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Job flexibility has more of an effect on the workplace than you can probably imagine.

Ever hear of a compromise? It’s the practical foundation for conflict resolution.

A compromise is a settlement of a dispute reached by opposing sides. Let us think of flexibility in these terms.

We’re talking about an agreement between those who crave more flexibility in their lives and those who are reluctant to give it.

The demand for flexibility is higher than what is actually seen in the workplace.

More than half of the average full-time workforce population say that they don’t have enough flexibility in their day. By default, what impacts employees or their managers, will also affect the company in the long term.

Give a little, get a little as the phrase goes.
Today, we will be discussing flexibility in regards to lifestyle aspects that we at Office Libations deem to be most important.

 

How Can We Define Workplace Flexibility?

Image of two office employees working remotely with job flexibility

When you think of your average full time nine to five job what do you picture?

Do you picture a boring desk job or something a little more upbeat with less paperwork and more action?

No matter what your typical office looks like, every office job will have their own definition of workplace flexibility.

The question worthy of the golden ticket now is: how does one define workplace flexibility?

Is it by the amount of time that an employee can work away from the desk? Or can the amount of work that an employee puts out define how much flexibility they’re allowed?

Well, this depends on a variety of factors.

The ideal workplace will take in the needs of their employees. They will then use these needs to create a schedule that suits both the employer and employee.

There must be a structure to the amount of flexibility allowed to employees.

Furthermore, it must be easily communicated throughout the organization.
This will set a standard guideline that you as a manager can then customize based on the individual.

Here’s an introduction to job flexibility at work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_MVvUoSdj8
 

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6 Ways In Which You Can Structure Flexibility

There are several types of flexible arrangements that we’ll briefly go over. To check them out in more detail head on over to our article on How Your Workplace Will Change In 5 Years.

These structured flexibility programs include the following:

  1. Time Shift
  2. Microagility
  3. Desk Plus
  4. Remote
  5. Travel Lite
  6. Part Time

Some require more desk time than others. Some will allow for shorter work weeks, variable working locations or minimal travel.

One thing to note is that flexible jobs are fundamentally different than the gig economy.

It’s true, short term contracts do allow for ultimate flexibility. But we’re talking about the difficulty of work-related flexibility in regards to a full-time job. 

Let us go more in depth about the implications of having flex time or lack thereof for full-time office employees.

 

Health & Wellness

Image of a person walking

Taking care of your health is hard enough when you think about it.

Throw in a nine to five full-time job and, let’s just say one’s health and wellness tend to fall to the wayside.

Job flexibility in the workplace can impact several critical areas of a person’s life and their well-being is one of them.

To place things in perspective:

  • 36% of over 1000 white-collar professionals in the US agree that it is difficult to make time for healthy living and exercising.
  • 26-30% have difficulty making regular health appointments
  • 29% have difficulty managing a health condition or illness
  • 30% do not get enough sleep each night

And why can’t people seem to resolve their issues with their well-being?

If you think it’s a result of minimal flex time in a person’s working schedule then you guess correct.

According to the Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College, there are several reasons why job flexibility is a must.

 

 

A Flexible Schedule Can Reduce Stress

Image of a person who is stressed

Reducing stress is a major bonus. In a study with over 19,000 employees from distinct industries, burnout was significantly less prominent with the existence of flexible arrangements.

The reason being that employees will have an easier time balancing their time outside of work with their duties on the clock.

 

A Flexible Schedule Can Also Reduce Negative Spillover

Reducing ‘negative spillover’ is also a bonus to creating flexible arrangements at work. This is a term used for the attitudes and behaviors that carry over from one role to another.

For example, if you’re in a bad mood from something that happened at home, then that energy is going to bleed into the work environment.

Lastly, increased job flexibility can improve both physical and mental well-being.

It’s pretty self-explanatory. Allowing for flexible arrangements at work allows employees more control in their lives. It allows them the ability to better care for themselves, for others, and to develop healthier behaviors in their lives.

 

Parenting In The Workplace

Image of a working mom with job flexibility

The one thing that all parents will appreciate out of their workplace is a flexible schedule.

