and manage them based on the time you have.

3. Improve time management

Being one of the most crucial steps, it allows you to manage your tasks based on how much time you have. If you have a minor task that can be completed immediately, don’t procrastinate. Finish it right away, or else multiple such tasks can pile up and make you feel overwhelmed.

4. Avoid distractions

If possible, put your phone away. Ringtones, notifications and even a simple buzz from a device are enough to distract you. With constant notifications from the various social media platforms, it is easy to get carried away and before you realize it, you have spent more time on it than you intended to. Instead, you can schedule breaks for yourself where you can indulge in these activities.

5. Visualization

Visualise your goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them and then picture yourself achieving them. Having a clear mental picture makes it easier for you to navigate. It boosts your confidence and motivates and encourages you to pursue your goals.

6. Collaborate and network

Forming connections is vital in any organisation. There are multiple occasions when you would be assigned team tasks and collaborative work. In such cases having good connections with people will definitely come in handy.

7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Health is of utmost importance as without good health, you will not be able to concentrate or work efficiently. Having good health also reduces absenteeism and can contribute to improving your performance.

8. Stay flexible

In the startup ecosystem, there can be uncertainties from time to time. People with the ability to adapt to these circumstances, learn from them and mould themselves will be able to enhance their future performance.

9. Use rewards and positive reinforcement

Rewards or positive reinforcements can come in the form of congratulations from your boss or your teammates and they boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, rewards need not always be expected from someone else. You can treat yourself to small rewards for achieving your goals and milestones that you set, no matter how small they are and it will boost your morale and your confidence. It will increase your will to work harder and faster next time as well.

4 environmental impacts of remote work | Molly Driscoll, Techtarget.com

Remote work can be environmentally sustainable in a number of ways, with benefits such as a reduction in employee commuting and the potential of more environmentally friendly employee meals helping reduce a company’s impact on the environment.

In addition, remote work is a win for companies in ways that extend beyond environmental gains. Remote work can improve employee experience.

Here’s more about how remote work is more sustainable, as well as some factors company leaders should keep in mind to ensure their organization’s remote work arrangement is helping the environment.

Fewer cars commuting to work

Research supports this assessment. If employees who are able to work from home did so for half their work schedule, greenhouse gases would decrease by 54 million tons, according to Global Workplace Analytics, a research-based consulting organization located in San Diego.

Less packaging and food waste

Food waste and the types of materials used for food packaging are two major environmental issues.

Food and food packaging make up almost 45% of the items put in landfills, according to a 2014 Environmental Protection Agency report.

Food packaging in particular comes into play in an office environment.

Opportunities for office efficiency

Expanding remote work options can open up opportunities to decrease company office space. Heating or cooling a smaller space requires less energy, reducing a company’s direct emissions.

“If you’re downsizing in the office sector, then you are achieving additional [energy] savings,” said Steve Sorrell, a professor of energy policy at the University of Sussex.

Less air travel

Remote work arrangements now extend to beyond employees doing their day-to-day work at home. Thanks to more virtual events, options to attend work conferences remotely have increased compared with in-person events, which require that many conference attendees fly.

Remote work factors to keep in mind

While remote work can help the environment in a variety of ways, company leaders should make sure remote work’s positive impacts aren’t negatively affected by other employee or company behaviors.

“We shouldn’t see telework as a panacea [for the environment],” Sorrell said.

For example, employees who work from home might get antsy and run an errand or go on some other outing using their car.

In addition, company leaders should examine their organization’s lighting, heating and cooling arrangements for their office building. Lighting, heating and cooling an office space is a waste of energy if employees aren’t in the office.

10 ways to cultivate a productive work environment and inspire your employees to excel | Jessie Wilson, Theeagle.com

Instead of hitting your team with another motivational speech, try out some of these tips for cultivating a productive work environment. These strategies are proven to help inspire your employees to push themselves to higher heights. Keep reading to find out more.

1.Hire Strategically

During the recruiting process, companies tend to prioritize technical ability above all. While technical skills are certainly important, you also need to focus on finding the right fit for your team. Bringing on the wrong people can negatively affect your entire team.

2. Prioritize Onboarding and Training

Once you start the hiring process, you’ll need to prioritize the onboarding and training of new employees. An employee’s first two weeks are crucial to their success at your company. This is also an essential time for them to integrate into your team.

3. Conduct Regular Check-ins

Conducting check-ins with your employees is an effective way to help them excel. It provides dedicated one-on-one time for you and each member of your staff where they can voice their concerns. It also helps them to know they have a voice at your company.

4. Empower Your Employees

There are so many ways you can empower your employees in the workplace. The first step you can take is to provide them with the tools they need to perform their duties. This can include tasks like additional training, outside resources, and help when they need it.

5. Set Clear Goals

Employees tend to perform at a higher level if they have a direct picture of what is expected of them. Having a clear vision for the future will help to give everyone on the team more guidance. You can provide this guidance by sharing the long and short-term goals you have for the company. 

6. Give Your Employees Autonomy

Some workplaces tend to operate more like a classroom than an office. Nothing kills morale quicker than feeling as though you are being treated with zero respect. Respect your employees and only implement policies that have a true purpose. 

7. Provide Work-Life Balance

In 2023, work-life balance is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. In fact, businesses that don’t prioritize work-life balance have a harder time retaining top talent. Approve time off when the requests are made in a timely manner, and be understanding when unexpected life events take priority over work.

8. Encourage Breaks

It has been reported in numerous studies that the most effective employees work with regular breaks in between bursts of work. If you can walk away from your computer for 15 minutes, you can avoid burnout and stay productive for longer. The issue is that many companies don’t allow breaks at this frequency.

9. Provide Opportunities for Growth

Most people start their careers lower on the metaphorical totem pole. The goal when you start a new position is rarely to stay in that position long-term. Employees need to feel like there is room for growth at your organization in order to thrive.

10. Encourage Team Building Activities

Not everyone is going to be thrilled at the concept of taking time away from work to spend with co-workers. However, research shows that team-building activities can lead to higher workplace satisfaction. Being able to bond with your team outside of the office can foster positive relationships, thus making work more fun. 

Creating a Productive Work Environment

Don’t let your team fall prey to the yearly slump. Try out some of these tips and tricks for garnering motivation to help your business thrive. You and your staff will be happier and more efficient following the implementation of these methods. 

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September 29, 2023

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Remote Work Digest: September 29, 2023

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

What Can a Business Do to Improve Its Productivity? | Marc Berman, Programminginsider.com

Every year, employers bear the burden of $1.8 trillion in lost productivity. So, what can a business do to improve its productivity? Keep reading to know more.

Set Clear Goals and Objectives

To improve productivity, a business can set clear goals and objectives. This involves clearly defining what the business wants to achieve and creating a plan of action to reach those goals.

By having concrete goals and objectives, employees have a clear direction. Also, they can focus on what needs to be accomplished.

Time Management

A clear understanding of the value and importance of each task will help employees stay focused and work efficiently. Furthermore, utilizing time-tracking tools can help manage workload and reduce unnecessary work duplication.

Invest in Employee Training

A successful business understands the importance of staying competitive in the market. This is why businesses must provide employees with the skills and knowledge. With this, they can perform their tasks more efficiently.

Encourage Breaks

A business can encourage breaks for its employees to improve productivity. It may seem counterintuitive. But, breaks actually have a positive impact on productivity. It would help if workers were able to take short breaks throughout the workday. With this, they will be able to recharge and refocus. This leads to increased energy and concentration.

Effective Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful business. A business can improve its productivity by establishing clear and open lines of communication. This is not just for employees but also for stakeholders and managers. Regular communication can be done through various channels. It can be through team meetings, emails, and one-on-one discussions. These can help in identifying challenges and aligning goals.

Productivity is the key to a successful business. A business needs to get answers on what can a business do to improve its productivity.

A business can improve its productivity by implementing strategies. You can provide training and resources for your employees. Also, it helps to evaluate their performance regularly. Don’t wait any longer. Start taking steps toward increasing productivity in your business today!

Here are some of the best places in the world to remote work from – two are in Europe | Euronews.com

It’s a well-known fact that more Europeans than ever are working remotely. The trend was greatly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic but it’s set to continue as people experiment with new ways of work.

Research shows that on average across the EU, 30% of workers regularly worked from home in 2022, either fully or in a hybrid model, with previous estimates putting that figure at as low as 5.5% in 2019, before the pandemic began.

Best international locations for expat remote employees

Madeira, Portugal

Its temperate climate and oceanside location make it appealing for expats and remote workers seeking a traditional culture at home and a modern culture in the workplace.

Because of recent infrastructure upgrades, Madeira claims to have the fastest internet speeds in Portugal. Foreign remote workers can rent hybrid ‘workation’ facilities combining housing and workspace. Rental for a two-bedroom apartment starts at about €850 per month.

Tallinn, Estonia

With competitive internet speeds and online access to virtually every public service, Tallinn offers an affordable alternative to more expensive or touristy European cities.

One major advantage Estonia offers for digital nomads and remote workers is a flexible residential and visa policy. Digital nomads can qualify for e-residency status, allowing them to own and operate businesses without the required physical presence.

Bermuda

The island of Bermuda is tempting for adventurous remote workers and digital nomads considering a complete departure from the traditional corporate environment.

While Bermuda is still primarily a tourist destination noted for its pink sand beaches, it also features competitive internet capacity and well-equipped co-working spaces.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Located in Thailand’s northern hills, Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for younger remote workers and digital nomads. 

There is a strong expat and digital nomad culture in Chiang Mai, although Thailand does not currently have a defined visa programme for digital nomads or temporary remote workers.

