Stressed Out Creative Teams Can Find Help from Automation
In order to remain competitive, creatives must either create more or more effective content. We surveyed more than 1,500 creative managers and individual contributors, both agency and in-house, to better understand the current state of creative teams and investigate their key challenges.
How to Figure Out If You're a Workaholic (Infographic)
Are you always working late into the night? Or pushing yourself to work hard because you want constant recognition by coworkers? Is it all to the detriment of your personal relationships? If so, you just might be a workaholic. Psychology Today calls workaholism "a soul-destroying addiction that changes people's personality and the values they live by." Here at Wrike, we call it the disease of the "working dead." Because we don't want you to roam the office hallways with carpal tunnel syndrome, glassy eyes, and moaning "brainsss," we put together this quick quiz to help you discover if you are on the road to becoming a workaholic. Find out now, and pump the breaks if you're going down the wrong path! Share this infographic quiz with your coworkers who are teetering on the edge of workaholism. And use this embed code if you want to share it on your blog: Infographic brought to you by Wrike If you prefer not to manually total your score, then take our interactive version of the quiz to get your results quickly: Working Too Hard? Maybe You Just Need Lunch If you feel you're on track to becoming a full-fledged workaholic, you may want to take one small step toward making a change in your life. Here's one tip: actually use your lunch hour. And no, eating at your desk doesn't count (we're onto you!) Go out, grab a bite, enjoy a walk, and don't check your work messages for a solid 20-30 minutes. Workaholic instincts making you wary of stepping away from your desk for that long? This blog post explains why you need to give yourself a real break during the workday: 7 Reasons to Bring Back the Lunch Break.
9 Productivity Snacks to Get You Through Your Work Day
If you love food as much as I do, then you're always looking for excuses to eat throughout the day. Bored, stressed, nervous, happy... all very legitimate reasons to head to the kitchen. I'm here to share with you another reason to eat: greater productivity. Hard work requires a sharp mind and plenty of energy, and eating the right foods can boost productivity. . You're probably thinking: No way, this is just a fabricated excuse to eat more. Allow me to explain. Glucose is what provides our brain with the energy it needs to stay alert and focused. Just about everything you eat is converted to glucose. When we're running low on glucose, we tend to lose focus easily. This is why it’s hard to work on an empty stomach. . Great, so I'll just stuff my face with spaghetti and I'm golden. Not so fast. According to Harvard Business Review, not all foods are processed by our bodies the same way. For example, foods that are high in carbohydrates or sugar release glucose quickly, so we get an immediate burst of energy followed by a lethargic crash. So it's important to assess the consequences of your food choices when productivity is on the line. . Snacks to Maximize Productivity The next time you're looking for foods that boost productivity, put down that greasy bag of chips and reach for one of these options instead: 1. Almonds Almonds are the go-to when looking for foods that increase focus. They are easy to store and packed with lots of healthy fats and necessary calories to get you through your day. Not only that, but the protein in almonds helps curb your appetite without feeling sluggish. . 2. Green Tea Ok, this isn't really a snack. But it's a healthy, caffeine-packed alternative to coffee and guaranteed to provide you with nutrition and productivity. Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine that improves focus and helps the brain stay alert. L-theanine mixed with just the right amount of caffeine is the perfect recipe for a productive day. Other benefits include boosting metabolism, lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and improving skin health...who can say no to that! . 3. Bananas Remember how I said glucose gives you the energy to stay focused? A single banana is packed with the daily amount of glucose your body needs to stay productive throughout the day. Bananas also have a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, so they'll keep you feeling full longer; preventing you from making multiple trips to the kitchen. . 4. Eggs There's a reason why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eggs are chock-full of a B vitamin called choline, which is known to help improve memory and speed up reaction times. Not to mention, there are so many easy ways to prepare eggs: scrambled, hard-boiled, egg salad, etc. Little time needed for preparation, and lots of EGGcellent benefits. . 5. Dark Chocolate Yes, you read that right. Dark chocolate has an abundance of nutrients that contribute to your work performance. The sugar and caffeine in dark chocolate gives you just the right amount of energy to get work done without getting the post-coffee jitters. The magnesium in chocolate also helps relieve stress and anxiety. I just provided you with another excuse to eat chocolate, and for that, you're welcome. . . 6. Water Not only does it effect your overall health, water and hydration play a big role in productivity. Made up of 80% of water, your brain highly depends on you staying hydrated. drinking lots of water (recommend 8 glasses or 2 liters a day) can not only boost energy levels significantly, but improve your mental flexibility by 14%. . Because I like to mix it up a bit, here are few dynamic duo combinations that will keep both your stomach and your brain happy: 7. Apple & Peanut Butter Apples are very rich in antioxidants and have about 13g of sugar, which make them a more effective source of energy than coffee. Pair them with a tablespoon or two of your favorite natural peanut butter and you have the perfect combination of energy + protein to keep your mind sharp and your tummy full. . 8. Yogurt & Granola The amount of sleep you get is also directly related to what you eat. Lack of sleep or insomnia is often caused from hunger pains. If you tend to eat dinner early, having a small snack a few hours before bed helps improve sleep so you are recharged and ready to start your day. Yogurt and granola are great snacks to curb those late-night sugar cravings and ease hunger pains so you can be well rested for the day ahead. . 9. Carrots & Hummus Ah, there's nothing like the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy. Carrots are delicious and you can pair hummus with pretty much anything. The luteolin found in carrots helps improve memory, while hummus contains Omega 3 fatty acids and amino acids which help improve intelligence and boost your mood. Hummus also packs lots of protein and calories that help curb your hunger longer. . Snacks to Avoid 1. Sweets Of course, the sugar rush is great for a brief burst of energy — but what goes up must come down. Instead of productive creativity you'll find yourself struggling to keep your head up and eyes open. Reach for more nutritional high-energy snacks such as apples, nuts, or green tea. . 2. Salty foods Salt may be your best friend, but is also your worst enemy. Every salty food — whether it's chips, pretzels, french fries, sushi (check out the sodium on that soy sauce bottle) — will leave you feeling bloated and thirsty. Try to snack on something lighter, or if you are in the mood for sushi, opt for the light sodium soy sauce and steer clear of the deep fried rolls. . What healthy snacks do you reach for when you're looking to boost productivity? Share your snack ideas in the comments. . Ready to eat healthy and reduce stress? Check out these 7 Exercises for Reducing Stress (Infographic)