Parents overall are at a disadvantage when it comes to balancing their caregiving needs. Raising kids and working a full-time job can place an unreasonable burden that parents can’t shake.

What was once resolved by a stay at home parent addressing any and all caregiving needs, is no longer a feasible solution. Now more than ever both parents are working full-time jobs to provide for the family.

Most often, they struggle with addressing any last minute emergencies that arise due to strict job policies. So if the babysitter cancels last minute, then the responsibility falls on the parent to handle the situation.

Especially when childcare becomes too costly, then being able to rearrange one’s work schedule can be very helpful.

“Of the 30% of credentialed women who leave the workforce, 70% say they would have stayed if they had access to flexibility.”

werk.co

The availability of flex time is far and few, and that especially impacts new mothers.

They face the challenge of adjusting a new lifestyle into their existing work routine. Although more than capable of adjusting their job with their familial needs, the support of their company goes a long way in retaining employees long-term.

Take it from somebody who has gone through new kids and was able to create her own flexible schedule:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9KcIiUpzB4
 

Productivity & The Bottom Line

Image of productive office employees with job flexibility

It’s easy to boast about all the benefits of offering flexible work options for employees. But if you’re one of the top managers, then you want to know how this impacts the company right?

How is it that a company is able to see positive outcomes when their employees don’t even show up to the office five days of the week?

It all comes down to productivity, turnover, satisfaction, and the well-being of everyone involved.

Like we mentioned before, employees with more flexibility in their work schedules are less likely to experience stress and burnout. Naturally, this is good for them but this is even better for the company.

This means that employees are more likely to keep their productivity levels high. Rather than hassling over a last-minute emergency or a forgotten doctor’s appointment, their mind is on their job instead.  

A significant amount of people leave their jobs due to inadequate flexibility in their working lives. Yet, by being considerate of an employee’s needs, a company can retain an exemplary team member without the risk of pushing them away.

This will save the company time that would have been spent hiring and training someone new. Above all, satisfied employees tend to perform better than those who aren’t.

They feel their employer actually cares about them, that their ideas are valuable, and that they are able to make a difference in their position.

 

How To Implement Best Practices

Take a glance at why your employees will need some wiggle room in their work week.

How many people on your team are working parents? How many of them are younger and prefer the freedom to spend their time as they like?

Ultimately, you want to gauge the amount of flexibility you allow your employees with the quality of their work.

Most likely what will happen is that employees will perform better once they’re not tied to their desk with a timer over their heads.

The goal is to develop a fair structure that will cater to everyone’s need for flexibility.

 

Create a Policy That Is Reason Neutral

Image of a scale to represent reason neutral policies

According to Joan C. Williams and Marina Multhaup, one way to achieve this is by creating a work-from-home policy that is ‘reason neutral’.

This way, nobody will be able to pass judgment on a person’s reason for working from home. If someone has a death in the family and somebody else is falling ill with the flu, should we place more significance on one over the other?

Simply saying that they wish to work from home should be reason enough.

 

Create A Customized Schedule

Image of clock representing workday schedules with job flexibility

Another method is to customize a schedule based on the individual. Whether they’re parents or non-parents, there is a reason and a way to satisfy everyone’s needs:

  • For working parents, this can include working from home three out of the five days in a week.
  • For some, this can mean creating a shortened week depending on the progress of a person’s work.
  • Others are simply content knowing the option to work remotely for the day is there on the table. This will be enough to satisfy them and give them peace of mind.
 

Establish Policies For Communication And Performance Tracking

Image of performance tracking for an office employee

Always have a way for your employees to check in and to maintain steady progress whenever they are not in the office.

Set a framework in place to ensure that they are accomplishing their work in a timely manner. For example, scheduling monthly meetings to talk about progress or any issues that arise.

Remember that the quality of employees’ work takes priority. As long as their work results in a positive outcome for the company, then they should be able to maintain a flexible schedule.

 

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Final Thoughts

We seem to be making our lives extraordinarily complicated when in fact, it actually doesn’t take very much to simplify our lives.

Remember, flexibility requires a compromise on both ends for everyone to be happy.

