Sleep deprivation is a pervasive issue in today’s workplace, with far-reaching consequences for both employees and employers. Beyond the obvious effects on individual health and well-being, sleep deprivation takes a toll on productivity, absenteeism, workplace safety, and even the commute to and from work.
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Productivity
Numerous studies have shown that sleep-deprived individuals are significantly less productive than their well-rested counterparts. This decline in productivity can be attributed to several factors, including impaired cognitive function, reduced attention span, and diminished problem-solving abilities.
When employees are sleep-deprived, they are more likely to make errors, take longer to complete tasks and exhibit poor judgment. As a result, businesses suffer from decreased efficiency and lower output levels, ultimately affecting their bottom line.
The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Increased Absenteeism
In addition to its effects on productivity, sleep deprivation is also closely linked to increased absenteeism in the workplace. Research by Casper and Gallup found that unplanned absenteeism linked to poor sleep has an estimated $44.6 billion in lost productivity each year.
Sleep-deprived individuals are more susceptible to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular problems, obesity, and mental health disorders. These health issues often lead to higher rates of sick leave and absenteeism among employees. Moreover, the economic costs associated with absenteeism due to sleep-related problems are substantial, placing an additional burden on employers and healthcare systems alike.
Workplace Accidents: The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Furthermore, sleep deprivation poses a significant risk to workplace safety. Research has consistently shown that sleep-deprived individuals are more prone to accidents and injuries on the job. This is particularly concerning in industries where safety is paramount, such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. The consequences of sleep-related accidents can be severe, resulting in not only physical harm but also financial and reputational damage to businesses. Moreover, the impact of sleep deprivation extends beyond the workplace, affecting the commute to and from work as well. A personal injury attorney in Albuquerque emphasized that drowsy driving, in particular, poses a significant risk to road safety, with sleep-deprived individuals being more likely to cause accidents and near-misses on the road.
Strategies for Employers to Promote Better Sleep Among Employees
Given the far-reaching consequences of sleep deprivation in the workplace, it is imperative for employers to take proactive steps to promote better sleep among their employees. One strategy is to prioritize education and awareness programs about the importance of sleep hygiene. By providing employees with information about the benefits of adequate sleep and practical tips for improving sleep quality, employers can empower them to make healthier choices in their daily lives.
Another effective strategy is the implementation of flexible work schedules to accommodate individual sleep patterns. By allowing employees to adjust their work hours according to their natural sleep cycles, employers can help them achieve a better work-life balance and reduce the risk of sleep deprivation. Similarly, providing resources such as nap rooms, relaxation spaces, or access to sleep coaching services can support employees in improving their sleep habits and overall well-being.
Creating a culture that values work-life balance and prioritizes employee well-being is also essential in promoting better sleep in the workplace. Employers can foster such a culture by encouraging employees to take regular breaks, promoting mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, and discouraging excessive overtime and late-night work. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, employers can create conditions that are conducive to healthy sleep habits among their employees.
Furthermore, technology solutions can play a significant role in tracking and improving sleep habits among employees. Wearable devices and smartphone apps can provide valuable insights into sleep patterns, allowing employees to monitor their sleep quality and make informed decisions about their sleep habits. Employers can leverage these technologies to provide personalized recommendations and interventions tailored to individual needs, further enhancing their efforts to promote better sleep in the workplace.
Importantly, employers must also address the impact of sleep deprivation on the commute to and from work. By promoting public transportation options, offering flexible start times, or encouraging remote work arrangements, employers can help mitigate the risks associated with sleep-deprived commuting and promote safer travel for their employees.
Remote work has become a standard for many professionals, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Success in a remote setting hinges on the right tools and strategies to maintain productivity and efficiency. With the proper setup and resources, remote work can be just as effective, if not more so, than traditional office environments. This guide explores key digital tools and practices that can help you excel in your remote career. From setting up an efficient home office to using cutting-edge communication and project management tools, we’ll cover essential tips to keep you productive and engaged while working remotely.
Setting Up Your Home Office for Maximum Efficiency
Creating a dedicated workspace is crucial for productivity and focus. Start by choosing a quiet area in your home where you can work without frequent interruptions. Ensure your workspace is well-lit, preferably with natural light, as this can enhance mood and energy levels. Invest in an ergonomic chair and desk setup to promote good posture and reduce physical strain during long working hours.
Organise your desk with essential tools like a high-quality monitor, keyboard, and mouse to enhance your workflow. Consider adding plants or personal touches to make your workspace more inviting. Additionally, a reliable internet connection is vital for seamless communication and access to online resources. Ensure your setup includes all necessary cables and chargers to avoid disruptions.
Top Communication Tools for Seamless Team Collaboration
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful remote work. Tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams offer robust platforms for instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. These applications help maintain clear and consistent communication with your team, regardless of location.
Video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Google Meet are indispensable for virtual meetings, providing features like screen sharing and recording to facilitate collaboration. For quick check-ins or urgent updates, instant messaging platforms can bridge the gap between emails and calls, ensuring timelyresponses and fostering a sense of connection among team members.
Additionally, using collaborative tools like Trello or Asana can help streamline project discussions, allowing team members to contribute and stay updated on progress in real time. These tools are designed to keep everyone on the same page, promoting a cohesive and productive remote work environment.
Project Management Apps to Keep You on Track
Managing projects remotely can be challenging without the right tools. Project management apps like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com are designed to streamline this process, helping you stay organised and on track. These platforms offer a range of features, including task assignment, deadline tracking, and progress monitoring, which are essential for maintaining productivity.
Asana allows you to create detailed project timelines, set priorities, and allocate tasks to team members, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities and deadlines. Trello uses a visual board and card system, making it easy to track the progress of various tasks and collaborate effectively. Monday.com offers a customisable interface where you can tailor project workflows to fit your specific needs, making it versatile for different types of projects.
Using these tools, you can break down large projects into manageable tasks, set realistic deadlines, and monitor progress in real-time. This not only helps in staying organised but also enhances accountability and communication within the team. Regular updates and notifications keep everyone informed, reducing the chances of miscommunication and missed deadlines.