A government work permit is also required before foreign remote workers can earn any income in the country. A ‘Special Tourist Visa’ allows long-term travelers to stay in Thailand for up to 270 days.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s thriving international community and abundance of co-working spaces make it easy for foreign workers to set up shop, find accommodation, and build a social network within the city’s borders.

There is also a digital nomad visa planned for Bali.

The government of Bali and private investors have significantly improved its digital infrastructure, with Wi-Fi access widely available in public areas and communal workspaces.

Bangalore, India

The bustling city of Bangalore has been called the Silicon Valley of India because of its tech-friendly economy and well-trained local workforce. Remote workers and digital nomads can easily find a niche in the city’s business district. Bangalore’s climate is relatively mild compared to other regions of India, which makes it a more comfortable environment for foreign workers.

The country also offers a long-term visa for foreign professionals seeking to work remotely in India. While no specific visa programme exists for temporary remote workers or digital nomads, a traditional work visa can be extended for up to five years.

15 Career Hacks That Help You Get What You Want In Life, Too | Michele Molitor, Yourtango.co

When it comes to taking your career success to a new level, there are some fundamental things you should keep in mind.

No matter where you’re from, I’ve found these things to be pretty much universal.

Read through the list and see what resonates most for you, as well as which ones sting a little or give you pause. Those are the ones you need to pay particular attention to.

Here are 15 powerful career hacks (that work for the rest of your life, too)

1. Deep breathing

First, take a deep breath and chill out a little.

You don’t have to have everything figured out today.

2. Knowing your core values

Identify your core values and compelling “why.” Then, align your work to these beliefs. The more aligned you are, the better your career will flow.

3. Being aware of the best use of you

Ask yourself: What’s the highest, most valuable use of your time, energy, and talents over the next 12 months?

4. Doing what you love

Notice what pulls you forward in your work and fills your cup — the things you do where time disappears.

Then find ways to do more of that, more often.

5. Knowing your “don’t want’s”

Notice what’s not working for you and move those obstacles out of the way.

Write down what you “do want” and what you “don’t want” in your life and career as you move ahead.

6. Using your brainpower

If you’re bored, then you’re not being challenged, and you’re not growing.

Do you want to choose growth or stagnation for yourself?

7. Being aware that failure is still learning

Learn from your mistakes and missteps and then move forward with those lessons front of mind while leaving the scars in the past.

8. Following the wisdom

Hang out with people wiser than you — learn from their mistakes, so you can avoid them.

And then, even maybe, leap-frog right over them to even greater success.

9. Being wary of false truths

What false truths are you telling yourself? What old beliefs and decisions about yourself are holding you back from achieving all that you know in your heart, you’re capable of achieving?

Here’s a hint: You are enough.

10. Being true to yourself

Live authentically. Find your way to share your gifts and unique talents with the world. Different is beautiful.

11. Giving yourself permission

Full permission to be yourself, to listen to your heart and spirit, and create a life you love.

You’re worth it.

12. Knowing what’s needed now

What steps can you take today to move you forward in the direction of your goals and dreams?

Identify the hard stuff and do those things first.

13. Doing some “out of the box” thinking

Open up your vision to the possibilities that are all around you, versus what you think they should look like.

Notice where your fears are trying to fool you to stay inside the box as well.

14. Being invested in the game

Do you have an investment in the game? What’s your catalyst or carrot for moving yourself forward?

Use this as a motivator and let it fuel the fire in your belly to help drive your success.

15. Choosing joy

Each day, choose the perspective that lifts you up and motivates you from the inside out.

As you find more joy in each day, you’ll feel better and much happier, which triggers the happy chemicals in your brain (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins).

All of which helps to increase your confidence and well-being! And guess what? Other people like working with happy people, so create a win-win!

11 Remote Jobs You Can Do That Don’t Need Any Qualifications | Jack Turner, Tech.co

  1. Data Entry

As the name suggests, the role consists of inputting data into a database from another source. Typically, it’s from one electronic source to another, although some roles may send employees paper documents to take information from.

Ideal skills: You’ll need to be computer literate, and ideally have a good eye for detail. The job can also be very monotonous, so you’ll need to be able to deal with repetitive tasks without issue.

2. Language Tutor

One of the most common entry level roles in teaching is teaching languages. Typically these will be one on one, and the students can be children or adults. Some online platforms require a bachelor’s degree, but not all.

Ideal skills: You’ll need to have a perfect grasp of the language you’re teaching, and be a good communicator too. You’ll also need to keep in mind timezone differences, as your students are likely to be outside the US.

3. Customer Service Representative

There are plenty of remote jobs in customer service – any company that offers a product or service will need customer service representatives to respond to questions, take orders, arrange bookings, deal with complaints, and more.

Ideal skills: You’ll need good communication skills, and ideally be a fast typer if you’re dealing with online messages. If you’re fielding calls over the phone, make sure you have a quiet work environment in your home.

4. Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants will typically help out with day to day tasks, such as calendar scheduling, managing emails, booking travel appointments, and so on, but it can be a very varied role, depending on the industry.

Ideal skills: Good communication, time management and the ability to problem solve and juggle multiple tasks are all beneficial to being a virtual assistant.

5. Community Manager

A community manager is responsible for being the face of an organization – usually over social media, or online forums. They are expected to liaise with customers and the community on a daily basis, and answer questions, create content and, in some cases moderate content too.

Ideal skills: For this role you’ll need excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to find answers quickly to questions that are asked.

6. Sales Representative

Sales roles are likely to be phone based, and usually involve tight targets with high expectations. If you can thrive in a pressured environment, and can handle rejection from potential customers, a remote sales job may suit you.

Ideal skills: You’ll need to have excellent people skills, the ability to talk positively about the product or service you’re selling, and be target oriented.

7. Translator

If you know two or more languages, then a job in translation could be an ideal fit. There are many remote translation roles available, and they cover a huge spectrum of industries, including anything from translating medical information, to checking advert copy for foreign markets.

Ideal skills: It goes without saying that you’ll need to be fluent in at least two languages. It may also help to be aware of cultural nuances, and if you’re translating documents, fast typing skills are a must.

8. Content Writer

If you’ve got a knack for writing compelling copy, then a remote content writer role could be your next job. Roles can be either freelance or permanent, and the sky’s the limit as to what you could find yourself writing about, whether it’s recipes or online guides.

Ideal skills: Excellent writing skills of course, as well as the ability to write at speed. Many writing roles pay by the piece, so the more you can produce, the more you’ll get paid.

9. Proofreader

A proofreader will read a text, noting typing errors and grammatical errors, and because the job is mainly reading, it’s an ideal role for those looking to work remotely.

Ideal skills: You’ll need to have a keen eye for detail, be proficient in the language of the copy, and know your colons from your commas.

10. Transcriptionist

While it’s true that some companies have turned to software to transcribe audio these days, there is still a need for transcriptionists out there.

In the role you may be tasked with transcribing TV shows, films, podcasts, and more. The role tends to be freelance, giving you the chance to work for several companies at the same time.

11. AI Prompt Engineer

Of all the jobs on this list, this one is the new hotness. A prompt engineer essentially gives instructions to an AI platform, such as ChatGPT, to get it to produce anything from copy, to program code, to images.

As the field is still relatively new, it’s a great time to get in, and, providing you’re comfortable with AI and know how to create killer prompts, it can be quite lucrative.


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Remote Work Digest: August 29, 2023

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

11 Skills Small Business Owners Need To Have in 2023 | Catherine Collins, Finance.yahoo.com

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or the CEO of a small team, small business owners in 2023 need to have a range of skills in order to compete effectively in the marketplace. Here are eleven of the most important.

Communication

It’s ironic that we have so many different ways to communicate with colleagues and customers, yet so much gets lost in translation and tone. Improving communication skills can go a long way in meeting customer needs, as well as creating a healthy work environment.

Digital Marketing

Learning about growing an email list, marketing to customers, copywriting and running social media ads can help entrepreneurs grow their small businesses over time.

Money Management

Managing money, budgeting, organizing receipts and paying quarterly self-employment taxes are necessary parts of running a business. A business owner who wants to grow and thrive in 2023 would be wise to take the time to understand their day-to-day business finances.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, means you can understand emotions. Someone with a high EQ can sense other people’s feelings and empathize with them when necessary. It’s a crucial skill for a business owner to have, especially if they are interacting with customers or employees on a daily basis.

Time Management

Unlike a 9-to-5 job, it’s hard for business owners to completely log off for the day. Running a business takes significant mental space, and learning better time management skills can help with work/life balance as well as productivity.

Innovation

It’s important for business owners to think dynamically about their products and services and regularly think about ways they can better serve their customers.

Networking

Attending conferences and industry events is a great way to learn about innovations in the field and also meet fellow business owners. It’s also important to use tools like LinkedIn and local meetups to collaborate and cross-promote.

Remote Team Management

Teams that typically interacted in office buildings suddenly had to navigate the world of remote work. Because so many workers now enjoy the flexibility of working from home, understanding how to manage teams in a remote environment is a useful skill for business owners in 2023.

Cultural Competence

The world is a diverse place, and as such, it’s important for businesses to have a diverse workforce and serve diverse customers. Getting training to ensure your business and business practices consider diversity and inclusion is a respectful way to ensure you can attract top talent and create a successful work environment.

Resilience

Running a small business can be emotionally exhausting, and the path isn’t linear. You could have your best months followed by your worst months and vice versa. What typically contributes to a small business’ success is grit and resilience.