13 Quick Stress-Busters You Can Do At Your Desk
Even if you love your job, you probably feel overwhelmed at work from time to time. Your email inbox demands constant attention, managers and coworkers are asking for updates, you’re searching for the information you need to get things done, and new priorities are always being dumped in your lap. Even the lighting and temperature of your office can add to your stress levels. All these stressors build up and before you know it, you’re nursing a tension headache, stress eating, and tossing and turning at night. The good news is, just as stress can easily build up in little ways throughout the day, you can just as easily combat it—without ever leaving your desk. Try out these 13 easy techniques to eliminate stress, improve your workday, and figure out how to work from home successfully: 1. Write down your worries Whether you’re anxious about a big presentation or the results of an upcoming project, the simple act of writing down your worries can alleviate stress and boost your performance. Worrying about a situation actually taxes your working memory, using up your brain’s processing power. Expressive writing helps you stop ruminating on the situation and pinpoint the real source of your stress, so your working memory has the resources it needs to perform better when the actual situation arises. 2. Watch a funny video A good laugh not only clears your mind, it actually activates and then relieves your body’s stress response. It lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, stimulates circulation and muscle relaxation, and releases endorphins in the brain. And it not only relieves stress, it boosts creativity and productivity too. 3. Turn off your monitor for 10 minutes Computer monitors, smartphones, TVs—most of us are staring at a screen from the moment we wake up to the minute we go to sleep. As a result, Computer Vision Syndrome has been linked to eye strain, head and neck aches, nausea, and increased anxiety and depression. So make a conscious effort to unplug—literally. Instead of taking a break by catching up on social media or texting a friend, turn off your monitor, close your laptop, and give your eyes a break. Read a book or magazine, take a walk (without playing Pokemon Go), or make yourself a cup of coffee and chat with a colleague. 4. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation This relaxation technique calms your body’s fight or flight reflex, which is triggered when you’re stressed. You focus on tensing and then relaxing each major muscle group in your body for 5 seconds at a time. As a result, your heart and breathing rate decrease, blood pressure stabilizes, and muscles relax. 5. Pet the office dog (or visit a nearby dog park) Petting or playing with a dog can lower blood pressure, release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol. In my experience, dogs are also great listeners, making them the perfect outlet for unloading anxieties and worries without fear of judgment. 6. Enjoy a snack—just don't scarf it down “Don’t stress eat” is a common warning (and good advice), but indulging in a treat isn’t always an unhealthy way to combat stress. In fact, the right snack can give your blood sugar and your mood a quick boost. Just step away from the box of doughnuts and reach for proven stress-fighting foods like berries, nuts, dark chocolate, and oatmeal instead. There are even snacks that specifically help you be more productive. And make sure you slow down and enjoy it, instead of swallowing the snack in one gulp. 7. Practice deep breathing You don’t need to be in a yoga studio to reap the benefits of deep breathing, which can lower blood pressure, promote relaxation, and help calm your central nervous system. Plus, it’s a quick and easy way to de-stress that no one else will notice, even in a crowded office. Simply inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of four. 8. Listen to music Music, especially quiet classical, is a powerful tool to de-stress, slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease levels of harmful stress hormones. It can also improve your self-esteem and mood. (This is my personal go-to playlist for fighting stress. Share yours in the comments below!) 9. Try guided meditation Just a couple minutes of daily meditation can have a significant impact on your stress levels, according to recent studies. It also has the added benefit of improving attention and cognitive performance, and actually increases grey matter density in the brain. You can download a free meditation app, like Calm, listen to guided meditation podcasts on iTunes, or follow along with a video on YouTube to find a few moments of peace without leaving your desk. 10. Look out the window Take a few minutes to gaze out the window and let your mind wander. Looking at nature (the real thing, not your screensaver) helps relax your body and slow your heart rate, and daydreaming is a powerful way to boost creativity and problem solving. 11. Reconnect with what matters Do you keep a gratitude journal? Don't be too quick to dismiss the idea—writing in a gratitude journal reduced stress levels by 27% in a group of students at Stanford, and recent studies at Yale and Columbia say gratitude journals result in greater alertness, attentiveness, and energy while boosting the immune system and reducing anxiety. 12. Call a friend Being around your closest friends actually reduces your body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol, and talking to a loved one can trigger your body’s “relaxation response.” So next time you’re worrying about pitching a new client, give your best friend or your mom a call. 13. Indulge in a relaxing hobby Do a sudoku puzzle, spend 10 minutes knitting, read a chapter of a mystery novel, tend to a bonsai plant you keep on your desk — whatever your hobby, taking a break from work and focusing on something you enjoy can be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. The Ultimate Stress-Buster Instead of combating work stress, eliminate it where you can by staying organized and in control of your work. Learn an easy way to get organized and productive with this 20-second intro to the GTD method, then start a free two-week trial of Wrike to put it into action.
