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How to Use Downtime at Work Productively

How to Use Downtime at Work Productively

As we head into the dreary winter months, I am reminded of the seasonality of business. In most organizations, there is a natural ebb and flow that occurs. Things get predictably busy at certain times of the year, just as things get predictably slow at other times. For my business, the month of December is always blessedly slow—and I like to take advantage. In fact, I have a whole list of projects I’ve been saving up all year! I can’t wait to dive into it.

Unfortunately, even though slow times are totally normal and often very predictable, a lot of professionals fail to adequately plan for them. As a result, they find themselves complaining of boredom and struggling to keep busy. They’re hardly able to enjoy the slower pace, for fear that they’re not being as productive as they could or should be.

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The Benefits of Workplace Routines and How to Set Them Up

The Benefits of Workplace Routines

I’m a huge fan of workplace routines. I use them on a daily and weekly basis, and I truly believe they play a major role in my productivity.  

Workplace routines are like rituals—specific, pre-established ways of doing things that need to happen on a regular basis. Most people utilize a variety of routines in both their personal and professional lives.   

For example, you may have a morning routine at home. You have a specific time by which you need to get up, wake the kids, get in the shower, make the kids’ lunches, send them out the door, and jump in your car to head to work.  This time-bound, clearly ordered set of activities is your routine. If you follow it, you’ll create consistent positive results: the kids will get to school with lunch in hand, and you’ll get to work clean and on time.   

As a professional, you can utilize a wide variety of similar routines in the workplace. Doing so will help enhance your ability to get things done, while also creating more clarity and peace of mind.    

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4 Ways to Streamline Your Workweek

Streamline Your Workweek

In today’s modern workplace, feeling overwhelmed by your workload is nothing unique. We’ve all been there. Some might say it’s the “new normal.” However, just because it’s expected, doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. By leveraging a few simple strategies to streamline your workweek, you can use your limited time more wisely. With a little Monday-Friday planning, you can make sure you’re focusing on the right priorities and accomplishing them, not just spinning your wheels.

What Does It Mean to “Streamline Your Workweek”?

To streamline your workweek simply means to find more efficient ways of organizing your week so it flows more smoothly and you get more done. All too often, we arrive at work on Monday with the best of intentions, but come Friday, we’re wondering where the time went. With streamlining, we clear away the clutter and create more effective weeks, from start to finish.

If you’re ready to streamline your workweek, start with these 4 strategies:

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Office Design Ideas for a Productive Workspace

This is a guest post contributed by Eleanor Whitney, editor of All Hands, a publication about life at work from Managed by Q.

These days, design inspiration is everywhere. As we scroll through Instagram, admiring like-worthy workspaces and decor details, it’s easy to look around our own spaces and think about how we could adjust the decor or maybe even knock down a wall to open up the space and get more natural light.

As an admin or office professional, you are in charge of keeping the office running smoothly and ensuring a productive work environment for your team, which can extend to making design decisions for the workplace. Whether you are tasked with refreshing the look of the entire office, or just want to re-do your workspace to be more inviting and efficient, the tips below are recommended by the interior designers we work at Managed by Q.

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How to Create a Positive and Productive Workspace

This is a guest post contributed by Eleanor Whitney, editor of All Hands, a publication about life at work from Managed by Q.

The space where we do our work matters. Americans who are employed full time now work an average of 47 hours a week. In addition, employee expectations for their workplace experience are increasing, and many expect all the comforts of home in their office. Some companies are responding by piling on the amenities like custom designed spaces for different personality types and bottomless snacks. However, more important than perks is a workspace that supports your productivity and positivity, whether it’s your individual desk or your entire office.  

In my role, I have the opportunity to talk with office managers, administrators, and leaders about how they run their office and what inspires them to do their best work. Whether you’re looking to reorganize your personal workstation or get ideas for a major office redesign, these strategies  can enable you to create a space you look forward to coming to every day. [Read more…] about How to Create a Positive and Productive Workspace