Secure File Sharing and Document Management Solutions
In a remote work setting, secure file sharing and document management are critical. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive provide robust solutions for storing and sharing files securely. These platforms offer various features such as encrypted storage and access controls to ensure your data remainssafe.
When working with large documents, tools like Smallpdf come in handy. Smallpdf offers a range of functionalities, including the ability to compress PDFs, making it easier to share large files without compromising quality. The PDF compress feature reduces the file size, ensuring quick and easy transmission. This is particularly useful for remote teams who frequently exchange detailed documents and reports.
Using a PDF compressor not only saves storage space but also speeds up the file sharing process. Integrated document management systems within these platforms allow for seamless collaboration, with features like version control, real-time editing, and secure sharing links. By incorporating these tools, you can maintain a streamlined workflow, ensure document security, and enhance overall productivity.
In summary, selecting the right file sharing and document management solutions is essential for efficient and secure remote work. Utilising tools like Smallpdf to compress PDFs, alongside reliable storage platforms, can significantly improve your team’s ability to collaborate and share information effortlessly.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance in a Remote Setting
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is vital for long-term productivity and well-being, especially in a remote work environment. Without the physical separation between home and office, it’s easy to blur the lines between personal time and work hours. Establishing clear boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout and maintain mental health.
Start by setting a consistent work schedule and stick to it. Define specific start and end times for your workday, and communicate these boundaries to your family and colleagues. This helps create a routine and signals to others when you are available for work-related matters.
Creating a designated workspace within your home can also reinforce the separation between work and personal life. Avoid working from your bed or sofa, as this can make it harder to switch off from work mode. Taking regular breaks throughout the day, including a lunch break away from your desk, is essential for maintaining focus and productivity.
Additionally, incorporating self-care practices into your daily routine can significantly improve your work-life balance. This can include activities like exercise, meditation, or simply spending time with loved ones. Disconnecting from work-related devices and notifications outside of your set work hours is also important to fully recharge and maintain a healthy balance.
Essential Tech Gadgets for the Remote Professional
Equipping your home office with the right tech gadgets can greatly enhance your remote work experience. A high-quality laptop or desktop computer is fundamental, providing the processing power needed for various tasks. Pair this with a reliable monitor to extend your screen space, making multitasking more efficient.
An ergonomic keyboard and mouse are also important to prevent strain and discomfort during long working hours. Investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can help block out distractions and improve concentration, especially if you are in a noisy environment.
For video conferencing, a high-definition webcam and a good quality microphone are essential. These ensure you are seen and heard clearly during virtual meetings, enhancing communication with colleagues and clients. Additionally, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for seamless remote work, so consider upgrading your plan or using a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure consistent coverage.
Other useful gadgets include a multi-port USB hub to connect all your devices and external storage solutions like an SSD or cloud services for secure data backup. A standing desk or a desk converter can also be beneficial, allowing you to alternate between sitting and standing positions, which can improve posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
By investing in these essential tech gadgets, you can create a more productive and comfortable remote work environment, enabling you to perform at your best and maintain efficiency.
In the pursuit of a productive and efficient workday, we often find ourselves battling against habits that stealthily sabotage our efforts. From the incessant lure of email notifications to the seductive grasp of social media, these productivity killers lurk in the corners of our routine. Let’s shine a light on seven common culprits and explore strategies to conquer them.
Checking Email Too Often: The Inbox Dilemma
The Habit: Constantly refreshing your inbox can be a black hole for productivity. Each new email becomes a siren song, pulling you away from your tasks.
The Solution: Set specific times to check and respond to emails. Create folders to organize your inbox, and unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters. Limiting email interruptions allows you to focus on your priorities without drowning in a sea of unread messages.
Social Media Interactions: The Infinite Scroll Trap
The Habit: One innocent check of your social media can quickly spiral into a time-consuming expedition through memes, status updates, and cat videos.
The Solution: Schedule dedicated social media breaks during your day. Use apps that limit your time on these platforms or, better yet, turn off notifications. By consciously managing your social media interactions, you regain control over your time and attention.
Texting: The Silent Distraction
The Habit: Constantly engaging in text conversations, whether personal or professional, can fragment your focus and disrupt workflow.
The Solution: Designate specific times to respond to texts. Consider using apps that allow you to schedule messages or set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” during critical work periods. By establishing boundaries, you can communicate effectively without sacrificing productivity.
Excessive Meetings: The Time-Draining Gatherings
The Habit: Meetings, while essential, can easily become excessive, consuming valuable time that could be spent on meaningful tasks.
The Solution: Evaluate the necessity of each meeting and set clear agendas. Opt for shorter, focused meetings and utilize tools like shared documents or collaborative platforms to streamline communication. Efficient meetings leave more room for productive work.
Workspace Clutter: The Chaos Conundrum
The Habit: A cluttered workspace can overwhelm your senses, making it challenging to concentrate on the task at hand.
The Solution: Declutter your workspace regularly. Organize essential items and create designated areas for specific tasks. A tidy environment fosters a clearer mind and enhances focus. Invest in storage solutions to maintain order in your workspace.
Lack of Delegation: The Lone Ranger Syndrome
The Habit: Shouldering every responsibility can lead to burnout and hinder overall productivity.
The Solution: Identify tasks that can be delegated and trust your team to handle them. Effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also empowers others to contribute their skills. Clear communication and collaboration are key to successful delegation.
Snacking on Junk Food: The Energy Rollercoaster
The Habit: Relying on sugary snacks for a quick energy boost may provide a temporary spike but often leads to an inevitable crash.
The Solution: Opt for nutritious snacks that provide sustained energy. Incorporate fruits, nuts, and whole grains into your snack choices. Stay hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks. A balanced diet supports consistent energy levels, promoting long-term productivity.
Conclusion: Breaking the Chains of Unproductive Habits
Recognizing and addressing these 7 habits that kill productivity is the first step towards a more efficient and fulfilling work life. By implementing strategic solutions, you empower yourself to navigate the challenges of modern work without falling prey to habits that hinder your progress. Break free from the chains of unproductive routines and embrace a more focused, purposeful approach to your daily tasks. Your productivity will thank you.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
Monday – the universally dreaded day that somehow manages to extinguish the weekend euphoria faster than a pinprick deflates a balloon. But fear not, intrepid readers, for we’re about to present some useful tips on navigating Monday, a guide on turning the tide and making Monday a conquerable foe rather than a relentless adversary.