Work/Life Balance — a Never-ending Debate (Work Management Roundup)
Welcome back to the weekly Work Management Roundup where we collect and curate articles from around the web that tackle work, promote productivity, or share advice on learning and self-improvement. This week, we tackle a potentially divisive topic: work-life balance.
What Is Hybrid Remote Working?
Hybrid remote working bridges the gap between remote work and office work. It offers employees the opportunity to work in an environment that suits them and has a substantial impact on both overall performance and productivity. Despite the weather-related small talk, many people still want to be with their co-workers. And if companies aren’t too eager to return to full-time hours on site for all employees again, there is a solution that is less black and white. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how hybrid remote working functions and why it could benefit the companies that employ it. What is a hybrid remote working model? A hybrid work environment includes both in-office and remote employees. This arrangement allows employees to work from home while still maintaining a physical office. Combining the two work models has major benefits for a number of vulnerable groups, including women, people who have disabilities, parents of young children, millennials, and Generation Z employees. If that’s not enough to pique your interest, the hybrid remote working model also seems to be a more productive and cost-effective strategy for everyone. There are plenty of companies still pushing the envelope when it comes to working conditions. But many are starting to realize that they need to care more about how their employees are getting things done and where they have to be to do it. This results-oriented mindset is the driving force behind many decisions to switch to a hybrid remote working model. When it comes to the day-to-day practicalities of this approach, it can vary widely. In general, hybrid workplaces need conference rooms, at least one large general use space, and a robust online tool for a successful transition. This can save companies real estate space and office expenses which are only a couple examples of the many benefits of hybrid remote working. What are the benefits of hybrid remote working? After working remotely during the pandemic, many employees are eager to return to their desks. But despite the enthusiasm for shared workspaces, many companies are still reluctant to return to the traditional office setting. That’s where hybrid remote working comes in. Easier planning Companies can work together with employees to create schedules that everyone will champion. For example, instead of working from home on the same days every week, an employee or team member will come to the office at agreed-upon times instead. This eliminates the need for an office manager to plan meetings and events for in-office hours. Smarter resource management A manager can then customize their work schedule to suit a specific company project. For example, all members of the same team can work from the same office then alternate with another team the following week. More flexibility Alternatively, companies can choose to give employees the freedom to go into the office whenever they want with the caveat that they do it a minimum number of times per week. An entirely flexible schedule allows employees to customize their work schedules to fit their personal needs. This concept is ideal for people who work from home for disability-related reasons or are on a tight deadline. Happier employees Many of us know from experience now that flexible work can boost employee satisfaction. It’s also a great way to reduce turnover and can be a major selling point for recruitment. What are the challenges of hybrid remote working? The traditional workday is no longer a requirement for many workers. Instead, they expect more from themselves and are more focused on results-oriented tasks. In fact, studies have shown that there is a link between feeling content with work and being productive. For employees, this expectation presents various challenges that employers have to consider. These challenges include but are not limited to: Management Company culture Miscommunication Micromanagement is one of the biggest challenges of both remote working and hybrid remote working. This can be counterproductive and may even lead to resentment amongst employees if taken to an extreme. For example, having to check in constantly or always be online while working from home (even after hours) may lead to a big enough decrease in morale that employees choose to quit. On the other hand, creating a culture of autonomy can help employees feel secure and accountable. Tip: Strong remote work management training and a great project management platform can help executives monitor teams in more productive ways. One of the other biggest challenges of hybrid remote working is finding ways to connect people part-time. Simply put, you can't force team culture. Instead of assuming teams will come together socially on their own, managers should try creating a space both online and in-person where everyone feels welcome. This can create a more intimate environment where people can connect and discuss their concerns. Another key issue is communication. Employees need to be able to communicate with each other wherever they are without having to travel to a physical office. By creating an online communication plan, you can easily integrate apps and messaging platforms into your existing systems. Considerations for going hybrid remote For some businesses, switching to a hybrid remote working model may be an impractical or impossible choice. While it is a great alternative to an entirely remote team, it does require more effort and an investment of time to implement. This is especially true when you consider how switching work models affects your company holistically. When it comes to going hybrid remote, team bonding is more important than ever. Just because you're not in the same location doesn't mean you can't do team bonding activities. Create remote team activities that are both fun and professional. From holiday parties to corporate announcements, there are endless possibilities. The goal is to show your employees that they're valued and treated the same regardless of where they work. It'll also help them feel included in the team even if they are in an entirely different timezone. You should also consider taking a temperature check (no pun intended) of your post-COVID company culture. At-home employees are typically more productive, less likely to quit, and generally happier than their in-office counterparts. After many months of telecommuting, you may find that your specific group is better suited to one model over another. Another important point of consideration is your management team’s style. When managers are used to being around their employees, they may not know how to manage a remote team, much less a part in-person, part remote team. There may be learning curves over time. One of the other important factors that companies should consider is the number of days employees can work in-office. Again, flexibility is key. Companies should not make strict rules around a minimum number of in-office days unless those rules are directly tied to goals and projects. Tips for managing a hybrid remote team Set expectations. First, get in touch with your employees to find out their preferences. Then, make sure they're prepared to measure their results no matter where they’re working from. After, discuss the hybrid office options with your senior executives before making the transition. Make a plan. Create a clear and flexible office schedule for the first couple of weeks back. This transition period can be used to document the various changes that will affect the office environment. Your return-to-work plan should also outline the procedures for the IT department. Develop meeting types. These may serve different purposes or function in new ways compared to the types of