To empower an employee means to empower them to live their lives the way that they choose to live them. And if this means supporting them through a flexible schedule then so be it.

Now more than ever, offices are paving the way towards innovative approaches for effective time usage.

Why should employers control how a person uses their time when the time is relative to the person?

It’s time to embrace a new day and age where flexibility is no longer a trend or a luxury, but rather a norm in our daily work life.


Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

https://www.officelibations.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/its-undeniable-flexibility-is-critical-to-your-success.jpg 1374 1832 Office Libations https://www.officelibations.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo.png Office Libations2019-01-08 19:48:172022-07-21 18:28:26It’s Undeniable…Job Flexibility is Critical to Your Success

Whatever office you encounter, there’s a vibe that you feel the moment you walk in. It’s an expression of the culture and personality of the office. This is due in large part to the management types of the leadership team.

A company would be nothing without its managers. Some will be more laid back than others. And some will be more unique than traditional.

If you’ve spent any time in a company, you’ll recognize that these people have a TON of influence with most things they do. No two managers are the same and they all have their own manner in which they choose to conduct their business.

So what does it mean to be a great manager? (Here are some more tips for new Office Managers!!)

Let’s deep dive into the management types and how to excel in a leadership role.

Management Types to Avoid

Image of different types of pawns or managers

Throughout your career, keep an eye out for those managers that you want to learn from and those you want to avoid.

Perhaps you’ve encountered them in your company, or you even see one of these managers in yourself.

Start to become comfortable identifying different management styles. Once you do, it becomes easier to tailor your own approach to management and become a better leader than you were before.

Here’s a list of 6 management types that you may or may not be familiar with.

The Nit Picky Manager

This manager is the guy/gal that does everything by the books.

And we mean EVERYTHING.

They’re also very meticulous about how they like things done to the point where they put perfectionists to shame.

There’s going to be a procedure or rule for most things. From sending out reports, following up with clients, sending out information requests, etc.

In this case, it wouldn’t be unheard of for these managers to pull out a rule book for how they like their pencils sharpened.

There’s not a lot of room left for trust in their employees and they like to be in control of just about everything.

The Superior Boss

Image of a boss that likes power and authority

Speaking of control, this manager lives to feel the extent of their authority. They don’t appreciate others questioning their word nor the quality of their work.

For these managers, the title says it all and is really the only thing they strive to maintain. These types of people need a lesson in humility and collaboration.

These management types won’t be around for long with this mentality.

The Traditional Boss

This manager is usually stuck in the good old days of how an office should be.

The issue here is that traditional management styles are exactly what they sound like: traditional and outdated.

In this approach to management, employees are often to blame for any lack of perceived quality of a product. There is not much room for error and there’s always a ‘you can do better’ attitude around the quality of an employee’s work.

 

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The Workaholic Manager

Somebody needs to educate this manager on what a break is because you will rarely ever see them take one.

These managers will always be at their desks or doing something productive. They tend to arrive early and stay late for the sake of their jobs.

While these management types may not seem all bad, there are some drawbacks here. They tend to compulsively take on more work than they can handle.

A workaholic is very liable to place other duties to the wayside that they may deem a lesser priority. Furthermore, a dead set fixation to this extent can interfere with how they handle their team or the main duties of their job.

The Friend Manager

You might not think that having a manager who is your friend is wrong and in most cases, it’s not!

You want to be comfortable with the person you call manager. Compatibility is key in an office.

But! When a manager starts to act more like your friend than your manager, that’s where the problem occurs.

These management types want others to see them as equals, someone that can be relatable in the effort to be admired. The important thing to remember is to find the balance between manager and friend.

The Non-Existent Manager

Image of an empty office chair

You won’t even remember who your manager is if they’re gone half the time.

Whether they’re working remotely, from home, or just don’t like to come out of their office, these management types are seldom seen.

They are not present enough to have a connection with their team. Instant feedback and face to face communication are virtually non-existent.

For independent employees this is fine. But for others who enjoy a little more contact, it can affect their motivation, not to mention their need for support.