Rise and Shine: The Early Bird Outsmarts Monday
They say the early bird catches the worm, but on Monday, it catches a semblance of control over the impending chaos. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button multiple times, for each tap is a pact with Monday’s mischievous spirit. Embrace the morning with a hearty breakfast and a playlist that signals to Monday, “I’ve got this.”
Dress for Success: Power Attire Against Monday Blues
Clothes maketh the human ready to face Monday. Choose your outfit strategically; don the armor of confidence, the cape of capability. Convince yourself, and the world, that you are the superhero poised to conquer the challenges of the week. Monday may loom large, but a well-chosen ensemble is your trusty sidekick.
To-Do List Jujitsu: Tackling Monday One Task at a Time
The Monday to-do list is a formidable opponent, but fear not – employ the ancient art of jujitsu. Instead of letting the tasks overwhelm you, break them down into manageable maneuvers. Prioritize, delegate, and execute. Soon, you’ll find yourself gracefully navigating through Monday’s obstacles, leaving the day in awe of your strategic prowess.
Coffee Alchemy: Turning Beans into Motivation
Coffee, the elixir of productivity, can be your ally in the battle against Monday. Transform those humble beans into a potion that fuels your ambition. Sip strategically throughout the day, harnessing the caffeine magic to keep fatigue at bay. Remember, you’re not drinking coffee; you’re sipping determination.
Mindful Escapes: Lunch Breaks as Monday Meditations
Escape the Monday madness, even if just for a brief lunch interlude. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a chapter of your favorite book, or a calming podcast, treat yourself to a mindful break. By carving out moments of peace, you regain control over the day and remind Monday that your serenity cannot be easily swayed.
Perspective Shift: Monday as a Fresh Canvas
Finally, as the day draws to a close, adopt a perspective shift. Rather than lamenting the end of the weekend, view Monday as a fresh canvas awaiting your masterpiece. Reflect on accomplishments, no matter how small, and set the tone for a week filled with triumphs and victories.
In the grand tapestry of life, Monday is but a single thread. Navigating Monday wisely, you’ll find that conquering the most hated day of the week is not only possible but empowering. Rise, dress, strategize, caffeinate, meditate, and shift your perspective – for Monday, dear reader, is but a canvas for your triumphs.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
Do you sometimes lay awake at night with a whisper of guilt in your ear? It happens to more people than you might think. We all have an intrinsic desire to be more productive and effective. The challenge is knowing where to start and how to make some changes to start being more productive and effective in the way we work and live. In this blog post, we’ll list 16 strategies you can use to help give you a productivity boost.
Master The Art Of List-Making
You know how sometimes your mind feels like a browser with 100 tabs open? That’s where mastering list-making comes into play. It’s not about scribbling down everything under the sun. Think of it as your daily game plan – short, sweet, and to the point. Imagine standing in the grocery aisle without a list – chaotic, right? Similarly, your professional tasks need that same level of organization. But hey, no need to go overboard. Keep it realistic; we’re making a to-do list, not penning down ‘War and Peace.’ There are some really cool list making apps out there to help you stay on top of your to do list.
The Pomodoro Technique: Your Time-Taming Ally
Ever tried working with a timer and thought, “This is like a cooking show, but with less food and more spreadsheets”? This is where the Pomodoro Technique comes into play. It’s a simple, yet effective way to break your work into focused intervals (usually 25 minutes), followed by a well-deserved 5-minute break. It’s like your workday getting its own set of commercial breaks. Plus, it’s a great way to race against the clock and see how much you can achieve before the timer dings – a little challenge to spice up the day.
Embrace The Digital Detox
Now, this might sound like a tech lover’s nightmare, but hear me out. Embracing a digital detox for certain hours can be a game changer. It’s like telling the world, “Hold on, I need to focus!” You’d be surprised how liberating it feels to not jump at every notification. It’s all about giving your brain a chance to breathe without the constant digital chatter. And who knows, you might discover the joy of ‘unplugged’ productivity – all while your phone takes a well-deserved nap.
The Early Bird Gets The Worm… And Peace Of Mind
Rising early can feel like a Herculean task, especially if you’re a night owl. But, there’s a certain magic in those quiet, early hours. Just imagine for a moment a peaceful morning, your favorite cup of coffee, and a head start on the day while the rest of the world hits snooze. You essentially have a secret productivity club, where the first rule is ‘enjoy the silence.’ It’s not about torturing yourself with an ungodly alarm clock setting; it’s about finding that sweet spot where you can work undisturbed and perhaps catch a glorious sunrise.
Break Tasks Into Bite-Sized Pieces
You must’ve heard the saying: How do you eat an elephant? Bite by bite. Looking at a massive task can be as daunting as staring at a mountain you’re supposed to climb – with flip-flops. The trick is to break it down into smaller, manageable parts, like creating stepping stones across a river. It makes the task less intimidating and more achievable. It’s similar to how you wouldn’t eat a whole pizza in one bite. Tackle each slice of your work one at a time, and before you know it, you’ll look back and admire how much you’ve accomplished.
The Magic Of Saying ‘No’
Now this one can be really hard to master, but here’s a little secret: saying ‘no’ can be incredibly powerful. Think of it as being the bouncer at the club of your time. It’s not about turning down every request like a grumpy cat. Instead, it’s about evaluating what truly deserves your attention. By saying ‘no’ to things that don’t align with your priorities, you’re actually saying ‘yes’ to your own productivity and well-being. Remember, every ‘no’ is just making room for the right ‘yes.’
Declutter Your Workspace, Declutter Your Mind
Try for a moment to see your workspace as a reflection of your mind. A cluttered desk can be the visual equivalent of a mental traffic jam. Taking the time to organize your space can work wonders. It’s not about creating a showroom but about crafting a space that feels like a breath of fresh air. You know, a place where you can actually see the desk beneath all those papers. It’s like tidying up your room as a kid – maybe not thrilling at first, but boy, does it feel good afterward.