meetings you currently host. Make sure to divide up one-on-ones and status meetings so that each remote individual receives some personal attention. Have fun. Fun should be part of all in-office and remote work cultures. Online multiplayer games, virtual happy hours, trivia, and even hybrid karaoke can bring together remote and in-person teams no matter how far apart they are. Build a foundation. Before the project begins, provide all the details and requirements in advance. This will help avoid misunderstandings and confusion later. Another good step is keeping important documents and communication centralized. Take it slow. Transitioning to a hybrid remote working model doesn’t have to happen all at once. Small changes can be made each month or quarter so that no one gets overwhelmed. This also gives teams time to assess progress and reevaluate their model as they go. Implement meeting policies. Unscheduled meetings can be disruptive to hybrid remote teams, which is why companies may want to formally schedule them within their project management software or calendar tool. If you do have informal meetings, leaders should document the takeaways within project files and individual tasks as needed. Keep things fair. Leaders should carefully consider the perks of the office and extend them to those who are outside the office. For example, if a team member is remote but still needs to access an onsite gym and daycare, this could be difficult to accommodate. How to support hybrid remote teams with Wrike When remote work is no longer required, what happens when employees choose to work from home? For many companies, this is their first step into a hybrid working model. They need to prepare for this transition to implement it successfully. Here’s how Wrike can help. Wrike is a hybrid remote working software that lets you work seamlessly across time zones, spaces, and teams. Wrike helps streamline your collaboration by allowing everyone on the team to save, edit, and share project-related documents in real-time. Having a centralized storage space makes it easier to review, approve, and print documents too. Wrike also puts micromanagement concerns to rest through visual task management tools. With a clear view of your team's tasks, you can see who's working what, who's available, who’s not, and what the status is of every active project component. Building trust within your team in this way is an absolute necessity to keeping things running smoothly. In that same vein, Wrike’s dashboards give your management team ample support before, during, and after the transition to hybrid remote working. Essentially, they provide a bird's eye view of projects and the ability to dig deeper when necessary. With custom dashboards, you can see the status of all your team members' work, as well as the individual's workload. Our collaboration tool makes it incredibly simple to keep track of all your meetings and status updates. Also, it lets you outline the agenda and record notes in the same file. Using Wrike will help both your remote and in-person teams to time too. At-a-glance tools like these prevent employees from having to send or receive status updates to the entire team via email or messenger throughout the day. And by making project plans and task assignments visible to everyone within Wrike, team members will better understand the roles and responsibilities of others. Not only does it increase their visibility, but it also serves as a constant reminder of what they are working toward. It can even help them feel accountable to themselves and the team. Wrike can even help simplify and streamline the hybrid remote model scheduling process. The custom calendar feature is a great way to keep track of flexible and remote work arrangements all in one place. The promise of a future where hybrid remote working is the norm is exciting. With Wrike’s help, your team can easily experience the many benefits of the hybrid remote working model for themselves. Start your free trial today.
8 Productivity Snacks to Get You Through Your Work Day
Hard work requires a sharp mind and plenty of energy, and eating the right foods can boost productivity. The next time you're looking for foods that boost productivity, put down that greasy bag of chips and reach for one of these options instead:
7 Reasons to Bring Back the Lunch Break
Grrrrggglll... Hear that? That's the sound of your stomach grumbling. It's 2pm, and you worked right through your lunch again. The only reason you noticed is because your eye is starting to twitch and your normally perfect grammar is slacking. You rush over to the kitchen and snack on some stale pretzels while you scavenge for something more substantial. Nuts, dried apricots, and seaweed... more pretzels it is! You head back to your desk with a handful of sodium and work through the twitch. Sound familiar? You're probably suffering from skipped lunch syndrome. I don't mean simply ingesting food somewhere around midday — many people eat lunch at their desks. I'm talking about actually leaving your workspace and taking a break from work. If you're finding you just have too much on your plate to take a lunch out (pun intended), you're not alone. Studies show only 1 in 5 people step away from their offices to take a lunch. And even fewer people use the full hour. These days, lunch breaks are seen more as a luxury than an office standard. Why? Answers can be found in our modern work structure: The need to always be available The office provides food, so there's no reason to go out A fear of looking like you're abandoning your work Too many meetings and calls scheduled around lunchtime When you need to get a lot done, the first thing many people do is work through their lunch break. But the longer you're in the office, the more important it is to get out. Here are 7 reasons why you need that midday downtime: 1. Food gives you much-needed energy Ok, this one is pretty obvious. But it is not always routinely practiced. Studies show that working really hard can physically wear you out, even if you're sitting at a desk all day. Working through your lunch might seem more productive at first, but your body and mind will quickly run out of fuel. Eating a well-balanced lunch can give you the necessary energy to finish your work for the day. Just steer clear of the infamous "food coma." Eating too much in the middle of the day can leave you feeling fatigued. Tip: Eat your lunch away from your desk. Sit at a communal table, go to a nearby restaurant, or sit on the grass outside to clear your mind from work distractions. 2. Change of scenery helps you focus Just walking outside or talking a quick stroll around the block can be the difference between a productive and unproductive afternoon. Forming good habits like taking regular breaks and getting some fresh air can improve your ability to focus. Tip: Leave your phone behind to avoid taking calls or answering emails on your break. But - won't I be bored? You'd be surprised what boredom can do to replenish your mind and boost your creativity. 3. Exercise increases productivity Even if it's just for 20 minutes, exercise is a great energy booster for that midday hiatus. It helps improve your mood, reduce stress, and even increases your metabolism. Going for a walk, bike ride, run, or just doing a few simple stretches can make a huge impact on your daily productivity. Tip: If you're looking for a time to workout but don't want to go after work or wake up early, lunchtime is an excellent opportunity to squeeze in some activity. 4. Socializing with colleagues improves morale Sure, you see your coworkers 40+ hours a week, but how much time do you spend talking to them about non-work related topics? Hanging out with your coworkers at lunch can be a great opportunity to get to know them and can give you the mental break you need to get through your day. Plus, studies show that having colleagues as friends has both short- and long-term benefits. They can make your job more enjoyable as well as provide emotional support and advice when you're having a rough day. Tip: Invite a few colleagues to grab lunch, run errands, or even start a midday workout regimen together. 