What NOT To Do As a Manager

If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to get yourself fired and placed on your employee’s hit list, you may want to pay close attention to these next tips.

Don’t Micromanage

Image of a manager that will micromanage their employees

Closely related to the nitpicky management type (and in some cases they go hand in hand) a micromanager will see to it that everyone abides by their rules.

A lot of the reason why managers will micromanage is due to not being able to let go of their previous role in the employee chair. And partly because they like to be in control over minor processes as opposed to overseeing the bigger goal.

Employees will start to question their abilities if their managers are constantly telling them how to do their job differently.

There is a lack of trust here. Moreover, they will not appreciate their manager always breathing down their neck.

As a manager, rather than trying to oversee everything your team does, start by setting clear expectations.

What results do you expect from your team? How do you plan to measure their efficiency or the quality of their work?

According to J. Keith Murnighan in his book titled DO NOTHING, the key is to do nothing. The reason being that employees will discover their own strengths when their managers aren’t doing the work for them.

Most importantly, have faith that your team will fulfill the duties they’re hired to do.

Don’t Overload The Work

Image of a person who is overloaded with work

Don’t overload your team with more work than they can handle. Some managers also subscribe to the idea that a lack of results is due to a lack of skill.

This is not always the case.

If you find that there is more to be desired from your team’s abilities, you may want to reflect on how you delegate responsibilities.

What happens when employees bite off more than they can chew?

This is a no-brainer. The outcome is the same thing that happens to any person when they’re overworked.

That person becomes stressed. Thus, the quality of their work goes down and their level of satisfaction in their job will decrease as well. This will also put a damper on the quality of their work.

There are several solutions to this issue.

First off, you may want to consider your team’s abilities and if they’re equipped with the tools they need to see their job through successfully.

If so, then take a look at how the work is distributed. Are some receiving more work than others? Determine who is more capable of taking on a bit more work than others.

If redistributing tasks does not resolve any issues, then it can’t hurt to expand the team and hire more talent.

Don’t Mix Personal With Work

Image of lines that should not be crossed

Draw the line between work and personal life.

In other words, don’t steal your employees’ time when they’re no longer in the office or on the clock.

This can mean one of several things.

Don’t guilt them into staying late and don’t fault them for wanting to go home at a decent time.

If they are struggling to finish their duties on time then resolve the root of the issue. That way your employees don’t have to stay until such ungodly hours.

When we say draw the line between work and personal life, this can apply to time outside of the office.

If you’re one to preach about work-life balance as you sit there sending work emails to your employees at 9 pm, it’s time to rethink your definition of work-life balance.

Hypocrisy is not a nice suit to wear.

Don’t Be The Bad Guy

Image of a lego person is not a good manager

Simple as that. We’re human above all else so let’s show others the same respect that we’d like to see towards ourselves.

Just because you’re having a bad day doesn’t give you the right to punt your employees off the metaphorical cliff of contentment. If you need an outlet for the day then join a gym but don’t take out your frustrations on those around you.

Guaranteed you will lose your employees’ trust this way right after you lose their respect.

One of a manager’s main responsibilities is to maintain an optimistic work-space. They are a huge factor in the culture of the office.

If the environment is toxic, then your employees will be the first to notice. The best we can do is take the ball and roll with it without negatively impacting those around us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TFkwsBA9Ws

What Does Being A Manager Mean

Thinking Like A Team Versus An Individual

Image of a team in the office accomplishing their work

Here at Office Libations, we can’t even imagine doing all that we do with only one person behind the wheel. We have a shared vision and a shared goal of providing the best possible service to our customers. That shared goal is the North Star for every action our team takes, from an individual’s actions to the collective actions of our business as a whole.

Gone are the days when you could work without involving yourself in anyone’s business. A manager’s existence rides heavily on their ability to unite others into a cohesive unit.

Even better for them if they can instill collaboration between employees and departments.

As a manager, you have to be able to train your team, motivate them, and support them. The best measure of success for a manager is how successful their team is.

One way to go about this is to develop a training method for new and old employees. For those under your management, ensure that they have the right tools that they need to excel in their position.