Final Thoughts

Only with continuous learning and resilience can businesses continue to find success in a new landscape. The business world has changed dramatically, especially since the pandemic, and business owners need to find new ways to market, network, communicate and lead to thrive in 2023.

10 ways to deal with and manage stress at work | Rich Henson, Hrmorning.com

Daily stress, like meeting deadlines and providing deliverables, is challenging enough. But when stress becomes chronic, it’s overwhelming and harmful to your physical and mental health.

10 steps to avoid work stress

1.Identify what stresses you

It’s essential to learn what’s causing your stress at work. Using “mindfulness” techniques at work can help you identify what raises your stress levels.

A great way to stay mindful is to keep a journal, even if only for a brief period, like a week or a month. At moments when you’re feeling particularly stressed, write down a quick description of the situation. You‘ll get better – and faster – at it.

2. Set boundaries

Allowing work to take over your life is bound to create stress. And the most common way for this to happen is by routinely replying to emails after hours. It’s toxic. And when after-hour responses become the norm, you’re the only one who can put your foot down.

Step one is to set firm boundaries. Set an example by respecting your team’s lives outside of work. And don’t send or encourage work emails or communications late in the evenings or on weekends.

3. Develop healthy responses

Many of us tend to fight stress with food or alcohol, so do your best to make healthy choices when you feel the tension rise. Any form of physical activity is a great stress buster (e.g., yoga, walking, swimming, gardening, cleaning).

Add quality sleep to your list of healthy things to do. Build sound sleep habits by limiting your caffeine intake late in the day and minimizing stimulating activities, especially screen time, before bed.

4. Take quick breaks

Simple quick breaks that put distance between you and the source of your immediate stress can work wonders.

Walk to your car to “get something.” Watch a two-minute video on YouTube or TikTok. Call a friend and say “Hi.” Go to the bathroom. Any quick distraction that can remove you from a stress-creating situation helps.

5. Stop trying to be perfect

Naturally, you want to “give it your all” when it comes to your career. But try not to be perfect at every aspect of your job. The top performers and hardest workers tend to deal with stress the most.

Self-awareness is your best friend in these situations. Whether it’s accepting that no one is perfect or realizing some people can do some things better than you, if perfection is your obsession, try to get a handle on it.

6. Get organized

Organizing your work life is a great stress reducer. Develop an organizational plan that’s easy to maintain, and stick with it. A basic component is a good filing system that works. There are countless examples online. Find one and use it.

This will save you time in the long run by making everything easily accessible. Consider creating rituals for your daily life. These may include personal routines like making tea before work or going on a walk every day during your afternoon break.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

The workplace of the 21st century is becoming increasingly competitive and stressful. It’s more important than ever to have a mentor or coach to guide you through your career, especially if you feel unsure of your next steps.

8. Talk to your supervisor

Employee health has been linked to productivity at work, so your boss has an incentive to create a work environment that promotes employee well-being. Start by having an open conversation with your supervisor.

The purpose of this isn’t to lay out a list of complaints, but rather to come up with an effective plan for managing the stressors you’ve identified. This will allow you to perform at your best on the job.

9. Get comfortable

You might not notice you’re stressed if you’re sitting in an uncomfortable chair for a few minutes. But what if you practically live in that chair at work? You might have a sore back and be more reactive to stress because of it.

Even small things like noises or a colleague’s humming can be distracting and cause feelings of low-grade frustration. Do what you can to create a quiet, comfortable and soothing workspace.

Practice these 10 stress relievers

  1. Count to 10 before you speak or react.
  2. Take a few slow, deep breaths until you feel your body start to unclench.
  3. Go for a walk, even if it’s just down the hallway and back.
  4. Try meditation or a prayer to reset.
  5. If it can wait, let it sit overnight.
  6. Break down problems into smaller parts and tackle them one step at a time.
  7. Hug a friend.
  8. Find a colleague you can confide in.
  9. If you owe your mom a phone call, take a few minutes to call her
  10. Do something simple you’ve been putting off, like making that dental appointment.

Boosting Employee Productivity: Effective Strategies for Success | Richard, Streetwisejournal.com

From maintaining a great office environment to leveraging modern tools, we’ve got you covered with a variety of strategies that will transform your workplace into a productivity powerhouse.

Strategy 1: The Power of a Great Office

Maintaining a Clean Environment: Commercial Cleaning

A clean and organized office is the foundation of employee productivity. When employees walk into a well-maintained environment, they feel valued and motivated. Consider hiring a commercial cleaning service to ensure that your office space is consistently spick and span.

Strategy 2: Flexible Work Arrangements

Embracing Remote Work: Work-From-Home Options

Granting team members the flexibility to operate from home, even intermittently, can foster improved job contentment and a harmonious work-life equilibrium, elevating their overall output.

Strategy 3: Invest in Professional Development

Continuous Learning: Training and Skill Enhancement

Allocate resources to skill-enhancing endeavors, seminars, and instructional sessions, enabling them to refine their expertise and stay abreast with sectoral shifts. When they sense the firm’s commitment to their progression, their drive to excel intensifies.

Strategy 4: Encourage Regular Breaks

Mindfulness Breaks: Meditation and Relaxation

Encourage your employees to take regular breaks throughout the day. Short breaks can actually enhance focus and creativity. Consider setting up a relaxation or meditation space in your office where employees can recharge their minds.

Strategy 5: Embrace Technology Tools

Utilizing Productivity Apps: Task Management and Collaboration Tools

From task management apps that help organize daily to-do lists to collaboration tools that streamline teamwork, these tools can transform how your employees work. Platforms like Trello, Asana, and Slack facilitate efficient communication and task tracking, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and tasks are completed promptly.

Strategy 6: Recognition and Rewards

Celebrating Achievements: Employee Recognition Programs

Feeling valued and appreciated is a strong motivator. Implement employee recognition programs to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance. This can range from a simple “Employee of the Month” award to bonuses or additional time off. 

Strategy 7: Clear Communication and Goal Setting

Setting Expectations: Transparent Communication

Clear communication is the cornerstone of a productive workplace. Ensure that your employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities, and that they understand the company’s goals and objectives. Regularly communicate updates and changes to keep everyone informed and aligned. 

In conclusion

Boosting employee productivity isn’t about enforcing strict rules or pushing your team to the brink. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures their growth, respects their well-being, and leverages modern tools and techniques to maximize their efficiency.

Essential skills for remote leadership | Thunderbird School of Global Management, Forbesindia.com

Back view of businesswoman talk with team business partner using video call on laptop discuss work project online. Video conference, Online meeting concept

Common problems leaders experience when managing remote teams and actionable strategies to overcome them.

Remote leadership challenges

Remote leadership comes with a unique set of challenges that can make it difficult to manage a team effectively. One of the most significant challenges is communication.

Communication

The lack of in-person interaction can make it harder to build trust and rapport. Written communications can also make it difficult to ascertain tone and lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

Lack of team cohesiveness

Effective teams work toward the same goal, utilizing each team member’s strengths to achieve results. This can be difficult to create in a remote environment, especially in teams with a mix of in-office and remote members.

Managing time zone differences

Managing remote employees that work from different time zones can be challenging. Something as simple as setting meetings suddenly requires extra planning and flexibility as workers from later and earlier time zones work to find a time that is neither too early or late.

Maintaining company culture

Having a positive company culture can even help recruit and retain workers, but maintaining it is difficult with remote teams. This is especially problematic when onboarding new employees.

Tracking productivity

Keeping workers productive is an important part of management, but how do you ensure productivity in remote teams? Shifting from measuring the number of tasks checked off a list to more remote-friendly measurements isn’t easy for many leaders, but it’s necessary.

Tips for managing remote teams

Elevate your communication skills

Improving communication skills can help remote leaders create a more supportive and collaborative work environment. It can also reduce the frustration that comes with misunderstanding tone or instructions.

Provide regular feedback

Your remote team needs more than a list of to-dos that get crossed off. They also need feedback. Providing regular feedback may happen organically when you work in the same office, but in a remote environment, it takes more effort.

Measure productivity differently

Productivity has traditionally been measured by the time a worker spends working and the number of tasks they complete. This approach to leadership is largely ineffective when managing remote employees. Reducing an employee’s worth to how many items they check off a list fails to properly value the impact of the work they complete.

Trust and build trust with your teams

Trust is an essential ingredient for building successful teams, especially in a remote environment. Unfortunately, it is one of the more difficult challenges faced by remote leaders and their teams.

Set clear expectations

Setting clear expectations is essential for achieving success in any organization, but it is especially important for remote teams. When workers understand what is expected of them, they are better able to focus their efforts, stay on track, and meet performance standards. 

Establish the team’s purpose

When setting expectations for your remote team, start by defining specific goals and objectives that align with the organization’s mission and vision.

Practice empathy

Leaders may be obligated to focus on business objectives, but that is not where the job description ends. We are humans first and employees second, but leaders sometimes forget this due to the pressure involved in reaching company goals. As a remote leader, it is even easier to forget that the people on the other side of the screen are real humans juggling life and work.

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Remote Work Digest: July 30, 2023

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

Five Steps To Jumpstart Your Employee Digital Transformation Journey | Anshul Sheopuri, Forbes.com

Transformations rarely achieve their full potential. Being intentional about the accelerators to jumpstart digital transformation of your employee journeys can maximize your chances for success. Here are five steps to get started.

1.Start with the business and user problem.

We all experience products and services with a compelling value proposition day to day, whether it is a smartphone, cloud storage or an electric vehicle. What is common across these is that they solve a user problem differently. For example, as opposed to simply making floppy disks smaller or the experience of transferring data with floppy disks better, cloud storage solutions get to the root of the user problem to store data at scale, securely, seamlessly and at low cost.