5. Checking your favorite websites improves mood Although it's good to get outside, this one can be a nice break for when you're stuck inside. You might browse the internet throughout your day (maybe a little too much), but if you set aside time to do it in the middle of the day, you might be less tempted by it during the hours you need to be productive. Reserve this time to check out your favorite blogs, recipes, videos, and/or podcasts that aren't work related. Tip: If you come across a non-work related article you want to read later, you should use the Wrike Chrome extension to quickly bookmark it. 6. Napping enhances memory This is just a fancy way of saying take a nap (one of my favorite hobbies). If there's one thing I think everyone could get more of these days it's sleep — and your lunch hour is the perfect time to catch a few Zzzs. Grabbing a quick power nap is a great way to get some extra shut-eye and recharge your batteries for the rest of the day. Naps are also known to improve memory and help you retain information longer. Tip: If you can't nap, try meditation. Visit a nearby park or even just reserve a quiet room in the office. This is a great alternative to help your mind relax and refocus on the second half of the day. 7. Having something to look forward to motivates you This one can be left up to your creativity - try to think of an activity you would look forward to. Then use that to motivate yourself to work hard throughout the morning so you can enjoy your break without thinking about all the work you still have to get done. You'd be surprised how much more you can accomplish and how quickly the day goes by when you have a little midday break to look forward to! Tip: Try to use the full hour. I know it's hard on days when you're swamped, but having the full hour to yourself can make a huge impact on your productivity for rest of the day. What lunchtime activities help you get through your day? Tell us how you do lunch in the comments! Image credit: "GREATEST GENERATION ON LUNCH BREAK 1942" by Robert Huffstutter on Flickr
Working Across Borders: How COVID-19 Shattered The Confines of Physical Locations and Work
For many global employees, work has traditionally been a physical location upheld by norms around attendance, communication, and collaboration. Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, as swathes of global office workers transitioned from physical to remote work attendance, many attitudes around work have evolved. From reigning in an out of control “always on” culture to prioritizing workplace flexibility, employees are exploring new ways of managing work. As organizations pay special attention to hybrid and remote-first hiring, it has become clear that our collective understanding of where work can take place is changing, too. Distributed work before the pandemic Though COVID-19 significantly increased the number of people working from home on a regular basis, remote work has been on the rise for years. Improved infrastructure and work management innovations have enabled digital nomads to travel while working or connecting with teams from decentralized office locations. Remote-first organizations are hardly a COVID-era phenomenon, either. Companies like Hubstaff, Doist, and Zapier have been remote-first pioneers for years, highlighting the cost and talent acquisition benefits of distributed hiring. “We can hire people wherever we want to. We don't have to compete for Bay Area talent, and instead, we get to hire the best people all over the world,” wrote Zapier co-founder Wade Foster back in 2020. “Not only does it increase the size of the applicant pool, but it adds a layer of diversity into the company.” The steady rise in remote work has also made the modern workplace more accessible overall, allowing workers with varying needs and backgrounds to access opportunities they might otherwise have missed out on just a few years ago. The structures that make distributed work possible have been a long time coming. However, if 2020 taught businesses and their employees anything, it’s that “making it work” could also mean “making it work remotely.” [caption id="attachment_466235" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash[/caption] Reconsidering work and where it happens “Effectiveness can’t be measured by the number of hours people spend in an office,” Spotify wrote in an announcement for their distributed-first work policy, Work From Anywhere. “Instead, giving people the freedom to choose where they work will boost effectiveness.” In February 2021, Spotify outlined their decision to allow employees to choose “whether they’d prefer to work mostly at home or in the office — as well as their geographic location.” Spotify’s WFA policy is by no means the “norm” for enterprise or even the company’s industry peers. Still, it does underscore the idea that work potential and effectiveness are not tied to a physical location. Employees know this, too. Many have spent the last year doing jobs they were previously told could only be done in an office. Now that tools like Slack, Zoom, and Wrike have empowered digital workspaces, organizations are adapting their approach to hiring in an environment where workplace flexibility (geographic and otherwise) is a top priority for jobseekers. Distributed hiring LinkedIn data offers additional insight into how organizations are approaching remote and distributed hiring. As of May 2021, the career networking site said that the percentage of paid “remote work” job listings on their platform was up by 457% from the previous year. The industries that saw the greatest percentage of remote work growth, according to their data, include media and communications, IT, and corporate services. Presumably, these jobs won’t just disappear once the pandemic is over, signalling a shift in how companies are thinking about talent acquisition over the next few years. In one survey of US-based HR professionals, one-quarter of respondents said they’d be willing to hire fully remote workers anywhere in the country (up from 3% pre-pandemic), with 7% saying they’d even hire globally for open roles (up from 2% pre-pandemic). Even as global vaccine rollouts see more and more office workers returning to in-person and hybrid attendance, the last year has certainly tested the strict geographical limitations of the pre-pandemic office. Looking beyond local As with any complex conversation about the ever-evolving workplace, there’s much to consider beyond changing attitudes. COVID-19 may have impacted the way we think about where work gets done, but experts warn about the tax implications of an increasingly remote workforce. Even Zapier’s Wade Foster calls this the “compliance and regulatory elephants in the room,” noting that hiring, payroll, and taxes for teams in multiple jurisdictions can be a huge undertaking. Still, we are witnessing a real-time evolution in how organizations and employees view work and where it happens. Gradually, many are moving away from the idea that you have to travel each day to a physical location to achieve work goals or connect with colleagues. By revisiting ideas about strict in-office attendance and creating more remote opportunities, organizations can access a wider talent pool of workers and increase opportunities for diverse and more inclusive hiring. Building the workplace of the future with collaborative work management The tools we use to meet objectives, collaborate with co-workers, and manage tasks are more important than ever. Wrike’s collaborative work management features empower an increasingly hybrid and dispersed workforce to manage tasks, collaborate in a flexible environment, and build systems and workflows that reflect how they achieve their goals. Learn more about how Wrike helps teams adapt to the evolution of work by creating digital hubs for innovation and enabling work management from anywhere. Try a free two-week trial and discover why 20,000+ teams trust Wrike.