Have a one on one session with them or make a group session. Keep them up to date with the latest techniques so they can perform to their highest potential.

Something else you will want to keep in mind is how to organize your team.

Ensure that everyone knows their place and everyone knows their part. Otherwise, it becomes your job to provide guidance to where they need to be.

Be Proactive As An Individual And A Team

Image of a proactive and organized office manager

In order to think like a team, a manager has to also be able to think like an individual on behalf of their team.

Understand the difference between independence and interdependence. To each their own value, it’s only a matter of understanding when they are most valuable.

A collective decision holds more sway over a decision made by a single person. Especially if this decision impacts matters of great importance.

In another instance, however, a manager needs to know when to make that executive decision as well.

Become a planner in all things productive.

Stay on top of your tasks if you want to make the most of your time each day you’re in the office.

If you need an all-in-one organization genie then ProofHub is the tool for you. If you need to connect your apps and services then try IFTTT.

There’s a tool for everything from time tracking to social media management and everything in between.

It’s all about how you choose to manage your time and that of your team.

Thinking Like A Leader

Image of a office manager and great leader

As a liaison and a communicator, a manager is a role model to their employees and their peers.

A leader leads, and everyone else acts in accordance with their manager. If a manager decides to slack off on their work then it’s likely that one of two things are bound to occur.

It’s quite possible that a manager’s team will slack off. If their manager doesn’t do their work then why should they?

Another destined route is that employees will feel the need to pick up the slack on behalf of their manager.

Neither of these two options results in optimal results and the outcome is a loss in motivation.

According to Michael Armstrong:

“People learn to manage by managing under the guidance of a good manager.”

Michael Armstrong, How to be an Even Better Manager: A Complete A-Z of Proven Techniques and Essential Skills

You need to exhibit the same behaviors that you want your employees to exhibit. Display prime qualities and work ethic so that your employees will learn to do the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWmhl6rzVpM

Takeaways

Leadership and management positions require people to occasionally put others before themselves. These management types help leaders create value through their decisions and amplify their positive actions through their empowered and motivated team.

A leadership position is what you make it. It’s never too late for improvement so take some time to reflect on how to be a great manager that the company will simply refuse to let go.

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

https://www.officelibations.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/The-5-management-types-to-avoid.jpg 1374 1832 Office Libations https://www.officelibations.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo.png Office Libations2019-01-01 06:46:212022-07-21 18:18:24The 5 Management Types To Avoid
image of party planning under budget

If you’re not a natural event planner, it can be hard to keep all your ducks in line. Especially when today’s industry has sophisticated the event planning profession to extreme heights.    

Nonetheless, it’s exciting to take part in planning a successful corporate party. To know that all these variables can come together in the culmination of a memorable experience can be quite fulfilling. 

Let’s be real though, we know party planning can be tedious. 

There are going to be times when all you’ll want to do is tear out your hair and rip every planner to shreds. Fear not though because we’ve got some advice that you’ll appreciate.

From planning huge corporate events to small company get-togethers, set down the right foundation and you’ll find that kicking off a great party will be easier than you expected.

Channel Your Inner Event Planner

event planning coordinator writing down ideas

The time has come.

The annual 3-day business convention that everyone has been talking about is on the horizon. Or maybe it’s a last-minute company social that someone thought would be great to schedule without warning. 

You realize that your one person planning crew seems to lack direction. In fact, your lone crew may even be lacking a starting point.

If we were to ask you what was one of the most stressful jobs out there, event planning may not be first to come to mind. That’s because event planning requires a lot of attention. 

Statistics have ranked event planning as one of the most stressful jobs since 2016. 

Now we’re not saying you should drop your job like a hot potato. But if you find that your lone event planning crew is lacking in direction, it may be time to think like an event planner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4mOS3kFsr0&t=105s

Qualities That The Best Event Planners Possess

magnifying glass on colorful surface

Event planners have incredible attention to detail.

Their heads are always in the game from the smallest details like what chairs to get to the bigger items like hiring a caterer. They make sure that everything flows smoothly every step of the way.