2. Create an employee digital storefront to unleash clarity and adoption.

Over the past decade, digital storefronts for customers have mushroomed across a variety of industries. While this has helped obfuscate organizational complexity to customers, in many cases, this has also resulted in too little incentive to simplify organizational structure and organize work around the customer.

3. Activate an operating model with user experience as the clue to galvanize the organization.

Just like software or product organization operating models have become more standardized with the competency areas around product management, development and design, other capabilities that organizations deliver, for example, accounting services, sales operations and human resources, need to operate with clarity of accountability points and structure. This is even more critical in moments of significant change and requires intentional moments of conversation and reinforcement:

• Co-creation with users and stakeholders.

• Continuous improvement with an outside-in lens.

• Candid feedback, creating safe spaces for difficult conversations.

• Celebration, coming together as a team to reflect and celebrate key milestones.

4. Diagnose and instrument root causes versus the symptoms.

Since the root causes span across process, technology and data management, the solutions need to be multifaceted as well, including automated data quality management, defined software testing process and user-centric journeys.

Quick wins matter. Communicate how progress is being made via improvements in data quality. But remember that the right quick wins that address root causes (versus only the symptoms) matter more.

5. Compliance is table stakes – set the bar with voluntary adoption of higher ethical standards.

Taking a compliance-centric approach is table stakes. Set the bar for your organization with voluntary adoption of higher ethical standards to future-proof your posture in line with the organization’s values. While this can feel daunting, remember that companies are at different points in this journey, and it can be helpful to work together to define common standards in new and emerging areas.

Employee journey transformations are a significant opportunity for employee experience and business outcomes. Being intentional about the right stepping stones can maximize the chances of success.

8 Reasons Why You Should Work a Full-Time Job Before Freelancing | Abigale Lim, Makeuseof.com

The allure of freelancing is undeniable. The freedom to work on your terms while earning a high income is undoubtedly appealing. But before you take the plunge into a full-time freelance career, consider the benefits of staying in a nine-to-five job first. Let’s explore why working a traditional full-time job before freelancing can set you up for long-term success as a freelancer.

1.Gain Practical Training

Working in a structured environment allows you to hone these skills. You can learn freelance skills by watching YouTube videos or enrolling in a course. But you’ll gain these skills much faster and get paid while learning if you work a full-time job first.

2. Get Help from Experience Colleagues

In a traditional work setting, you’re surrounded by experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds. Many companies have mentorship programs and feedback systems in place. Leveraging the knowledge and expertise of superiors can benefit your personal and professional growth.

3. Expand Your Network

Working full-time exposes you to a network of professionals. Clients, vendors, leaders, recruiters, and industry peers are your most beneficial professional connections. Building solid relationships with these individuals can open doors to future freelance opportunities.

4. Build Your Emergency Fund

Unstable income is one of the risks of freelancing, especially in the initial stages of your career. Since you don’t have an employee-employer relationship with clients, you can lose your source of income without warning.

A full-time job provides a stable income. It also offers benefits like paid leaves, bonuses, and health insurance plans. As a freelancer, you don’t get paid if you go on vacation. You don’t get paid if you’re sick and can’t work. An emergency fund that will last at least six months will lessen your stress during these moments.

5. Build a Strong Work Ethic

Soft skills such as self-discipline and time management are essential skills of a successful freelancer. As a freelancer, you set your work schedule and choose your projects and clients. It’s easy to procrastinate and lose sight of your workload. The work ethic you develop in your full-time job will be crucial to your success.

6. Learn From Your Mistakes

Working full-time as a young professional provides a safe space to learn and grow from these errors. Many companies offer free training for their employees. Your colleagues and superiors can also provide feedback, helping you avoid similar pitfalls in your future freelance projects.

7. Build Your Portfolio

A diverse and impressive portfolio is a freelancer’s best marketing tool. It attracts potential clients and displays your capabilities. While working full-time, you can work on various projects that can expand your portfolio.

8. Test the Freelance Waters

There are many simple freelancing jobs you can learn easily. Take time to discover the role that fits your skills best. As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually transition to freelancing full-time.

Embrace the learning opportunities that come with a full-time job. When the time is right, you can venture into freelancing with confidence. If you’re sure that freelancing is for you but can’t let go of the benefits of your traditional job, consider doing both. Holding a freelance job while freelancing as a side hustle works for many professionals.

Tips to avoid loneliness when working from home | Rhymer Rigby, Fm-magazine.com

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift to remote work that was already happening. But while people may love the lack of a commute and the freedom, they may also miss the social side of the office. A 2021 survey of 2,000 UK and US office workers by Kadence, the hybrid workplace software company, found that 81% of workers under the age of 35 and 64% of workers over 35 were concerned about loneliness if they were to continue to work from home full time. Other research has drawn links between tech-enabled distance working and loneliness. So, if you are feeling isolated while working remotely, what can you do about it?

Get outside

If you were at work all day, you wouldn’t just sit at your desk from nine to five. So don’t do this at home. Take a break and get out of your home office.

Set up social media groups

One of the problems with remote work is that you miss the informal chit-chat and serendipitous meetings you have in the office. So, re-create these on social media apps. The ability to make off-the-cuff comments and chat informally is invaluable, and messaging apps significantly reduce the barrier to informal commenting (an email, by comparison, is quite formal).

Attend Zoom or Teams meetings

As much as we can moan about video meetings, they do capture some of the feeling of being together in person. We can see our colleagues and read their facial expressions and feel to an extent that we’re with them. 

Make phone calls

The rush to video during the COVID-19 pandemic (and an addiction to messenger apps) means the phone often gets overlooked as a form of communication. But if you have sent a dozen messages or emails, really, you should be making a phone call. It can be far more efficient — if someone doesn’t quite understand what you’re asking, you can clarify what you mean in real time. 

Don’t always work at home

Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you always have to be in the spare bedroom. Investigate other options such as coffee shops, co-working spaces, or libraries. These will deliver an office-like experience. And if you go once a week, even if you don’t know people at first, you’ll soon be on nodding terms with other regulars. 

Encourage your company to have meetups

There is no substitute for meeting face to face. But the good news is a little goes a long way. You only have to meet up with colleagues once every few months to improve your virtual relationships and make them feel deeper and more meaningful. 

Consider a pet

If you’re in it for the long run, a dog or cat can make a big difference — and, what’s more, they’ll never try to micromanage or take credit for your work.

Don’t be afraid to admit you’re lonely

Talking and sharing helps enormously, and you may discover other remote workers have the same problems you have. Your company may also be able to provide you with help under its mental health policy.

Avoid overwork

One of the mistakes many people make when working remotely is believing that they have to fill every moment with work. But you don’t have to use the time you once spent commuting chained to your desk, and you can take a lunch hour. Measure what you do by work output, not hours put in. 

Talk to your company about coming in

Employees often ask to be allowed to work from home two or three days a week. So, assuming the office isn’t hundreds of miles away, why not turn this on its head and ask if you can “work from work” once a week? Loneliness can have an enormous negative effect on both your mental health and your productivity. If you are suffering from it, tell your employer. They are likely to want to help in any way they can.

9 pro tips for creatives working from home | Tina Touli, Creativebloq.com

It’s easy to plonk a laptop on the dining table or coffee table and work away, but that probably isn’t going to be comfortable in the long run, and your work may suffer too. Below, the art director and designer Tina Touli offers nine pro tips to consider when honing your home work set up, from your surroundings to your screen (see our pick of the best 4K monitors for options there).

Manage screen brightness

Work in intervals on maximum brightness so that you can get the best out of your colours without damaging your eyes.

Keep organised

Work from everywhere without any technical difficulties by keeping mobile hard drives nice and organised so you can work on your files without taking over your memory!

Invest in a good screen

Your laptop is your friend for when you are out and about, but a great screen will pay dividends when it comes to working in your studio. I recommend a Dell UltraSharp; the colours are so accurate I have barely touched the default settings. 

Don’t be afraid of contrast

Don’t be afraid of contrast – Full black or white can be daunting, but be brave!  I love high contrast, even B&W, but colours are my favourite. Vivid bright colours.

Light up your room (and your screen)

With bias lighting behind your screen and some clever atmospheric lighting in the room, you can create some separation between work and leisure.

Keep your environment neutral

Keeping your environment neutral can bring out the colour in your work. I tend to keep the studio space more neutral in terms of colour (of course there are little pops of colour around) and even my desktop wallpaper is just a solid grey colour. I feel like it helps me better shape/check the colour palette of every project I am working on.

Listen to music

Science says 60-70 bpm playlists are best to maximise concentration but I love everything from rock music to house. The music I choose depends on my mood, the project I am working on, even the time of the day, but music for working is definitely key.

Print your work

Screens like a Dell UltraSharp allow us to see a lovely range of colours that are super close to what you get on print, something very important for multidisciplinary designers like myself.

Consider a standing desk

Standing desks are your friend, especially if you need to draw on a tablet. I love using a sitting desk when working on the computer but a standing one when I experiment by hand, blending the analogue and the digital worlds (see our guide to the best standing desks for possible options).

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Remote Work Digest: May 25, 2023

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

3 Ways Employers Can Optimize Hybrid Work | Michael Timmes, Forbes.com

Because hybrid work appeared in the business world so recently, most organizations continue to tweak their hybrid work programs to optimize the returns. Optimization of hybrid work will require organizations to focus on employee engagement and collaboration, place trust in workers and frontline managers and balance employee preferences with business needs.

1.Prioritize teamwork and high engagement.