Crazy Work Hours: the New, Unhealthy Status Symbol (Work Management Roundup)
Welcome back to the weekly Work Management Roundup, where we collect and curate the latest reads from around the web regarding work, productivity, and careers. This week, we focus on burnout, insane work hours, and caffeine — the three staples of exhausted knowledge workers around the globe. Read on! How Insane Work Hours Became a Mark of American Privilege (The Week): You probably have a coworker who brags about how s/he's working 60-hour weeks. (And if not, it's probably you.) According to research though, the jobs where people are most likely to work over 45 hours a week are highly-paid professional positions in law, business management, engineering, and finance. So yeah, it's become an unhealthy status symbol. The Start-Up Marathon: How One Founder Avoids Burnout (Fox News): Andrew Filev, CEO of Wrike, shares the 3 things that carried him through those initial 80-hour work weeks without burning out: his love for the mission, a sense of responsibility for the team, and managing his own limits. All That Coffee You're Guzzling Is Useless if You're Not Getting Enough Sleep, Study Says (Mic): And in case you're using coffee to fuel your insane work hours... well its effectiveness has limits. Apparently, if you're only getting around five hours of sleep a night, caffeine stops giving you a cognitive boost by the third day. Your parents knew what they were talking about when they said, "It's past your bedtime!" 5 Strategies for Forming Team Productivity Habits (Wrike): Not happy with how your team gets stuff done? Download our free eBook that outlining five concrete strategies for building a high-performance team, one habit at a time. 5 Ways to Love Your Open-Plan Office (QuietRev): Are you feeling vulnerable and beset by distractions in your open plan office? Here are 5 strategies you can use to subtly alter your space and make it work for you — without actually barricading your desk. 4 Helpful Books For Managing Remote Workers (Forbes): We all know managing remote team members is difficult ("Guys are we meeting on Skype, Zoom, Hangouts, or Slack?"), but these 4 books give you tips, insights, and powerful tools to help you make what may seem impossible actually quite doable — and maybe even enjoyable. Surreal artist Salvador Dali understands that fear will keep you from moving forward, especially if you aim for perfection right from the get-go. Face it, you won’t achieve perfection; but with enough effort, you will get to something great. And this is sometimes all the time we have before a new project lands on our desks. #creativity #quotes #Wrike A photo posted by Wrike (@wriketeam) on Jun 16, 2016 at 10:45am PDT More Work Management Reads Creativity/Productivity: The 1 Productivity-Killing Habit You Need to Stop Doing Now (Inc) - Stop thinking the hard, important things on our to-do lists take more time than less important items Top 11 Quotes To Get Your Creative Juices Flowing (Wrike) - Sometimes all you need to get inspired are wise words from creative geniuses How to Set Up Your Workspace for Maximum Productivity (Infographic) (Wrike) - Everything from lighting to posture to music to help you produce Business/Career: This Is The Real Reason Microsoft Bought LinkedIn (Forbes) -Not for its similarity to Facebook, but more for its similarity to Medium Meet the Companies Helping Moms Continue Career Building (Uncubed) - Helping women stay in or rejoin the workforce has become big business What LinkedIn Data Reveals About Who Will Help You Get Your Next Job (Fast Company) - Weak connections are sometimes more valuable than the people know you well + other networking mistakes Tools: 15 Productivity Tools Successful People Use to Work Less (When I Work) - Good listing of some new tools, plus the tried-and-true Browse Our Magazines on Flipboard If you use Flipboard on your mobile device, then you can read all the above links on The Work Management Roundup magazine. Check out some of our other magazines as well. View my Flipboard Magazine. View my Flipboard Magazine. View my Flipboard Magazine.