If you’re creative, that’s great! If not, that’s fine too. What matters is that you know how to be adaptable.

Not every event is going to run as smooth as you would like. Someone is going to show up late, the sound system may shut down, the caterer may have forgotten the right order, etc. 

It’s your job as the person who planned the event to figure out how to fix it so that people leave feeling satisfied.  

Always keep some sort of planner handy because events require a lot of organization.

 

event planning organizational tools including calendar, planner, laptop, folders

If not a planner then you best hope that you have an extensive photographic memory. If you’re paying attention to every detail, the first step is going to be remembering said details as the event draws near.

Interpersonal skills are not only valuable in any position, but they are especially crucial for event planning. They are a must if you want to keep lasting relations that you can carry on in the future.

In a study conducted with over 1000 participants, over 80% said that interpersonal skills were crucial to event planning.

You’re reflecting yourself as an individual on behalf of your company. Being able to collaborate well with others shows that you’re a team player.

 

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Set Up A Game Plan

So you have an inkling of what it takes to plan an event like it’s your full-time job, but you still don’t know where to start.

First things first, start out by coming up with a list of costs and expenses. In other words, create your budget.

The Budget

event planning a budget with a calculator

To create a budget, the first thing to do is determine what you are budgeting for. This is where you make a list of everything that an event is going to call for.

Here’s a list of elements you can expect to budget for when event planning:

  • Venue
  • Catering
  • Music
  • Security
  • Entertainment
  • Decoration
  • Cleanup crew
  • Marketing
  • Staff
  • Equipment rental costs

The next step is to calculate your actual costs.

Think about this for a minute. What do you absolutely need to know to create a detailed list of expenses?

The more detailed you are the more exact your projected expenses are going to be. Add as much description into the budget list as possible, that way anyone looking at it will know exactly what you are referring to.

For example, say you were budgeting for decorations.

If you’re thinking about decorations then what would that entail? How much would you need, what color, what type, etc.  

When calculating your projected costs, it’s best to be as exact as possible.

Look back on the records kept for past events. What was the cost of the venue and entertainment then? How does your event differ or correlate with past events?

Getting quotes from prospective vendors can also give a realistic estimate of budgeting costs. They can factor in any extra costs that may have bypassed your attention like gratuity or cancellation fees.

Lastly, determine your projected revenues. This is where you factor in cost per attendee and compare that to ticket prices.

Or if you don’t intend on making revenue from ticket sales then factor in contributions from sponsors, donations, or money made at the bar.

Reach Out To Sponsors For Your Event

event planning by shaking hands across table

Pitching your company, your ideas, and events to potential sponsors can be intimidating.

What if they refuse, what if they’re not convinced and want to hear more before they commit to a deal?

The best you can do is set your facts straight and sell yourself right. 

Start out by getting your demographic and purpose across. 

Sponsors want to establish who is going to see their brand and what cause they’re investing in. If they don’t feel that the demographic is right then they’re going to move on to a better deal. 

Come up with an awesome proposal and give your potential sponsors an offer that they will have a hard time refusing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3uQEaKT88E

As focused as you are on how a sponsor will benefit your event, sponsors want to know what’s in it for them as well. 

Add an emotional element to your proposal. Does it give back to the community and if so how?

Offer them a concrete deliverable. 

They want to feel secure in their investment and numbers have a tendency to offer such security. If Millennials make up half of the guest list and it’s proven that they have a large percentage of purchasing power, let your sponsors know. 

Don’t sell yourself or your company short and don’t be afraid to ask for an adequate amount of money. 

Let’s not get too out of hand with the asking price. But keep in mind your value and how that value carries over in the eyes of a sponsor.

Get The Event Planning Logistics Down Pat

We’re talking about the who, what, when, where, how, and why of the gritty details. This task is like jumping over a measly twig compared to jumping over fallen trees when creating budgets.   

This is the most basic stuff that you can set straight without stressing too much over it.  

Let’s take care of the obvious first.

Where Will The Event Be Held?

If it’s difficult to get to, is the company going to expense the cost of transportation for their employees? If so then this is an extra cost that you need to factor in.

