2 Quick Steps in to Increase Your Productivity Today!

In this information and digital age, everything is at our finger tips; apps, websites and softwares exist to make our lives easier and more productive, but often if feels as if we are creating more work for ourselves. According to this LinkedIn Pulse article by a New York Times Editor, Productivity is the name we give our attempts to figure out the best uses of our energy, intellect, and time as we try to seize the most meaningful rewards with the least wasted energy, or; getting things done without sacrificing everything we care about along the way.

Increasing efficiencies? More spare time? Okay, sign me up! The article is well worth a read as it touches on how to make the best use of our time and, therefore increase, our productivity.

This is also the subject of a book I am currently reading – Productivity Ninja, which comes highly recommended. The premise of the book is “work smarter, not harder” and that is a philosophy I can get on board with! Although only half way through, I have started implementing two key things from the book, which I’ve notice has already impacted on my day to day efficiency.

1. Get your inbox down to zero – depending on what role you’re in, this can seem like a completely impossible task, but it is achievable! Yesterday alone, I sent 143 emails and think how many responses that will generate – a lot! Thanks to the book, I have started implementing the two-minute rule. Can it be dealt with in less than two minutes? Then deal with it now. The time and energy spent adding it to a to do list and allocating time to do it when it could have been done in less than two minutes? Get it done and get it out of your inbox.

2. The @waiting inbox – have you ever fallen victim to ticking something off your to do list by putting the ball in someone else’s court – asking for a meeting as an example, but then needing them to respond in order for any action to actually be taken? Create an @waiting subfolder in your inbox (@ means it will appear at the top of your sub folder list). Any task where you find yourself waiting on someone else, pop it in there. Whenever you have a spare 15 minutes in the week, have a look to see who you need to follow up, with action. This way, it’s removed from your mind, stored safely and you will trust your system enough to know that it won’t fall through the cracks!

Currently half way through the book, there will be more advice and tips to share, but try implementing these two small things and see if it makes any difference in your day. In this digital age, when we are contactable 24/7, organisations are asking more of employees and employees are working harder. The more we can do to create efficiencies, the more productive we will be, and the more balance we can introduce to our lives!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Navigating Candidate Market Drivers in 2024

20 Mar, 2024

The employment market is continuously changing, so understanding the drivers and motivators influencing an employee or candidate is paramount for businesses striving to attract and retain talent. Recent findings from our market insights survey shed light on the shifting priorities shaping the current job market, showing results that vary from the top candidate drivers of 2023. According to our survey results, the top five drivers and motivators for employees and jobseekers in today's market are as follows: Compensation/Salary Package - 64.7% Company Culture and Values - 47% Professional Growth and Personal Development Opportunities - 45.1% Remote and Hybrid Working Policies - 39.8% Work-Life Balance - 38.7% What's particularly noteworthy is the subtle yet significant shift in priorities compared to the data from 2023. Whilst compensation has always been a key motivation for candidates, its importance has notably increased, emerging as the top priority for most employees and jobseekers. Equally significant is the emphasis placed on company culture and values, which have risen to become the second most influential factor driving employment decisions. This shift highlights the increasing importance individuals place on aligning with an organisation that shares their values, vision, and ethos. In today's competitive job market, candidates seek more than just a paycheck; they crave a sense of belonging and purpose within their workplace community. On the other hand, whilst remote and hybrid working policies remain important considerations, their ranking has slightly decreased compared to the previous year. This trend suggests that whilst flexibility in work arrangements remains desirable, it may no longer be the primary driving factor for many candidates, as we have long emerged from the days of pandemic. The findings from our market insights survey highlight a fundamental truth: the landscape of candidate and employee preferences is continually evolving. Employers must adapt their recruitment and retention strategies to align with these shifting priorities, placing greater emphasis on competitive compensation, fostering a positive company culture, and providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. As businesses navigate the complexities of effective recruitment and employee management, understanding and responding to the evolving needs and desires of the market will be essential in attracting and retaining talent and fostering long-term organisational success. As we move forward in 2024, it's imperative for businesses to prioritise not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of their workforce, creating environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. By staying attuned to the evolving landscape of candidate drivers and motivators, organisations can position themselves as employers of choice in an increasingly competitive marketplace. If you’re interested in learning more about our survey findings, download a copy of our Market Insights report below!