The Power Nap: A Secret Weapon
Who said naps are just for preschoolers? A short, 20-minute power nap can be like hitting the refresh button on your brain. It’s not about dozing off for hours (tempting, I know). It’s about giving yourself that quick reboot. Think of it like your favorite app getting a swift update – everything just runs smoother afterward. It’s the perfect way to shake off that post-lunch grogginess and get back in the game with renewed vigor.
Delegate: You’re Not A One-Person Army
Delegation isn’t about passing the buck. It’s about playing to everyone’s strengths, including your own. You’re the maestro of your work symphony – it’s your job to ensure each section plays its part harmoniously. This doesn’t mean shirking responsibility; it’s about trusting your team and empowering them. Delegating effectively is like a potluck dinner; everyone brings their specialty to the table, creating a feast far grander than what you could whip up alone.
Continuous Learning: Keep That Brain Buff
The world doesn’t stand still, and neither should your knowledge. Investing in continuous learning is like giving your brain a regular workout. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about staying curious, exploring new skills, and keeping up with industry trends. It keeps you agile, adaptable, and always ready for the next challenge. Plus, who doesn’t love that ‘aha!’ moment when learning something new? So whether that is watching a short YouTube video, studying an HBR study, or reading a BuildOps blog post, learning new things can improve your output and overall knowledge base.
The Two-Minute Rule: Small Tasks, Big Impact
Have you ever noticed how small tasks can pile up and suddenly look like a mountain? That’s where the two-minute rule comes in. If something takes less than two minutes, just do it right away. It’s like swatting away a fly before it invites its friends over for a party. This approach keeps the small stuff from accumulating and becoming overwhelming. It’s like doing the dishes right after eating; it keeps your kitchen – and your to-do list – nice and tidy.
Mindfulness: Your Mental Oasis
In the fast-paced rhythm of professional life, your mind can become the busiest place on Earth. Practicing mindfulness is like finding a serene oasis in the midst of that chaos. It’s not about becoming a Zen master overnight. Start small: take a few minutes each day to just breathe and be present. This mental breather can boost your focus and creativity more than you’d expect.
Harness The Power Of Routine
Establishing a solid routine might sound a bit dull, but it’s actually a superpower in disguise. Just think about how powerful it is when raising kids. It’s like setting up a personal conveyor belt for your daily tasks. Routines reduce the mental energy spent on deciding ‘what’s next,’ leaving more brainpower for the actual doing. Don’t think of it as a schedule that strangles spontaneity but creating a framework that supports your productivity. Think of it as the rhythm of a catchy tune, guiding your day along smoothly.
Stay Hydrated: Your Brain’s Elixir
Water might just be the most underrated productivity booster. Staying hydrated keeps your brain in tip-top shape. Think of your water bottle as a fuel tank for your mind. It’s not about chugging gallons; it’s about consistent sips to keep you refreshed and focused. So, keep that water bottle handy – it’s a simple, yet effective, tool in your productivity arsenal.
Utilize Technology Wisely
In this digital age, technology is a bit like a buffet – lots of options, but not all of them are good for you. The key is to use technology as a tool, not a distraction. Choose apps and tools that genuinely enhance your productivity and fit seamlessly into your workflow.
Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter The Size
Finally, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Celebrating your wins, big or small, is crucial. It’s not about throwing a party for every completed task, but acknowledging your efforts keeps the morale high and the motivation flowing. It helps you recognize your progress, acting as a catalyst for future achievements.
In conclusion, remember that productivity is not just about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most efficiently and effectively. By using all or some of these strategies, you’re not just climbing the ladder of professional success; you’re also ensuring a balanced and fulfilling journey.
If you spend any time at all on social media, you’ve probably been suggested and have watched numerous videos about people’s daily routines. Have they inspired you enough to start forming your own yet?
If not, read on to learn more about the power of routines and how they can improve your everyday life.
The Power of Routines
Establishing a routine, whether it be something you do every day or on certain days of the week, can be very beneficial for you. Here’s why:
Provides a Sense of Stability
Daily routines can help you anchor your day and provide stability in times of crisis. When things get unpredictable, you’ll know there is a safe routine you like waiting for you.
Improves Your Mental Health
Routines can help calm your mind and reduce your stress levels. They will help you feel more in control, so you will have less to plan and worry about. They can also free up your mind to deal with other things.
Helps You Achieve Your Goals
If you rely on motivation alone to get things done, you may find there are days when you can’t seem to get anything done. If you form healthy, helpful habits instead, you will be able to do the things that need to get done even when you don’t feel like it. This can help you achieve all kinds of personal, business, and financial goals.
How to Create a Routine
Now that you know why you should create some routines in your life, let’s explore how you can do it:
● Grab a pen and paper and write everything down. This will help you think more clearly, and you will have a reference in the future.
● Set goals for different areas of your life: personal, family, relationships, work, health – anything that is important to you.
● Write down all of the routines you feel would help you achieve these goals. Feel free to go overboard!
● Now select one routine per category you want to start with. Choose the one you are most excited about and one you think you will enjoy the most.
● Add a new routine whenever you feel you have got the first one down. Research says it will take a couple of months to form a habit, but you can add new routines sooner if you feel comfortable.
● You can use a routine tracker or any other method to keep yourself accountable if you need to.
Great Routines to Have in Your Life
If you are not sure which routines you want to start with, here are some suggestions:
● Go to bed on time. Improving your sleep is a great goal, and one of the routines to have to achieve it is to go to bed on time, depending on when you need to get up. You should also get yourself a good mattress that will help you sleep better.
● Drink more water. Staying hydrated can significantly improve both your physical and mental health. Start by setting yourself an alarm every 15 minutes to drink a bit of water.
● Make the bed every morning. This will help you start the day with a win and tick a chore off your list as soon as you get up.
● Organize your thoughts. You can try free-form or guided journaling to get rid of mental clutter and clear your mind.
● Exercise every day. Forming a workout routine will help you stay healthy and focused. Think of the kind of exercise you enjoy the most and start making it a part of your daily or weekly routine.