Will it affect attendance if the location is in a more remote place than a downtown studio for example?

What Time Is The Event Going To Be?

If it’s after dinner then how will this impact the catering menu? Drinks are customary after dinner so the booze menu will need particular attention in this case. 

Or if it’s an afternoon convention then this may require an hour break for lunch. And of course per popular demand, coffee options are a must for any events in the morning.

What Day Is The Event Going To Be?

event planning calendar with day circled

The calendar day is essential to avoid any collisions with notable circumstances.

What if you scheduled a company convention the same day that 5 other companies had theirs? The chances of this happening are low but you get the point. 

Now you’re all vying for attendees and no one goes home happy.  Instead of competing for attendees, pick a day where your event is the only one claiming attention.

Who’s Going To Be There?

What is the attendee list going to look like? These are vital details to get across to any potential sponsors. 

The guest list can also influence elements like music or entertainment depending on what the demographic looks like. 

It can help to have all guests RSVP beforehand so your attendee number is as accurate as possible.

Let The Event Planning Begin

folded napkins in wine glasses for great event planning

Once you’ve taken care of the logistical aspects of your event planning, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff.

Think about how you are going to market the event. 

Come up with creative invitations that you can send out in a weekly newsletter or in the mail to your recipients. Leverage any social media accounts and CRM databases to reach potential guests. 

How about libations and snacks, what are your best options for beverage deliveries?

Food and beverage is something we take very seriously here at Office Libations. Reach out to vendors and caterers alike to compare the best prices and find the best value for your budget.

Try to be inclusive and offer a PG menu for the designated drivers and those who like to keep their sobriety in check. Cocktail ideas can be fun as well as figuring out what kind of alcohol is best for which kind of event.

And if you want to be really creative, try initiating a potluck for smaller group socials. This way your guests are more involved and it will keep costs to a minimum by cutting out the catering option.

Speaking of audience engagement, what are attendees going to do at your event?

If it’s a multiple day convention, consider having a line up of important speakers. Or if it’s a small party/social, consider hiring a DJ and offering plenty of time for networking.

Let’s Wrap Things Up

Take a hint from the experts.

According to Michaela Alexander, a strategic field marketing manager, there are two types of strategies to pursue. 

The first is to pay attention to all details so that they connect flawlessly. The second is to never lose sight of the purpose of your event. 

Combine the two and you will host an event that will hit it off without a hitch.

 

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This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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image of an upgraded office

Now, what can you do to make sure that the upcoming year will be better than the last? The goal is to give the workplace a new definition that is not synonymous with a scornful sentiment. More employee flexibility, new perspectives, and freedom to take on value-adding challenges. Do yourself a favor and forget any practices that are not conducive to an open, constructive space.

 

Give Employee Flexibility A Clear Definition

laptop open on desk

Not clearly defining what employee flexibility means for the individual. This is your first mistake when managing a team of employees.

If only the term ’employee flexibility’ had a standardized definition that we could look up in a dictionary.

Alas, the term has developed a meaning of its own depending on who you ask or who you work for.

In the workplace, this varies from allowing employees some flex time to cutting their weeks in half. Having the ability to step away from the desk for a short period is better than a hard ‘no’ for any kind of flex time.

Furthermore, some are going to need more flexibility than others. Working parents are going to need more leeway than those without so much responsibility.

family on the shore

If employees need to step away from the desk to pick up their sick child from school, they should have the ability to do so.

They’re going to feel the burden of a strict schedule and in turn, this can affect their work rate in the workplace.

Stuff happens. Reality is always knocking on our door to remind us that nothing ever has to go as planned.

Yet, the more understanding that managers are, the more respect they will earn from their employees.

 

Get Rid Of Annual Performance Reviews

There are several things wrong with this obsolete procedure.

The first is that annual performance reviews are subject to recency bias. Meaning if you did something awesome at the beginning of the year, it will no longer be relevant. Expect several cases of amnesia during this time, because no one will remember what you did 11 months ago or say anything positive about it.

Second, these reviews are a huge drain on management due to the amount of time they take to plan and carry out.