Even within the same organization, different teams may have different optimal working environments. On teams where workers complete most of their work independently, one or two in-office days could be sufficient to promote collaboration and culture. However, other teams may work together frequently, making three in-office days necessary to maximize workflow.

To find that balance, HR teams should attempt to categorize roles across an organization as independent or collaborative. If the majority of an organization’s workers fall onto one side or the other, then the simplest solution could be a standardized hybrid schedule for everyone.

2. Rely on the judgement of workers and managers.

In general, employees want to perform at a high level, and managers want to help employees accomplish their goals. Many organizations may find it beneficial to implement a hybrid system, and those that do should listen to feedback and trust teams to make minor adjustments to their own schedules.

For example, an organization may set Tuesday through Thursday as designated in-office days. However, if a team realizes that Mondays in-office are more critical to productivity than Thursdays, management should be open to that experiment. There does need to be a process in place for any adjustments, so teams feel they are treated fairly. However, as long as each compromise has clear reasoning, employees often appreciate the added flexibility.

3. Keep business needs in mind.

Communication around schedules should begin well before employee onboarding. Recruitment teams should emphasize the requirements of the job from the beginning of the hiring process, including in online job posts. This will encourage candidates who feel comfortable with an on-location schedule to apply for the role.

Recruiters may fear that non-hybrid work schedules decrease competitiveness for job candidates. However, organizations should remain firm about the employee schedules necessary to support customers or clients. Even for employees, hybrid work is not everything. The same Gallup survey cited above also found that employees would not accept a salary reduction in exchange for work location flexibility.

Conclusion

By promoting engagement and collaboration, extending trust to teams and prioritizing business needs, organizations can manage hybrid work systems for optimal performance.

Tips to transition from working-from-home to in-person | Alberta Prime Times, Townandcountrytoday.com

As companies push for a return to the physical office, the stress and anxiety of adjusting to a new routine can be overwhelming. Don’t let the transition catch you off guard – learn how to cope and thrive back in the office environment.

Dr. Haley Perlus, Sport and Performance Psychology Ph.D. offers these tips for making the transition back to the office.

Create a routine.

Establish a new routine that aligns with your work schedule, including a set time to wake up, have breakfast, and get dressed. This will help you mentally prepare for the workday and maintain a sense of structure.

Don’t ditch the workout.

It’s important not to let go of healthy habits like exercise that you developed while working from home. Exercise not only maintains overall health but also reduces stress and improves productivity.

Connect with colleagues.

As you return to the office, take the opportunity to connect with colleagues and build relationships. This can help foster a sense of community and make the workplace feel more welcoming.

Start meal prepping.

Meal prepping can be a game-changer when returning to the office after working from home. It helps save time, money and reduces stress by eliminating the need to decide on what to eat during the workday. Additionally, it can also promote healthier eating habits by enabling you to prepare nutritious meals in advance, ensuring you have access to healthy food options throughout the day.

Prioritize your mental health.

The transition can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take care of your mental health by practicing self-care and seeking support if necessary. Making time for activities like meditation, exercise, and therapy can help reduce stress and promote a healthy work-life balance.

Update your work space.

Adding plants, colorful décor, and comfortable accessories like a cozy chair or desk lamp can help create a more inviting workspace. Personalizing your work area can also boost morale and improve your overall mood and motivation while at work.

10 jobs with the most remote work opportunities | Diana-Ashley Krach, Stacker, Columbustelegram.com

Beyond productivity, employees report greater satisfaction with their remote work. That’s partly due to improved work-life balance. Research shows that more than 56% of remote or in-person employees can pause their work if needed. That flexibility, paired with remote employees no longer having to devote hours to commuting, makes telework very attractive. However, it’s still practical to note the potential obstacles, especially regarding technology. Creating a technology section on your resume can help hiring managers understand your ability to thrive with telework. For example, understanding the platforms that allow virtual meetings is essential to remote work.

Despite the challenges, many industries prove this can be a better work setting than standard offices. Keep reading to discover which jobs offer the most remote work opportunities.

#10 Project management specialists

Project management specialists help managers and their teams meet company baselines and goals. Some specialists have extensive knowledge of state and federal employment regulations and can examine an organization’s human resources procedures. 

#9 Computer and information systems managers

Modern companies rely heavily on computers and internet communications and need them to be secure and reliable. Computer and information systems managers handle the details of keeping these vital machines and networks running smoothly.

#8 Lawyers

Not every lawyer spends all day in court. And even if they do, many civil court proceedings are now available through virtual platforms, making it easier for more lawyers to work remotely. Long before the pandemic began, one law firm launched with no physical offices; it is now one of the 200 top-grossing law firms in the country.

#7 Software developers

Software developers look at each piece of a software system like a puzzle, designing each section and determining how they fit together.

#6 Management analysts

A management analyst gets the call when a company needs an efficiency update. These analysts evaluate operations to help their clients boost revenue and reduce costs. Part of that process involves interviewing staff, which they can do remotely, along with reviewing the company’s financial records.

#5 Architectural and civil drafters

Those with an advanced degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management and a healthy dose of creativity may be well-positioned for remote work. Depending on a drafter’s experience level, a typical day might include developing detailed plans and drawings for commercial buildings and construction projects. Those projects can consist of essential highways and sewage disposal systems, and drafters must conduct extensive research about any technical aspect that could impact designs.

#4 Market research analysts and marketing specialists

Before an organization launches an advertising campaign, it brings on a market research analyst to save time and money. Analysts thoroughly research regional, local, and internet markets to determine a product’s or service’s viability. With that insight, analysts can figure out how well a product will sell or how a campaign will perform.

#3 Software quality assurance analysts and testers

Software quality assurance analysts and testers develop ways to look closely at software systems and identify problems. Through documentation of those defects, analysts can create a bug-tracking system and report any issues to web or software developers. Working with those developers closely, an analyst can review software designs and help plan for modifications and improvements. Because this job requires minimal supervision, it fits nicely into a remote work environment so long as the analyst can adhere to aggressive deadlines.

#2 Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products

Sales representatives of wholesalers and manufacturers possess specialized knowledge about how products and services can best benefit their customers. They also provide price quotes for products and services and generate contracts for purchases and sales. Building relationships is a big part of this job, which is why networking is integral.

#1 Web developers

Website developers build and maintain the functions and security of a site with regular tests, audits, and improvements. They are also responsible for communicating and coordinating with team members about content, visual presentation, and services provided on the website.

6 Employees Productivity Red Flags and How to Fix Them | Henry Smith, Techbullion.com

The team of employees is the most valuable asset in any organization. Employees react differently to the world around them. External and internal factors can negatively affect your team’s productivity. Organizing a team building activity can help every employee relax, bond, and accommodate each other for better productivity in the future.

Employees are constantly at loggerheads

It is not unusual for employees to disagree and see different issues from divergent points of view. However, when disagreements get in the way of meaningful criticism, it’s time to get your team outdoors. Conflicts can be between one department and another or between members of the same working group. A successful manager can recognize when in-house conflict management solutions are futile. 

Outright lack of collaboration and communication

Teamwork helps the organization achieve more than each individual can. Better performance, therefore requires members to effectively communicate for members to consult, air their concerns and get reliable feedback for decision-making. However, if you realize your team deliberately refuses to relay information or work together, engage in a team building event.

Toxic work culture

A toxic culture can be lack of reliable communication, disorganized workflows, and unexplained delays. Sweeping red flag signals under the carpet finally catch up with the company’s performance. High staff turnover and constant burnout are likely consequences of unbearable work culture.

Low morale to work

A keen manager should notice when the employees’ morale is gone. While your team members may not always report 100% unmatched output every day, a significant drop in work morale is obvious. The usual lively chatter may turn into a damp silence cutting across the departments. Other times, members may show no excitement about learning new approaches or turning down opportunities to become more efficient at work. 

A pattern of unending problems

Recurring issues that never seem to never get fully solved are a warning sign that all is not well with your team. Employees may feel like they’ve been warned or corrected a million times, indicating that more than mere talk is necessary.  Team building activities can help improve poor collaboration, clarify company goals, and define the boundaries of one department from the others.

Undefined boundaries

When members lack responsibility, nobody would be willing to take responsibility or volunteer to do menial tasks around the office. Undefined position boundaries may lead to abuse of roles and overall poor performance.

Take away

Noticing the red flags of a demotivated team unravels communication and relationship struggles among employees in an organization. Outsourcing a team building event organizer can save your organization untold losses and poor performance.

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December 30, 2022

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Remote Work Digest: December 30, 2022

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

19 Best Skills To Put on a Resume That Employers Will Love | Entrepreneur Staff, Entrepreneur.com

If you want to ace your next job interview and make your job application stand out from other candidates, you need to put the best details possible on your resume to impress a prospective employer right from the get-go.

But what job skills should you write down? This article will break down 19 of the best skills for a resume that any hiring manager will love.

Soft skills employers love to see

So-called “soft skills” are usually people-focused, generalized or applicable to various industries and situations. Nevertheless, employers like to see plenty of soft skills in their candidates.

Leadership skills

The more leadership skills you can mark down on your resume in the skills section, the more attractive a candidate you will be, even if you aren’t expected to lead anyone soon. This is true even if a job description requests more technical skills.

Leadership skills make you a better choice for potential management positions or promotions in the future. Because many companies hire long-term candidates, not just short-term workers, listing leadership skills can make you stand out relative to your competition in a big way.

Communication skills

Communication skills are also critical. You need to be able to communicate with your fellow team members and workers to get along well at your new company. This might seem like a waste of space to put down, but don’t discount it.