● Get up and stretch. Moving your body every hour or so is a great way to relax and boost circulation. Set a timer for yourself and walk around and stretch whenever it goes off.
● Be grateful. Take a moment every day to meditate on the things you are grateful for in life. It will significantly boost your mood and outlook on life.
● Only look at your phone at set times. Instead of constantly looking at your email, the news, or social media, set yourself times when you do this. It will make your mind much clearer.
Wrapping Up
Daily, weekly, or even monthly routines are a great way to get things done. But on top of that, they can also significantly boost your mood and help you enjoy life more. Start establishing some today, and your future self will thank you!
This guest post was authored by Sarah Kaminski
Sarah Kaminski is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
Everyone wants to be more productive. Whether you’re a C-Suite manager or are serving up burgers at a local fast-food chain, being productive at work can improve your self-efficacy and lead to promotions and recognition.
However, in today’s digital world, you’ll encounter dozens of productivity killers every day. Notifications on your phone can pull you out of the “flow state” and uncomfortable work environments can undermine your physical health and productivity.
Fortunately, you can overcome most productivity killers. A little planning and preparation can help you improve your physical and mental health, too.
Sleep
Sleep is integral to your physical health and mental well-being. Sleep supports your physical growth and aids cognition during the daytime. Your body essentially “takes out the trash” while you get some shut-eye, meaning you can work to your potential during the day.
However, in the digital age, phones, TVs, and tablets threaten to undermine your sleep quality. Blue-light emitting devices can impact your health, including disturbing your circadian rhythm and contributing to sleep deprivation. That’s because blue-light devices promote the production of cortisol — the hormone responsible for stress and alertness — while blocking the production of melatonin.
Improve your sleep quality by excising screens from your bedroom. Turning off devices thirty minutes before bed allows your brain to slip into “sleep mode” and you’ll fall asleep much quicker. Further, improve your sleep quality by bringing your room temperature down to 60 – 67 F and redecorating your bedroom with neutral tones and black-out blinds to improve sleep quality.
Stress
Stress is a natural part of life. Without some short-term, acute stress, you’d never work at your full potential. However, long-term, chronic stress is a productivity killer that you need to steer clear of. Stress can decrease your productivity at work as it often leads to fatigue and decreased concentration.
Overcoming stress can be tricky. Start by addressing the root cause of your stress. Are you overworking? Do your colleagues cause you undue stress? Do you feel stretched thin due to multiple responsibilities?
Once you’ve identified the cause of your stress, open lines of communication to alleviate your stress. Let your boss know that you’re feeling overworked or ask your family for help with child-raising responsibilities. There’s no shame in admitting that stress is getting the better of you and addressing the issue can alleviate your worries.
If you’re still finding that life stress is killing your productivity, you may want to see a therapist. Therapists are trained mental health professionals who understand the struggles you face and can give you strategies to get through stressful periods. They’ll help you become more resilient and will help you advocate for yourself.
Multitasking
Many people mistakenly equate productivity to multitasking. This is a major misstep, as needlessly multitasking will split your attention and kill your productivity. Computers can multitask successfully; humans usually cannot. Multitasking also diminishes your ability to learn and causes untold human errors.
You wouldn’t drive and text at the same time, so don’t try to respond to emails while taking a call from a client. Instead of multitasking your way through the day, set a clear schedule and work on one task at a time. This will help you manage your time more effectively and help you keep track of your productivity.
Focusing on one task at a time can help you avoid distractions, too — you’re far less likely to end up on Instagram or TikTok when you’re fully focused on a task that needs to be completed in the next hour. So, switch your phone to silent, block Internet sites that tend to be a distraction, and fully engage with one task at a time.
Procrastination
We’ve all procrastinated on important projects at one point in our lives. Whether it’s turning in a college essay or finalizing a quarterly report, procrastination happens to the best of us. However, you cannot make procrastination into a habit. Procrastination leads to sub-par work and can undermine your daily productivity.
Research psychologist and DePaul University professor, Dr. Joe Ferrari, explains that people mistakenly believe that procrastination helps them be more productive and produce their best work. However, in reality, procrastinating tricks you into believing that you’ve done a stellar job even when you’ve produced poor work. Your brain is relieved that you’ve finished the task that you’ve been putting off and rewards you for completing the task — even if you’ve made mistakes.
Overcome your procrastination habit by ditching productivity guilt and rewarding yourself for getting work completed early. Focus on giving yourself a behavioral or physical reward — like going to the gym or a fresh cup of coffee — whenever you complete a task early. Don’t punish yourself when you procrastinate, but be honest about your performance and acknowledge the fact that you could have done a better job had you avoided procrastination.
Conclusion
Productivity is key to your overall happiness and self-efficacy. You can improve your day-to-day productivity by scheduling your day in advance and making time to rest and relax. Even small changes, like dropping the temperature of your room to 60F can make a big impact on your ability to focus on your daily tasks.
This guest post was authored by Ainsley Lawrence
Ainsley Lawrence is a writer who loves to talk about how business and professionalism intersectwith the personal, social, and technological needs of today. She is frequently lost in a good book.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
Hi, my name is Jen. I’m a real estate team leader, coach, author and agent in production. I haven’t worked a Sunday in five years.
Most people get into real estate or entrepreneurship for the “freedom”. Once you get into the business though, you know that this is a 24/7 kind of job unless you structure your business to accommodate having a life.
I realized my first year in real estate when I was getting calls on Thanksgiving about inspection reports that I was going to need help. This isn’t a problem unique to real estate. With technology making all of us more and more available, it is really hard to strike a balance between your personal and professional life.
So for all the entrepreneurs out there, this is for you. Here’s how outsourcing can assist you in taking back your time.
Taking Back Your Time
Work-life balance is a myth. You will never be perfectly balanced in every facet of your life. That’s why I strive for integration.
If you integrate your personal life into your work life, you start to treat your personal goals as seriously as your professional goals. Not only does it give your personal life more priority but at the end of the day you are just one person. There isn’t work Jen and personal Jen. This is a false dichotomy.
To properly integrate these parts of your life, you must become a master of setting boundaries and backing up those boundaries with sound business logic.