Why Work Emails Cause Anger & Confusion (Infographic)
Have you ever received a work email that got you so hot under the collar, you were minutes away from transforming into the Incredible Hulk? Or an email that was so confusing, you had to clarify what you were being asked to do in the first place? Well, you are NOT alone. In a survey conducted by CPP and Sendmail, 64% of respondents reported having either sent or received an email that resulted in unintentional anger or confusion. There are many reasons why work emails frustrate us: no one replied to the email; too many people hit "reply all"; the email content was too long and detailed; or it was too vague; you were being reprimanded by the grammar police; or you were simply drowning in too much email. This just proves what we've been saying all along: email is not the best tool for managing teams, deadlines, and complex projects. It's great for short notes, but not project management. The time is ripe for clearer communication tools that don't add to a worker's already clogged email inbox, and allow for more efficient collaboration between team members. If you're tired of the anger and confusion from emails and spreadsheets, download our eBook to learn what you can change: It's Not You, It's Me: Why Managers Need to Break Up with Emails and Spreadsheets (free eBook) Source: Sendmail, Inc. Read next: 5 Mistakes Marketing Teams Make with Collaboration The Past, Present and Future of Remote Collaboration: Where Does Your Team Stand? (infographic) 5 New Year’s Resolutions for Project Managers
How To Handle Return to Work Anxiety
After a year of non-stop Zoom meetings, virtual team building, and four-legged office companions, returning to an in-person work location will undoubtedly take some getting used to. Back to work anxiety is a reality for many as increased global vaccination efforts make in-person office attendance a possibility once more. From health and safety concerns to an uptick in those reporting symptoms of social anxiety, workers are citing many reasons for their return to office apprehension. Heading back to crowded commutes and group interactions will represent a significant shift in how many have lived and worked over the last year. The comforting news is that return to work anxiety is normal, and there are many ways to manage and overcome worries about heading back to the office. How to recognize return to work anxiety While some companies are embracing a “work from home forever” philosophy, other organizations have begun preparing their employees for a phased or hybrid return to the office. However, these conversations may spark dread or anxiety as return dates near. Return to work anxiety may include: Apprehension about in-person, work-based socializing Stress about returning to previous daily activities like commuting Health concerns about COVID-19 Anxiety about meeting new colleagues after being onboarded remotely Worries over feeling less productive once back in the office Anxiety about spending less time with family and loved ones It’s important to recognize that many are experiencing similar feelings and concerns. This is borne out by the numbers, which indicate there is a lot on workers’ minds during this transition period. Returning to work anxiety and apprehension by the numbers One Limeade Institute survey found that COVID exposure (77%), less flexibility (71%), and commuting to work (58%) were the top three reasons people said they were anxious about returning to the office. Work-life balance is also playing on the minds of workers, as is discomfort around in-person interactions. A Flexjobs survey found that 43% were worried about the impact returning to the office would have on their work-life balance One 2021 survey found that 49% of respondents said they felt “uneasy” about in-person interactions This apprehension is normal. After a year at home, pandemic-related health fears aren’t likely to disappear overnight. Similarly, the flexibility of remote work has allowed many to spend more time with their families instead of spending hours commuting to and from a physical office location. 8 tips for dealing with anxiety about going back to work Wondering how to handle the anxiety you’re feeling about heading back to the office? Here are some tips for getting through this transition period. Open up to colleagues and supervisors Chances are that you’re not alone in your worries. Be candid with colleagues and share experiences, tips, and coping techniques as you prepare to return to an office setting. Knowing that others are experiencing the same emotions can be a source of comfort and a reminder that you’re not alone. Ease yourself in and set clear boundariesIf you’re not ready to participate in work outings, trips, or other in-person social activities, that is perfectly okay. Don’t pressure yourself. Allow yourself some time and space to feel comfortable socializing with colleagues again. Pay attention to your office’s return to work plans and ask questionsKeep up-to-date with your organization’s return to work strategy. Make an effort to fully understand their expectations and speak to your company’s HR department if you have concerns, issues, or questions. Ask for continued workplace flexibilityWorkplace flexibility is here to stay, and many companies realize this. If heading back to the office full-time is a source of anxiety, speak to your manager and HR team about adjusting your schedule, and the benefits of working from home for you specifically. This may look like a compressed workweek, hybrid office arrangement, or reduction to part-time hours. Bring your healthy WFH habits with you, and don’t forget to decompressIf the thought of heading back to work raises your stress levels, be sure to take time out for a walk, mindful meditation, yoga break, or any other calming activity that helps you feel grounded instead of worried about the future. Speak to a professional Any level of apprehension about returning to an office is understandable. A mental health professional can help you adjust to your next normal by teaching you stress management techniques and helping you to prioritize your wellness in this transition. Find out what safety measures your workplace is enacting to keep employees safeKnowing what to expect as you head back to the office can help address concerns you have regarding your health and wellbeing. Get a sense of the policies your workplace intends to enforce regarding social distancing, mask-wearing, and other precautions. For the digitally onboarded, reconnect with your “buddy” or other new recruitsIn-person office attendance after virtual onboarding can be nerve-wracking. Reach out to your onboarding “buddy” to show you the lay of the land. Or, if you were both onboarded remotely, you can figure things out together. After a year away, returning to the office will impact everyone differently. Manage your return to work anxiety by remembering to set boundaries, stay up-to-date with your organization’s plans, prepare for what’s next, and seek help from a professional if you need it. Staying connected with hybrid or remote colleagues is easy with Wrike’s flexible work management software. Sign up for a free two-week trial and discover how simple it is to transition your day-to-day work from home to the office with one platform.
It’s Time to Solve the Work Management Paradox & Spark Joy at Work
While big data and digital transformation have radically changed how companies operate, we've reached a point where knowledge workers are inundated with unnecessary information. Introducing Spaces and Wrike Integrate, two new ways to unify your digital world.