Writing skills

Specific jobs in marketing and communications value writing skills highly, and (an added plus) you can explicitly demonstrate your capabilities in your resume writing. Using polished, engaging and succinct language in your resume will support your inclusion of writing in your list of skills.

Problem-solving experience

General problem-solving skills can also be good to put down on any resume. In most jobs, you’ll need to solve complex problems at one point or another, either because you run into an unexpected situation or because employer policies and procedures don’t cover all possibilities.

Good problem-solving, therefore, is seen as a must-have skill for many organizations and industries. Be sure to put this on your resume no matter the job or industry you apply.

Organizational skills

Organizational skills reflect your ability to handle lots of resources and moving pieces. It’s an important skill to put on your resume when applying for a leadership or management position, but it’s good to put it down regardless just because it shows you are a hard worker and won’t be overwhelmed by many things on your plate.

Time management skills

Time management skills are wise to put on your resume, whether you are applying for an entry-level or management position.

Good time management is a much rarer skill than you may think, particularly in this day and age where there are ample digital distractions in people’s pockets at all times.

Teamwork skills

Solid teamwork skills are must-haves for most positions and workers these days. Being able to work with others is crucial if you are to become a part of any new team, so be sure to note that you have strong teamwork skills regardless of your prior work experiences.

Customer service skills

Good customer service skills are necessary for any industry — especially if you apply to a service industry or entry-level position. Basically, if your job requires you to interact with the general public frequently, you must have good customer service skills.

Marketing skills

It is also wise to put down any marketing skills on your resume. Good marketing skills are highly desirable for specific marketing positions and general employees.

Marketing skills can involve using particular tools or tactics or just understanding how to phrase things to make products seem more appealing to customers.

Hard skills employers seek

Hard skills are technical, specific and usually related to a specific skill or talent instead of being generalized. Here are some of the most in-demand hard skills to consider putting on your resume.

Project management skills

Project management skills are incredibly in demand and closely tied to leadership skills. Many organizations have complex projects they need to be headed by talented individuals.

If you can accurately claim that you have successfully led other projects through your management style, you’ll be well-positioned to take open job positions from other candidates.

Data analysis skills

Data analysis skills are also highly in demand these days and for good reason. Many companies must analyze the data they collect from their customers and clients.

You’ll be a desirable candidate for many industries and companies if you can do this, both generally and with specific programs and equations.

Enterprise resource planning skills

Enterprise resource planning skills, or ESP skills, are good to put on any resume, especially if you’re applying for a closely related position. ERP is crucial for large-scale organizations to not waste valuable equipment, time, people or other resources.

Computer proficiency

Generalized computer proficiency is now expected in a majority of positions. After all, everyone should know how to use computers to a basic degree.

Program proficiency

Program proficiency is any proficiency you can list with a specific program. Don’t be humble or think too little of yourself; even proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 is valuable, particularly when many people don’t know how to use those collected programs to their maximum effectiveness.

Programming language proficiency

The more language proficiencies you can list, the better positioned you’ll be to take a job in the IT or programming and web development industries. It may be wise to research what programming languages are most in demand for a specific position before listing them on your resume.

SEO proficiency

SEO or search engine optimization proficiency is highly valued in many professions, especially social media and marketing managers.

CRM proficiency

Customer relationship management (CRM) software proficiency means you’re proficient in using popular CRM software platforms like Salesforce. This skill is most desirable and essential for marketing and customer relationship positions or fields.

Budgeting experience

If you have experience using budgeting software or running budget teams — mention it, and, as always, be specific about the kinds of tools or software platforms you previously used to get the job done.

Bookkeeping skills

Like the above, if you have bookkeeping skills using programs like FreshBooks, QuickBooks and similar platforms, mention that on your resume.

Web development skills

Specific web development skills, such as using web development tools to outline pages, make frames and place widgets, are vital for many jobs in the IT sector.

Summary

Now you have 19 top skills to put on your resume, provided you have the real-life aptitude to back them up. Remember to tweak the description of each skill based on the job or industry you’re applying for to make them seem as relevant as possible.

6 Essentials Every Busy Office Needs to Have | Tehseen Kiani, Technochops.com

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the essential items every busy office needs to have. We’ll examine the importance of each item and how it can help make the workplace more productive and efficient. So, let’s get started!

High-Efficiency Printers

High-efficiency printers are an essential tool for any busy office. Not only do they help streamline document production, but they also save time and resources by delivering crisp, clean prints quickly and efficiently. High-efficiency printers can also help reduce paper waste and energy costs since they use less ink or toner than traditional printers.

Ergonomic Chairs

Ergonomic chairs are essential for any busy office in order to promote healthy posture and reduce fatigue. These chairs are designed with adjustable features like armrests, height settings, and lumbar support to help you find the most comfortable position for your body.

Ergonomic chairs can also improve concentration and productivity, allowing users to stay focused on their work for extended periods of time. Investing in quality ergonomic chairs is essential for any busy office, as it will ensure employees are feeling their best and working efficiently.

Fast Computer Systems

Having fast and reliable computer systems is essential for any busy office. With the constant need to process data, share documents, manage projects, and communicate with clients, having the right computer systems can make a huge difference in productivity and workflow.

High-Speed Internet

Investing in a reliable and high-speed internet connection is an important part of any successful office setup. It gives employees the resources they need to stay productive, engaged, and successful at their job.

A Break Room

Having a designated break room can be a great way to encourage productivity in the workplace. A well-stocked, comfortable break room can provide employees with the opportunity to take much-needed time away from their desks and recharge for the next task.

Good Lighting

Good lighting is essential for any busy office. Not only does it help employees stay focused and productive, but it can also improve worker safety by ensuring that work areas are well-lit and easily visible.

Good lighting should be evenly distributed throughout the office and adjustable so that workers can adjust their light levels according to how much they need at any given time.

In conclusion, having the right essentials in a busy office can make all the difference when it comes to productivity and morale. Investing in reliable high-speed internet, creating an inviting break room, and installing good lighting are essential components of any successful modern office setup.

How To Achieve Your Goals With Better Time Management | Yourtango.com

Better time management helps to achieve goals faster, with less stress and more sleep. We can say that great time management is key to meeting our goals. It helps us prioritize better and increase productivity. That’s how you can work smarter, not harder.

Here are five handy ways to improve your time management skills so you can achieve your goals much more efficiently.

1.Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

Your goals should be S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and anchored within a Time Frame.

For instance, if you’re a marketer and want to boost your business online presence, set more defined goals. Examples include increasing explainer video views up to 5% within a week, or getting at least 10 new followers on Instagram per day.

2. Pen down a schedule and deadline

Write down everything you need to accomplish and how long each task should take to complete. This way, it will be much easier for you to see how you should spend your time.

3. Learn your productivity patterns

Finding your own pattern of productivity can help you achieve your goals more efficiently. Use your less-productive hours to tackle easy, quick-to-complete tasks. Meanwhile, you can use your productive hours for more high priority tasks.

4. Avoid multitasking

The truth is that multitasking actually decreases your productivity. It drains your energy and ruins your focus faster.

It’s always better to focus only on a single task at a time and give it full attention so you can avoid any mistakes and increase your quality of work.

5. Use apps

You can also use apps such as time-tracking, project management, and to-do list software to keep you accountable.

With new technology, tools to improve your time management skills are at your fingertips. They also provide you with reports so you can monitor your time management efforts.

Remember that time management is a mental game that everyone can master if they want to. Using your hours to work efficiently for the outcomes you value the most will bring you success and sustain the feeling of fulfillment that comes from accomplishing them.

Do You Work from Home? Here are 6 Ways to Make Sure Your Wi-Fi is Quick | Muhammad Zaher, Theodysseyonline.com

Working from home was a fantasy at some point in time. However, there’s been a recent surge of remote positions you can do from your own home.

Laptops, game consoles, tablets, computers, and directv stream devices all use Wi-Fi technology. This authorizes social media, real-time streaming, Bluetooth, and access to the endless supply of information that makes life easy and convenient. WiFi utilizes radio frequencies, or radio waves, to communicate between devices.

6 Ways to Make Sure Your Wi-Fi is Fast

We’ve rounded up 6 easy and practical steps to get you a faster internet connection. If you’re looking to improve your home Wi-Fi, try some of these tips:

1.Move Your Router

Moving your router can help give your WIFI an incredible boost and make surfing and streaming a smoother, more pleasant experience. Did you know that by simply shifting the location of your router, you can significantly improve your internet speed? Wifi signals travel on waves that can be influenced by the environment around it. By strategically placing your router in an unobstructed area, like a high shelf or corner of your home, you’ll optimize the WIFI signal and maximize speeds.

2. Use an Ethernet Cable

Wired connections like ethernet, are usually faster and more reliable than wireless ones. The cable gets the signal straight to your connected device. It does not need over-the-air transmissions.

Just be cautious not to unplug your cable while you’re using it, as doing so will disconnect you from the internet immediately. Luckily, Ethernet cables are designed so they hardly pull out accidentally. Ethernet cables come in various lengths and colors. Regardless of the brand of cable or device you’re using, both sides come the same.

3. Add a Password

By changing your Wi-Fi password, you can easily eject any unwanted devices or users. That way you must enter your new password before connecting any device to your Wi-Fi. This means undesirable devices and users will be booted out.

4. Use an Ad Blocker

An ad blocker is a program that gives you back control over the types of advertising, tracking and scripts that appear when you browse the web. Not only does it help protect your privacy while browsing, but it also helps free up resources like memory and bandwidth that can drain your internet speeds, making sure your WiFi stays fast at all times. It’s the no-effort way to get the most out of your connection!