Several years ago I did the math. I lost $4,000 every time I cleaned my house. I calculated how much money I can expect to make per hour doing my highest money making activities. And I realized that I would actually save money by outsourcing this task.
Once I knew my dollar per hour it was very easy to come up with a list of tasks that I could outsource so that I was spending more time during the week in those highest dollar per hour activities. I then found a team who was excellent at these tasks so I knew that no ball was going to be dropped if I wasn’t the one completing these tasks.
Once you have your outsourcing team in place, then you look at your personal life and see where you aren’t measuring up.
If you want more time with your kids or spouse and then put it on the calendar. Treat it like an appointment that you can’t miss. Be accountable to your calendar. Honor the commitment to yourself and understand the importance of taking time off with your family.
In order to keep these appointments with yourself, I find that I have to be much more disciplined during the week. I have to action-block my calendar to make sure that I am getting everything done that I need to before my big Sunday with my family.
Now I’m sure you’ve heard of time blocking where you put two hours on the calendar where you are going to do social media for instance. Action blocking is where you take those two hours and you put on your calendar the specific actions you are going to take, rather than just the pillar of your business you are going to be working on during that time.
I would put in the description of my Social Media Calendar block: “Write bullet points for a market update. Write a script about an event I have coming up. Film myself answering a question my clients ask a lot. I would then use those bullet points to create 3 instagram reels and schedule those posts. Like and comment on 50 other people’s posts.” I find that you will save time not having to decide what you need to do during these blocks. That helps you become more efficient when every action you have to take is already on your calendar for you.
This is how you live a life by your own design, not one of happenstance or chance.
Know the best day to take off with your family. Put a coverage plan in place. Every success story has many authors.
Set expectations with clients that Sundays are your days with your families and who they can call on Sundays if they need to get a hold of someone.
Plan your Sundays too. Make it something that you can look forward to all week. It’s important that our dopamine centers are one of the most critical operating systems of our brains. Having that reward of Sunday and making it something to look forward to helps us get through all the things that we have to get through in a week.
Remember it is all about quality time over quantity time. These are the days that you put your phone and business away and be completely present with your family.
It’s also okay to plan nothing for some of your Sundays. Don’t feel guilty for taking a day off to Netflix and chill. You will hit the new week excited and refreshed.
If you live your life by your calendar like this, you don’t have to wait four or five months to be excited for a vacation. You have one built in every week that you can look forward to. Even Leonardo da Vinci talks about the importance of R&R in your life.
In order to keep yourself sharp and able to perform these money making activities, you have to schedule time for rest.
Your efficiency actually goes up when you are not available seven days a week and you keep yourself from burnout. Taking a day to refresh your mind, body and spirit.
You are going to be a lot more focused and less likely to experience burnout which can be much more catastrophic to your business than taking one day a week off.
As always, stay curious, live by your calendar and be awesome humans. And start taking back your time!
This guest post was authored by Jennifer Wehner
Jennifer Wehner is a nationally renowned real estate coach who has helped numerous agents fast track their businesses. Jennifer avidly works to increase the potential of those around her. She believes that everyone is an artist on some level. Jennifer’s medium is being an artist of systems and processes that allow her to scale her businesses at warp speed.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
As Beyonce recently pointed out, so many workplaces are breaking the soul of employees and pushing them to explore other options. What these companies don’t understand is that there is a way that they can keep employees (and as a result clientele) happy. Many organizations create wellness initiatives to mask the real problem. The workforce at large is overworked, underequipped and rarely compensated fairly. These are all massive stressors. You can have all the mental health support in the world and it doesn’t fix the issues at hand: the individual feeling valued.
So what should be the focus?
We should be looking at the “Return on Energy”.
Return on energy is the idea that energy spent has value. Companies should be measuring this to understand the toll an output has on their human capital. People do not have an infinite amount of energy to expend which means there must be a value placed on their energy relative to the thing they are using it on. Think about the time spent in meetings, number of emails, drafts of presentations and the toll it takes on an employee. But also, (and likely more important) the number of moments that elicit epiphanies, connections deepened and even innovations uncovered – the more motivating moments. There is a diminishing return when the toll outweighs the motivation. That is where we need to be looking versus an EOY result.
“One of the ways we work with organizations is to improve the employee experience through creating moments where employees can connect deeper with the company’s mission, foster inspiration and boost innovation. Shared experiences are proven to increase self-esteem and decrease depression, anxiety and isolation — something the past two years has fueled heavily. If the great resignation is telling us anything, it’s that companies are missing the mark on understanding their employees right now.“
Everyone has a breaking point, albeit that point is different for everyone. In order to allow space for an employee to feel valued, the energy output by the employee has to match the energy expected by the employer. I remember the moment the scales tipped prompting me to leave corporate America – it was when I gave all I had, didn’t feel like I was making enough of a difference for the effort and was still expected to do more.
I’ve been on the strategy side of events for many years exploring the intersection of design thinking and the psychology of experience. Understanding more about the humans we design for, their motivations, their mindsets and their emotions has opened my eyes to the impact of an experience. While the methodologies I’ve created to design experiences have focused on my client’s customers, I realized how it’s just as important to design experiences for my client’s employees using the same fundamental principles. It all starts with knowing who you are designing for: it was designing moments for me during the end of my tenure at a publicly traded company.
What does it look like in action?
In action, the first step should be showing your employees you value them. It is a way of exercising personalization in the workplace. It’s an indicator for potential burnout of top talent, as well as overall culture and workplace improvements. Mindsets and emotions are real in the workplace and a variable to growth for every employer. While work is a transaction – output for money – it’s affected by a lot of outside variables. Having a pulse on a few key metrics like hours spent in meetings and number of emails in a day versus how someone is feeling (their emotion) could help employers understand where potential vulnerabilities lie in the overall employee experience.
This guest post was authored by Robyn Duda
Robyn is an award-winning event strategist, experience designer and thought-leader who has created event strategies for some of the most recognized brands in the world including Coca-Cola, Spotify, Visa and IBM. Known for thinking different and creating bold change, her work inspires, innovates and harnesses growth for her clients.