How To Disconnect From an 'Always On' Work Culture
Starting to feel burnout from your 'always on' work culture? The initial results from ‘the great work from home experiment’ were very promising, with a third of managers reporting higher productivity levels. However, the data was missing one important factor — we had embraced an 'always on' work culture, forgetting the advantages of a work from home culture. The increased productivity did not account for the fact that we began working, on average, an extra three hours a day. Or that over half of us (54%) are checking our devices more outside of work hours, felt more alone (24%), had gained weight (22%), and felt a decrease in our mental health (21%). In fact, there is evidence to suggest that the excessive use of devices and resulting sleep issues cause us to be less productive. Ensuring better work-life balance isn’t just good for employees’ health, it’s good business. It reduces stress and the likelihood of burnout, which costs the U.S. economy somewhere between $125 - $190 billion dollars a year. It’s also part of a very important work trend indicating that each new generation that enters the workforce values the importance of work-life balance more than the last. Not just that, but several countries around the world have now started to create legislation around being contacted outside of work hours, or what the European Union has campaigned for as ‘the right to disconnect.’ So, what are the most effective work-life balance tips for an 'always on' work culture? Set up ‘working hour’ settings for all apps In what one Wall Street Journal writer described as ‘a masochistic need to please bosses’, many of us may feel that we can never be too far from our work devices. In fact, a 2016 study by The Academy of Management found employees rack up eight hours a week answering emails outside of work hours. How to tackle this element of 'always on' work culture: If you’re unable to ignore your devices, at least cut the notifications. For example: Google Calendar: ’Working Hours’ enables you to set defined work hours, automatically notifying eager meeting-makers that you’ll be off at that time. Apple: Customize your do not disturb settings to automatically trigger for work emails during evenings and weekends. Slack: Setting your local time will notify colleagues that you’re likely to be offline and set expectations of when you can reply. Wrike: Creating a work schedule will automatically inform colleagues (especially international ones) that you won’t be available during scheduled PTO or public holidays if you are tagged during that time. Find allies who value the importance of work-life balance Trying to find your way out of a Friday evening meeting? Even if you’re client-facing, it’s unlikely that your clients (or indeed colleagues) want to meet at a time that they’re also winding down from the week — remember this. Fast Company recommends that you find and foster relationships with people in your network who also appreciate the value of keeping schedules within designated work hours. As the statistics suggest, an 'always on' work culture isn’t the most effective way of working for anyone. Bear in mind the impact your personality type can have Struggling with an 'always on' work culture while your manager seems to thrive? The Harvard Business Review suggests that your personality, specifically within the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator, may have a role to play. For example: Creating time and space to switch off: If you are extroverted, schedule regular, active breaks with others and leave your devices in a different room when you’re de-stressing. If you are introverted, try to limit online meetings and switch off in a quiet place where you can get absorbed in an activity. Tackling information overload: If you have sensing preferences, avoid getting lost in details and ask others for their take on a situation. Don’t obsess about getting things perfect. If you have intuition preferences, try to focus on one thing at a time. Creating boundaries:If you have thinking preferences, consider your impact on others (particularly in relation to written communication). If you have feeling preferences, try to make sure that you’re not supporting others to the detriment of your own needs. Striking the right work-life balance:If you have judging preferences, set boundaries with both yourself and others around when you’ll be available. Try to stay away from your work area during time off. If you have perceiving preferences, respect others’ boundaries by not emailing out of hours, and convert your to-do list into blocks of time. Create strict boundaries for yourself The most effective way to avoid falling victim to 'always on' work culture is to treat working from home the same way you would treat working in an office. This includes everything from starting on time to wearing noise-canceling headphones to drown out distractions (just swap chatty colleagues for partners’ annoying meetings or screaming kids). Forbes recommends thinking of your home office as if it’s five miles away and removing your work equipment from sight at night in order to reinforce the importance of work-life balance. Wrike helps teams set healthy work boundaries by encouraging asynchronous communication and collaboration. If you’re a manager, normalize taking PTO The pressure of an 'always on' work culture can often come from the perceived expectations of a manager. If you’re a manager, it’s advised that you reinforce and encourage taking paid time off. Samar Ali, CEO of Millions of Conversations, explains: “I lead by example and make sure to announce when I'm taking time off, [...], and what I plan to do to unplug. If there is one thing I recommend to all executives and employees, it is to find balance.” Reinforce that you are genuinely excited for your employees to take a break by asking about their vacations in order to break the stigma. Recognize the signs of burnout (and take action) Hopefully, with the right work-life balance tips to target 'always on' work culture, you can avoid burnout from happening to you or your teammates. However, it’s important to always be on the lookout for it. The Mayo Clinic advises that there are three common symptoms: exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of satisfaction with your work. If you do experience burnout, some things that can help are: A self-care day away from work A therapy session (here are some free mental health support options) Working with your team to agree on boundaries Learning to say no to additional projects As it’s now evident that working from home is set to make up at least some of our week into the future, setting boundaries at this stage is absolutely vital. With these tips in mind, we may finally be able to learn how to disconnect from an 'always on' culture before it costs both our economy and our health.
How to Ensure the Perfect Work-Life Balance in Enterprise Companies
When you have a busy schedule it can be hard to figure out how to find work-life balance. Neglecting proper work-life balance can leave employees feeling burned out and unfulfilled. Learn work-life balance tips for employees and their employers with Wrike.