5. Upgrade Your Router

One of the best ways to improve your in-home wireless network is by upgrading your router. Routers are the foundation of a reliable and fast WIFI connection, and having an up-to-date model can make a world of difference in terms of performance. Not only will you get higher download and upload speeds, but you can minimize buffering when streaming online content, enjoy faster website load times, and ensure there’s enough bandwidth to go around for everyone who needs it.

6. Get a Different Internet Provider

If you want to speed up your internet connection, you don’t have to endure endless hours of waiting anymore. One solution is to switch to a different internet provider. This may sound intimidating, but believe us when we say it’s really not! With today’s technology and options, it has become easier and easier to switch up providers without incurring high costs or lengthy contracts.

Conclusion

Poor Wi-Fi is one of the most frustrating problems that can occur in a home or office. To combat this, you can take steps to make sure your connection is fast and dependable. From changing your Wi-Fi channels and evaluating your router position, to updating your firmware and investing in better hardware — there are a number of easy ways to ensure that your Wi-Fi is quick and reliable. Don’t let slow speeds stand in the way of your productivity or enjoyment; start optimizing your connection today!

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November 29, 2022

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Remote Work Digest: November 29, 2022

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

7 Tips to Manage a Fully Remote International Business | Max Azarov, Entrepreneur.com

More companies are ditching the overhead costs of dedicated office spaces and unlocking global growth opportunities by transitioning to a fully remote business operation.

While the potential benefits are significant, business leaders will face various challenges. Follow these tips to manage your fully remote company better.

1.Clearly define your mission and vision

A clearly defined and adequately communicated mission and vision are vital for every successful remote business as this serves as a roadmap to guide the actions of every employee and the organization.

2. Don’t think local. Think global.

A fully remote business gives you access to new markets and a global customer base and opens up opportunities to tap into global talent pools. Don’t fall into the trap of keeping hiring strategies and recruitment drives contained to home markets.

3. Build a company culture based on accountability

The lack of oversight of employee time often causes concern for business leaders as their company transitions from a brick-and-mortar operation to a fully remote business. While keeping tight rein on working hours is tempting, it is vital that every remote business finds the balance between flexibility and accountability. Rigid rules and set hours can stifle innovation and complicate working arrangement.

Instead, give employees the flexibility to structure their workdays around their individual needs, circumstances and preferences. The key is set to clear expectations regarding outputs and deliverables rather than tightly monitoring their inputs.

4. Empower your employees to act independently

Fostering a culture of trust nurtures other positive traits within a remote workforce, such as curiosity, bravery, innovative thinking and bold experimentation. The freedom and confidence to explore, develop and try new methodologies and new ways of working can create a competitive advantage for your organization.

5. Prioritize talent and experience

Bringing in people with expertise and experience means you get staff who can self-manage and work with freedom while delivering the quality outputs they require.

6. Implement technologies that help employees

Technology offers the ideal solution to transcend the geographic boundaries and tie zones that remote international companies deal with daily.

7. Champion international communication

Remote teams must frequently communicate transparently and correctly, regardless of the channel. Management and leadership must ensure they can effectively convey their messages to the right targets. Effective communication fosters trust through transparency and ensures remote employees clearly understand their tasks, roles and responsibilities.

Creating multiple channels for staff to give their feedback and opinions, ask questions, share ideas, profile great work or simply voice their concerns allows remote workers to communicate their value and makes them feel heard and empowered.

4 ways to Make Your Workspace More Productivity | Ali Bajwa,  Techbullion.com

Many external factors have an impact on the productivity of the individual. Studies have shown that changing the state of the workspace can increase productivity by 25%. Many high-end companies optimize the workspace to improve the productivity of the workforce. 

The vibe of the office influences the productivity of the employees and the workplace. A few simple changes like changing the layout of the space, taking short breaks, and limiting the use of social media boost productivity levels.

There are surely some ways to increase productivity, however, you can develop new habits and take the right steps to stay productive in the long run.

Change the Physical Layout of the Workspace

Refining the physical layout of the workspace is crucial to creating a productive office atmosphere. Once you have established what needs to be changed, plan a layout for the workspace considering the major elements, for instance, cubicles, space for new projects, and storage.

Add Colors to Boost Mood

Get rid of dull colors that make you feel tired and bored, conversely, add a pop of colors that increase the employee’s appetite for work. Replace lackluster colors with specific colors that contribute to promoting productivity.

  • Blue – Blue promotes peace, calmness, concentration, and clear thought. Surrounding the space with this color enhances productivity and helps generate fresh ideas.
  • Green – It is a suitable color for a high-stress office atmosphere, making the employees feel relaxed and calm.
  • Red – This color is known to accelerate heart rate, therefore, linked with improved performance. With its aggressive energy, it urges employees to be active and energetic.
  • Yellow – Most experts do not consider it an appropriate color for an office, however, it triggers positive emotional expenses and is associated with increased energy levels.

Organize

Take time to declutter space from time to time and throw out unnecessary stuff. Changing the layout will only work if you keep the space organized and the workforce has easy access to things they need.

It is best to organize digitally so you do not have to spend time sorting through documents, apps, and files. A well-organized physical and digital workspace will save time and boost productivity and performance.

Experts reveal factors in the workplace that could be increasing staff turnover | Rebecca Tomes, Ifamagazine.com

Employee wellbeing experts Loopin have highlighted six of the major factors in the workplace that could lead to a high staff turnover, from lack of opportunities and purpose, to overworked employees, all of which contribute to huge employee turnover costs.  

Little opportunity for growth

Offering promotions for existing employees rather than hiring externally is one way to provide opportunities for growth. Communication is key in this instance to ensure that staff have clarity on how they need to perform in order for this to be possible, for example, a checklist of targets over a realistic time frame – this way, both you and the employees can assess how close they are to the next step. Alternatively, providing relevant training courses for staff allows them to educate themselves and stay up to date with the sector, thus being an excellent opportunity for growth.      

Lack of feedback

Offering feedback to employees is a small implementation that can go far – not only does it show recognition, but it’s also a huge factor that can help them succeed.  Regular 1-1s are an excellent opportunity to provide feedback, as it gives employees the chance to address any areas they are particularly struggling in.    

Lack of flexible working

Flexible working options offer a practical solution for employees. It can help those using unreliable public transport, those who need to take their children to school, or those with pets, to name a few. Implementing flexible working options where employees can be more autonomous and set their own schedules offers a healthier work-life balance; without it, employees may turn to a different company that does provide this benefit.      

Overworking employees

 Of course, there may be times when employees will have additional responsibilities. Particularly whilst many companies are making significant redundancies, resulting in employees having a bigger workload. However, managers must monitor the workload of all employees and find ways to protect them from burnout and stress caused by unavoidable workloads. Without doing so, staff are more likely to search for another role that offers a better work-life balance. On the other hand, employees must have enough work and understand their contribution to the make-up of the organisation’s overall mission, vision, and success.     

Feeling undervalued and unappreciated

Free lunches and table football are great, but they barely scratch the surface when it comes to creating a culture where employees feel appreciated, cared for, and understood. If employees feel their work is not valued and their contributions go unnoticed, they are likely to lack motivation and may consider leaving their current role for a job that is more rewarding and enjoyable.    

Understanding an employee’s concerns, values, needs, and hopes for the future is crucial to retain your top talent. Efforts should be made to communicate and understand individuals’ needs and inspirations, so their hard work can be recognized in a way that has the maximum impact.

Top employee cybersecurity tips for remote work and travel | Roy Zur, Venturebeat.com

While technology has made significant strides in protecting us from ourselves, working remotely can quickly go south if we don’t take basic cybersecurity precautions. This article covers a range of security best practices for remote work and travel. Obviously, not every tip applies to every situation. That said, it is crucial to understand your current and future surroundings, assess their relative risk and take steps to protect your credentials, devices and confidential data.

Here are some tips to help improve your security posture during remote work or travel.

Do this first: Lock your SIM card

Trip or no trip,lock your SIM card. SIM-jacking (or SIM-swapping, unauthorized port-out or “slamming”) is a real and underreported crime where threat actors pretend to be you, contact your wireless provider and “port over” your SIM card to your (their) “new phone.” Imagine someone stealing your entire online life, including your social media accounts.

Cybersecurity tips for remote and traveling workers

Create a strong password (with upper and lower case letters, distinctive characters, and several characters long). Never store passwords on your person or on the phone, including in the notes section. Ideally, your employer should be using a password manager, but chances are they’re not. According to SpecOps’ 2022 Weak Password Report, 54% of businesses do not use a password manager. Even more troubling, 48% of organizations don’t have user verification for calls to the IT service desk.

Patch and update every device you are using, including apps. Do the same for the browsers and everything else you’re running on those devices. In August 2022, Apple put out the word that unpatched versions of iPads, iPhones and Macs could be essentially taken over by threat actors. Make sure everything is current as you step into an unfamiliar environment.

Use two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere and with everything. When choosing how to receive the authentication code, always opt for token over text as it’s much more secure. At Black Hat 2022, a Swedish research team demonstrated exactly how insecure text authentications are. If a hacker has your login credentials and phone number, text-based authentication simply won’t protect you.

Security and travel: Leaving the home office

Leave sensitive data at home. Don’t bring devices containing personally identifiable information (PII) or confidential company documents. Do you use a particular laptop for online banking and signing mortgage docs? Leave it at home. Want to take your work computer on holiday? Reconsider. What happens to your career if company secrets fall into the wrong hands? Of course, taking your laptop on a business trip is expected, but just make sure it’s free of your personally identifiable information.