She is the founder of RDC, an event management firm, and the Change the Stage Initiative which looks to elevate underrepresented voices in events. Prior to her entrepreneurial adventures, Robyn was an executive at event giant UBM (now Informa) leading and reinventing experience design across the world. With a vision for reinventing the future of experience in ways that lead to long term success, Robyn has been requested to speak all over the world.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
A Global Survey of Executives and Knowledge Professionals by Webex by Cisco
Introduction
This paper reviews key findings from a global research survey across 1403 participants to understand employee and employer key objectives and challenges for 2022. The research focuses on hybrid worker video meeting patterns and associated ramifications. This report documents increasing stress and physical ailments that result from increased time spend in video meetings and investigates possible remedies and solutions. Specifically, the research investigates the use of devices used to facilitate video meetings as well as the positive and negative ramifications, leading to findings on how to reduce employee frustration, improve planned tenure, increase productivity and relieve video meeting fatigue.
Executive Summary
This research finds that hybrid workers spend 2 or more hours in video meetings each workday, with half of those surveyed saying they work from home 8 or more days each month. Executives state their top focus for remote workers in 2022 is team performance, employee engagement, individual performance, and data protection with all four only separated by five percentage points. Thus, at a strategic level, team and employee performance is a higher priority than headline-grabbing security issues. Hybrid knowledge workers indicate their top challenges for 2022 were work-life balance, preventing burnout, and career advancements.
Top issues negatively impacting video meetings are background noise, poor sound, and video quality, a trend that has continued for the last three years. These and other issues create video meeting fatigue and correlate with the 81% of knowledge professionals and executives who experience physical ailments at the end of each day with video meetings. The most common device used for video meetings are laptops (69%) which, while broadly available, is not the best solution, as less than half of the survey participants indicate they have the technology they need for working remotely.
4 out of 10 surveyed plan to leave their employer within two years but this trend is reduced by having the right technology and improved ability to collaborate. When asked what would reduce video meeting fatigue, two key areas were dominant: culture changes around meetings and better meeting technology. Survey participants were then divided into two groups: those that use Webex collaboration devices and those that use other devices (laptops, mobile devices, etc.), revealing two strong trends when compared. Those with Webex devices report higher levels of productivity, collaboration, improved culture, and having the right technology to do their work. Those using Webex devices report nearly 30% fewer frustrations than workers using a laptop. Webex device users were nearly 40% more productive when working remotely.
Hybrid work and video meetings are the new normal, and companies need to provide employees the best technology to reduce meeting fatigue and minimize negative physical ramifications, while taking steps to improve collaboration practices and reduce meeting overload. The laptop isn’t the best answer.
Key Findings
Hybrid Work and Video Meetings Pose Significant Impact on Top Work Concerns
93% spend 2 or more hours in video meetings each day
50% work from home 8 or more days every month
Executives state team performance, employee performance, and engagement over data protection and security as key concerns for 2022
Employees cite work-life balance, burnout, and career advancement are their top work-related concerns for 2022
Video Meeting Fatigue and Physical Ailments Exacerbated by Technology Shortcomings
Background noise, poor sound, and video quality are top video meeting frustrations
95% experience video meeting fatigue and need changes to company culture and key technologies to reduce fatigue
81% indicate some physical ailment at the end of each day filled with video meetings
Laptops are used 69% of the time for video meetings
Less than half reported having the technology they need when working remotely
Retaining Employees Requires Better Technology and a More Collaborative Culture
42% plan on leaving their current employer in the next 2 years
Employees with proper technology plan to stay longer with current employers
Webex device users indicated being better enabled, more productive, with improved collaboration
Webex device users were 65% more likely to say they never get frustrated during video meetings
Detailed Findings
Executives Focusing on Employee Performance and Engagement
Since hybrid work has become part of the normal operating paradigm, the research sought to learn from executives what challenges it creates and where companies need to focus. The top three executive answers center on the employee, specifically team performance (34%), employee engagement (31%), and employee performance (30%). To put this in perspective, these concerns are higher than headline grabbing issues like data protection (29%), and cyber security (24%), which are down in the 4th and 8th spots respectively. Employee well-being (24%) and employee inclusion (26%) round out the top 8, firmly cementing the executive focus on employees above all else.
Work-life Balance, Job Satisfaction, and Collaboration
To gain a 360-degree view of the hybrid work model, the research asked knowledge workers their top work-related concerns for 2022. The first two focus on well-being, maintaining work-life balance (37%) and preventing burnout (28%). Employees, perhaps as expected, are also concerned about career advancement (28%). Job satisfaction (27%) is in the 4th spot and is often a two-way street with enjoying the work being performed and having the right tools to do the job well. Rounding out the top 5 employee concerns is the ability to collaborate with others (23%), which takes a decidedly important role in the new hybrid work era and directly affects the four concerns above it. The ability to collaborate effectively with team members, in the office or working remotely, is directly aligned to their ability to get their work done and ultimately influencing job satisfaction, engagement, promotions, and maintaining a work-life balance.
Most Employees Spend 2 or More hours in Video Meetings Each Day
The importance of effective collaboration cannot be overstated for companies with hybrid workers, and the research specifically measured the magnitude by understanding how frequently workers are collaborating in video meetings. 93% of knowledge workers and executives spend at least 2 hours in video meetings each day, and 1/3 spend at least half of every day in video meetings. This reinforces why workers and executives are focused on and concerned about their ability to collaborate, leading to the top concerns and focuses discussed above.
More Time in Meetings and Increasing Productivity, but at what Cost?
To provide context, research from 2021 showed that all but one key metric was increasing for hybrid workers. Time in meetings grew (56%), as well as the total number of hours worked (57%). This extra time generated increased productivity (47%) and the feeling of having more work schedule flexibility (67%). However, there are some serious negative trends as well, such as increasing personal fatigue (47%) which was a top concern cited earlier by workers. Additionally, stagnating engagement levels were reported by 23% as getting worse, which is becoming a key concern for executives.
