6 Ways to Make your PM Workday as Productive as your AM

November 21, 2018

You’re bright-eyed and ready to tackle the workday at 8:30 am with a spring in your step and your creative juices flowing. The next few hours are productive with deadlines met, phone calls returned and projects on point. But, after lunch, the afternoon blahs creep up. Here are some ideas to put some pep in your afternoon so the second-half of your workday is as successful as the morning.

Try and get some fresh air. According to a story in the New York Times, to boost your focus and enthusiasm, take a stroll during your lunch hour. This walk can de-escalate stress, and you’re also getting some fitness perks. If you are walking alone, listen to an inspiring podcast, catch up on an audio book, or enjoy a brisk walk to your favorite playlist. Even better: meet up with a pal for a walk.
Eat a lighter lunch. A heavy, carb-loaded lunch can put you to sleep. So on days when you want to keep your energy levels up skip the greasy burgers, salty fries and sugary soda, and opt instead for salads, salmon, and other protein-packed lunches, says the business site, Wisebread.
Get adequate sleep. The reason why you may have an afternoon slump is that your body is not getting enough rest. Try to settle in a little earlier and wind your mind down to get ready for the next full business day. Good strategies include leaving devices out of the bedroom, keeping your room dark and avoid eating large meals close to bedtime.
Don’t leave all your grudge work for the afternoon. Start with the project you’re dreading most so you breeze through the morning, resulting in more enjoyable work later in the day, says a helpful article from Reader’s Digest. Knowing that that your more demanding tasks are behind you may boost your enthusiasm for the remaining hours at your desk.
Take smalls breaks. Stretch your legs, give your eyes a rest and get a drink of water to re-hydrate. These intermittent breaks are paramount to making it through the day with a good attitude, physical well-being and sharp focus. These small breaks will do wonders for making your afternoon more productive.
Mix up your daily routine. Whether it’s scheduling a meeting or conference call, writing a business plan or scouting for new business, keep your routine fresh. Boredom sets in doing the same thing every day. By mixing up your routine, you’re creating a shift in your business mindset. Friday is almost here!

Author: Erica Lamberg

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Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

Whether telecommuting is old hat or something you’ve been forced into as part of the COVID-19 shutdown, here are a few tips to make the experience run smoothly for both employers and employees.

Managing expectations

Successful work-from-home strategies always begin with clearly communicated expectations. Make sure your employees have any necessary equipment, tools and resources. Will they need to track their time? Participate in regularly scheduled meetings? Be available at certain times of day? For employees, know what you’re accountable for and clearly communicate any challenges you’re having.

Constant communication

Keep the lines of communication open and be accessible. Check in with employees regularly through apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts and Skype, or even an old-fashioned email or phone call. Be genuinely interested in how they’re doing but don’t overdo it. Foster a feeling of trust by not micromanaging.

Nine to five…ish

While having a daily schedule is ideal, it may not always be practical right now. Make sure your people know when you need them to be available and try to offer flexibility at other times. They may be juggling school schedules as well as work schedules and working at “off-shift” times may be necessary. Be mindful of employees in different time zones as well.

For employees, try to work when you’re at your best, and not when you’re exhausted by kindergarten playtime and fourth grade math. Make sure people know if you will be unavailable at certain times.

Taking a break

Getting up and moving clears the head and helps with creativity and problem-solving. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a break for lunch, make time to get away from your desk throughout the day.

Signing off

Working from home does not mean being available 24/7. Set an actual end to the workday if possible. Don’t send and respond to messages at all hours. Sign out of messaging apps and close work programs. Understand and respect these boundaries.

Location, location, location

When setting up a home office, think about where you will have the fewest distractions – for yourself and for those who may be seeing you and your background on a video conferencing platform. Try to avoid busy spots that may include semi-clad people walking behind you, barking dogs and kids vying for your attention.

Conferencing and calls

Be clear about whether you expect people to turn on their cameras during meetings. If so, be clear about how they should be dressed. During calls, mute your phone when you’re not talking to avoid background noise. Headphones can also help with call quality. When speaking, pause frequently so others can participate in the conversation.

Social engagement

It’s ok for managers and employees to have some down time together, which may help ward off feelings of isolation. Keep up your normal level of interaction, perhaps with a virtual coffee break or happy hour. Managers should set the tone for how casual to be. Let employees choose what they would like to share, and never pry into areas that were off-limits before.

Author: Erin Alderfer