Use RFID blockers to shield your passport and credit cards from “contactless crime.” While contactless payments are convenient at grocery stores and toll booths, they can be quite problematic within range of threat actors employing radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners. An RFID scanner in the wrong hands allows hackers to simply walk past a group of people and unmask identifiable card information.

Wrapping up

As you can see, most cybersecurity when traveling involves front-end preparation. Like everything else security-related, it’s crucial to keep systems, software and browsers updated and patched. When traveling abroad, understand that not everywhere is home of the free. Know where you’re going and what their local privacy laws are.

In summary, keep a low profile when working remotely or traveling. Don’t take any chances or unnecessary risks.

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October 28, 2022

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Remote Work Digest: October 28, 2021

The latest on all kinds of information, news, and resources that help you make working remotely better.

Five Steps Companies Can Take To Navigate The Shift To Remote and Hybrid Work | Dana Brownlee, Forbes.com

It should shock no one that McKinsey and Lean In’s Women in the Workplace 2022 report finds that most professional women prefer hybrid and remote work. Indeed, the benefits of ditching the traditional office setting are hard to deny—decreased commute time, fewer microaggressions, additional flexibility and time with family and, for many, increased productivity. The findings from their survey of more than 40,000 employees found that women who had this type of flexibility were not just happier but also less likely to leave their workplace, particularly women with disabilities.

While most organizations are by now well aware of soaring employee interest in continued work-from-home flexibility, many have struggled to balance its popularity with mundane operational needs and leadership preferences. The report’s findings fortunately offer five clear steps that companies can take to navigate this shift to remote and hybrid work. “For companies that are transitioning to remote and hybrid work, it’s critical to ensure that these new modes of working work for everyone,” the report explains. “This will require a mindset shift. It’s not enough to tweak old policies and practices; companies need to fundamentally rethink how work is done.”

1.Clearly communicate plans and guidelines for flexible work

Not surprisingly, communication in many ways is a vital part of the process—not just explaining the nuts and bolts of new policies and procedures but also clarifying “the why” behind key decisions. “It’s important to share guidelines about who can work remotely and why, so people don’t feel they’re being treated unfairly. It’s also important that companies provide clear guidelines to help employees navigate the day-to-day complexities of remote and hybrid work; for example, establishing specific windows during which meetings can be scheduled and employees in different time zones are expected to be available.”

2. Gather regular feedback from employees

Half of communication is listening—at least it should be—so it’s important to commit to full communication by not just announcing decisions but also gathering feedback from employees on a regular basis. Simply announcing a new process or policy without hearing from staff and incorporating their feedback won’t yield optimal, sustainable results.

3. Invest in fostering employee connectedness

While remote work offers distinct individual benefits, it can also create challenges for cultivating and maintaining team intimacy and connection. Team connection builds trust which in turn propels innovation, productivity and morale so organizations seeking to embrace long term remote work should also commit to taking proactive steps to cultivate a sense of team even when that team may not be physically collocated. “Making creative use of technology to facilitate watercooler-style interactions and team celebrations in a virtual work environment is a good start,” the report suggests.

4. Be purposeful about in-person work

“Employee expectations for in-person work are changing—in particular, many employees don’t want to come into the office to do work they can just as easily do at home,” the study finds. “In light of this, many companies are starting to refocus in-person work on activities that take advantage of being together, such as high-level planning, learning and development training, and bursts of heavy collaboration.”

5. Make sure the playing field is level

Hybrid teams can easily create a hierarchy of sorts in terms of information access, visibility or face time with senior leaders and key influencers, so it’s important for organizations to proactively work to neutralize potential disparities and cultivate a work environment that is fair, equitable and inclusive. “It’s important that remote and hybrid employees get the same support and opportunities as on-site employees,” the study asserts. “People managers play a central role here, and many could benefit from additional training on how to foster remote and hybrid employees’ career development and minimize flexibility stigma. Equal access to mentorship and sponsorship are also key, yet less than half of companies offer virtual mentorship and sponsorship programs.” The study also warns against remote employees being disadvantaged during the performance evaluation process. To support diverse work approaches organizations should make a concerted effort to emphasize results over process.

Increasingly, organizations are embracing hybrid working to maximize flexibility and hopefully productivity and team morale as well. McKinsey and Lean In’s Women in the Workplace 2022 Report reminds us that women are increasingly demanding and expecting more. Hybrid working—considered innovative and leading edge in the past—is increasingly becoming an organizational expectation. In many ways the pressure is on for organizations to pivot and reimagine the future of work in a way that is both engaging and satisfying for all.

Working From Home? Weave Exercise Breaks into Your Schedule | Tapinto.net

Between work, school, parenting, chores, a social life, and volunteer obligations, your day is suddenly too full to exercise. To think, we believed getting some of those commuter hours back would uncomplicate our lives! As we normalize this more extensive “life at home,” make sure that you don’t forgo some movement. Exercise can energize your body, sharpen your mind, and break up the monotony of your day. And you don’t need to devote an entire hour-long session to enjoy the benefits. 

Weave exercise into your day

Carving out multiple 10-to-20-minute exercise breaks is far easier than stepping away from your computer for a full hour. You’ll find that your motivation to complete a 15-minute circuit is higher than gearing up for that hour at the gym. Examine your workday and decide where you can structure three exercise blocks. Ideally, you’d have one in the morning, one midday, and one in the afternoon or evening. You can even multitask while exercising. Hop on that conference call while you sit on the bike, fold laundry while you stretch – be creative!

What kind of exercise is best?

When you only have 15 minutes to work out, how should you spend your time? While these short bursts aren’t great for building endurance, they are ideal for completing intense cardio or strength exercises. That time frame is also enough for meditation and stretching. Breaking a sweat in short increments allows you to bring your maximum energy level to each session rather than stalling out at the end of an extended set.

Physical Health Benefits

The top benefit of many short exercise sessions is the increased probability of completion and consistency. This method allows you to get that recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise that doctors agree is crucial for lasting physical health.

Mental Health and Cognitive Benefits

Research shows that physical activity (in this case, even as short as 15 minutes) enhances cognitive processing immediately. This finding means that a short break on the bike or yoga mat can improve your work performance when you head back to the desk. And when it comes to mental health? A short workout breaks from the stresses of emails, calls, and deadlines and gives you room to recharge. Similarly, completing a 20-minute routine can give you a sense of accomplishment, improving your mood heading into the rest of your day.

With ingenuity, it should be easy to find several short sessions each day for exercise as you work from home. Your body (and mind!) will thank you.

Get the tech you need for a positive work-from-home experience | Whitney Shakespear Henry, Deseret.com

Working from home is becoming more popular as people seek ways to save money or improve their work-life balance. But it can be tricky to stay connected and productive when you’re not in the office. Here are seven tips and tools to help you stay connected and productive while working remotely.

1.Make sure you have a good internet connection

One of the very first tips for working from home is to have a good internet connection. You can get away with cheap internet and a spotty connection when you don’t spend much time at your house. But a reliable and fast internet connection is essential once you’ve moved to remote work.

2.Get a good headset or speakerphone for talking to clients and colleagues

If you’re working remotely, you must have an excellent way to communicate with clients and colleagues. A headset or speakerphone is an essential piece of equipment needed to work from home. A good headset should offer clear audio quality, especially if you’re making a lot of calls or video conferencing.

3.Invest in a good-quality webcam

Another essential piece of technology for remote workers is a quality webcam. If you’re doing video calls, you want to ensure that the other person can see you clearly. A good webcam will make a big difference in the quality of your calls.

4.Get an ergonomic chair and desk if you’ll be working from home for extended periods

An ergonomic chair is one of the best office chairs you could get for long hours of at-home work. And one of the best desk investments? A standing desk.

An ergonomic chair is a chair that has been designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, which can help to reduce fatigue and discomfort. Ergonomic chairs are usually more expensive than traditional office chairs, but they may be worth it if you have long working hours.

5.Stay organized with a planner or calendar

When working from home, it’s easy to let things slide and forget about deadlines. That’s why it’s important to stay organized with a planner or calendar. This will help you track what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.

6.Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks to eat healthy snacks

One of my last tips for working from home is to ensure you take care of yourself. It’s easy to get lost in your work and forget to drink water or take breaks to eat. But if you’re not taking care of your body, it will eventually catch up with you.

Here’s How Not to Get Fired When You’re Working from Home | Angela Johnson, Yahoo.com

You may not be holding down two full-time jobs, but you should know that your company is tracking when and how you work – even when you’re not in the office. Here are a few things you should keep in mind while you work.

Don’t Be Slow With Your Response

If it takes you hours to respond to work emails, you’d better have a good explanation. Employers know that meetings and other important projects may inhibit your ability to communicate quickly. But if they notice that you’re never available, it may send up a red flag that something else is going on.

Watch What You Search

Nine times out of 10, your boss is probably doing a little online shopping during work hours too. But if something goes down, you don’t want to have anything come up in your Internet search history that can be used against you, including your personal social media accounts. So whether you’re planning your summer vacation or looking for new dining room furniture, it’s probably best to do that on your personal computer on your own time.

Don’t Use Email or Business Messaging Apps to Bash Your Boss

Hopefully, you already know this, but in case you don’t, I have to tell you. Please, oh please don’t type anything in Slack or email that you don’t want your boss to know. Employers can access communication from Teams, Slack and other messaging apps, if necessary.

Even if your company isn’t keeping track of every keystroke, it’s best to be clear on their communication policy, so you know exactly what’s ok and what’s not before it’s too late. Don’t sign any agreements without reading them carefully. And if you’re using a work-issued computer, you should know that pretty much everything is fair game.