8 out of 10 Attending Video Meetings End their Day with Physical Ailments
The research sought to understand just how fatigue is manifested, if at all, from the growing amount of time in video meetings. Only 19% say they feel fine at the end of the day, meaning that 81% physically do not. More than 1 in 3 knowledge workers state their days with video meetings end with neck and shoulder pain (37%). Tied for second are headaches and eye strain or blurry vision, both at (31%). Other symptoms were muscle tightness (22%), general aches and pains (19%), ringing ears (12%), sore throat or voice hoarseness (11%), and feeling jittery (10%). This provides the evidence that video meeting fatigue carries actual physical issues in addition to just feeling like there are too many meetings each day.
More than Two Thirds Rely on Laptops for Video Meetings
In order to address some of the negative trends, it is key to understand what technology is being used to facilitate video meetings. 69% percent of all video meetings are attended using laptops, and 2 out of 3 video meeting attendees use just the laptop alone, with no peripherals (webcam, headset, ear buds, etc.). 15% of participants indicate they use a desktop to attend meetings, and 9% primarily use a mobile device. Just 7% of participants use a dedicated web conferencing device.
Background Noise, Poor Sound, and Video Quality Top Meeting Issues
Knowledge workers and executives were asked what frustrates them during video meetings. Network issues take the top spot with 42%, something most users can’t control. However, the next three issues – background noise (37%), poor sound (34%) and video quality (32%) – are perennial issues and have placed in the top 4 spots for the third year in a row of Dimensional Research’s video meeting related research. These three frustrations are affected by the technology used for video meetings. In-depth analysis compared different solutions survey participants used for video meetings to determine if specific technologies can mitigate some of these frustrations. One significant finding is that Webex device users are 65% more likely to say they never get frustrated during video meetings and report 27% fewer frustrations than those using a laptop.
95% Experience Video Meeting Fatigue; Culture and Technology Must Change
While the intent of the next research question was to focus directly on opportunities for video meeting fatigue resolution, it uncovered that only 5% experience no video meeting fatigue. Consequently 95% of executives and knowledge workers are affected, higher than the 81% who reported physical ailments discussed earlier. However, 97% of participants offer suggestions on how to minimize video meeting fatigue.
At a strategic level, the recommendations fall into two categories: changes to company culture and improved meeting technology. The top 3 suggestions include adjustments to meeting culture including reducing back-to-back meetings (42%), five-minute buffer between meetings (33%), and meeting-free days (27%). All of the other recommendations fall into better meeting technology: the ability to stand up and move around (37%), removing unwanted background noise (24%), non-verbal participation such as chat, gestures, or polls (24%), virtual backgrounds (22%), better camera locations and improved microphones (19%), hand-off meetings between devices (18%), and, lastly, the ability to personalize their video meeting solution.
Less than Half Have the Technology They Need when Working Remotely
Given the long list of technology and cultural improvements needed to reduce video meeting fatigue, the research then investigated how enabled workers and executives feel today about working remotely. The first takeaway from the findings is that just half, 50%, of workers feel they have the right technology to do their job. Less than that, at 46%, were those that have the proper technology to collaborate.
Missing technology again is the culprit with just 39% indicating their meeting software enables them to easily communicate with others. 77% of those responsible for employees and their productivity (executives, facilities team, HR, and IT) stated that home offices are now, in fact, part of their larger facilities plan. Thus, the problem of not having the right technology is either that they have not started resolving the issue or are making poor technology choices. In direct support of the impact technology makes, Webex device users report they were 38% more productive when working remotely.
Employees with Proper Technology Plan to Stay Longer with Current Employers
In addition to the importance of technology for mitigating video meeting fatigue and enabling employees to collaborate, the research discovered other correlations proper technology provides. In the chart below, we see a direct correlation between planned tenure related to having the right technology. Simply put, those with the right technology intend on staying longer with their current employer. Further analysis finds that employees that are better able to collaborate have no plans to leave their current employer. This new information corroborates research conducted last year, where 77% of those with proper technology were happy with their employer.
We also revealed in last year’s study a direct correlation between those that turn on video in meetings all the time and those who were also happier with their employer. This year the findings again show those that use video in meetings all the time (43%) or most of the time (23%) have no plans to leave their current employer. The combined research establishes that the two key factors to video usage in meetings are technology and company culture.
Webex Device Users Indicated being Better Enabled and More Productive with Improved Collaboration
Given the preceding findings about technology challenges, the research directly inquired about collaboration and technology vendors which revealed additional insights. The data show that Webex users reported higher marks across the board when it comes to remote work experiences. This data shows that better technological enablement for collaboration does in fact lead to greater productivity and a better culture and work environment.
Conclusion
In 2022 executives are firmly committed to employees and their productivity. In fact, those are their top priorities for enabling the hybrid worker model. But the reality is employees and executives are in more meetings than before and many of them include video meetings with remote employees. While both the hours spent working and productivity are up, so is meeting fatigue with physical symptoms. This is certainly behind employee’s top priorities for work-life balance and avoiding burnout.
Remedies for these issues fall largely into two areas, changing company culture and improving the technology employees have access to. Today most video meetings are attended on laptops and from these results the laptop alone is not the best approach. Providing the right collaboration and meeting technology not only reduces video meeting fatigue factors, but directly results in happier employees who stay longer.
Given that home offices are now an extension of the work office, leaders need to consider their technology decisions more carefully. Having the right technology impacts people’s ability to work effectively and boosts loyalty with healthier and happier employees. The alternatives are physical and other fatigue issues caused by frustrating work conditions which drive employee turnover, all of which are costly to the business. Webex devices have shown to reduce video meeting fatigue and enable employees to collaborate with more ease than other solutions. The survey reminds us that employees are the most important part of a company, which is why they are the top concerns on leadership’s minds.
Survey Methodology
Individuals representing all seniority levels that attend video meetings weekly working at companies of all sizes and industries were invited to participate in a survey on their experiences with video meetings, technology used, and physical and mental states.
A total of 1,403 qualified participants completed the global survey. All participants attend video meetings each week. Participants represented numerous countries from 5 continents to provide a global perspective. The survey was administered electronically, and participants were offered a token compensation for their participation.
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Ms. Career Girl strives to provide valuable insights you can use. To see more from our columnists and guest authors, check these out! Or subscribe to our weekly email featuring our latest articles.We’re also present on Medium!