Consider the time it takes to prepare documents, hold discussions, create reports, and gather feedback.

Depending on the size of the company, costs can range anywhere from the thousands to the millions.

This doesn’t include the cost of lost work time or negative performance due to anxiety revolving around these reviews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsklrDmKgBA

Instead, consider implementing a procedure for real-time feedback. This is the best chance you have for continuous development concerning your employees and their work, while leaving room for employee flexibility with regards to their schedules and workflow.

Here at Office Libations, we like to keep things fresh.

That’s why we like to have a steady feedback loop so we can always build upon what we’re doing in the moment.

There’s no point in receiving feedback that only would have been helpful 5 months ago.

 

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Be Wary Of Restricting Self-Expression

tattoos in the workplace are just one sign of employee flexibility

Did you know when Disney Paris first opened its doors in 1992, the staff was not pleased with park rules?

A part of this was due to management ruling out wine in the park (Ya, they should have seen that one coming). After this little hiccup resolved itself, their next complaint was the dress code.

There were too many restrictions on hair and clothing options for them to be happy in what was supposedly the happiest place on earth. They felt that there were too many rules that dictated what they had to look like and thus, this put a damper on their self-expression.

Granted of course that was in Paris, France in an amusement park, not a corporate office in America.

This brings up a good point though: where do you draw the lines on how employees should look coming into work?

Take tattoos for example. 2020 is on the horizon and we’re still on the fence on whether to display body art or keep it hidden.

Research suggests that today we place more weight on how well-groomed a person is or how well they’re dressed. Yet research also suggests that tattoos may still limit a person’s potential depending on the views of those they come in contact with.

So while tattoos may still limit employee potential, there has never been a more acceptable time for tattoos than the present.

Dress codes, however, are a debatable topic.

close up of business attire - dress codes deflate employee flexibility

Few companies now have a strict dress code. Unless you’re in a consumer-facing position, closing out deals with very important people, there isn’t a need for the stuffy suits.

Here in the bay area, in what we call startup central, work attire has taken on a whole new meaning.

For most companies, dress codes have become much simpler to follow. There really are only 2 common rules to abide by now: dress for the job you want, and avoid looking like a bum.

 

Throw Out Scheduled Start And End Times

man looking at watch

One rule to definitely quit following is any rule on start times, end times, and scheduled breaks.

Similar to strict flexibility standards, any rules that dictate how to use your time can inhibit the natural flow of a person’s work.

The important thing to remember, primarily for salaried employees, is the workload that they have.

As long as they’re getting their work done, do time restrictions really matter?

It’s hardly needed to make them haggle to arrive in the office before the boss, for the sake of appearances. Unless, of course, one’s best work happens in the wee hours of the morning.

In that case, have them come into the office early. That way once they’re done they get to leave early also.

We have peak performance times that don’t tend to stay within the boundaries of a 9-5 job either.

Have you ever found yourself ‘in the zone’ with a steady train of thought that just keeps you going?

Well, what if someone finds themselves in that zone only to realize that their scheduled lunch started 5 minutes ago? They don’t want to lose their train of thought, yet they don’t want to skip their lunch either.

What should they do?

In this instance, it would be easier to allow them the time to take their lunch when they choose. That way they get their best work done without putting a timer on it.

 

Move On From Stacked Ranking

employee flexibility leads to happy workers

So, this one isn’t so much a rule as it is a method of evaluation.

Regardless, it still ranks on our list of outdated practices to quit following if you want to improve the future of your business.

Think of stacked ranking like a bell curve distribution. This is a forced distribution where a person is only considered adequate if they can compare to their peers.

It divides employees from the best performers in the top 10% to the middle 80% to supposed poor performers in the bottom 10%. Per custom, those that fall in the bottom 10% face the pink slip’s wrath.

What stacked ranking does is it creates unhealthy competition. Pinning employees against each other discourages other valuable qualities in a business team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrnfSeMXSO0

Forget collaboration. All employees are going to be thinking about is how they can best overcome the person next to them.

Stacked ranking is also inconsistent.

This ranking relies on the objectivity of the evaluation. This is fine and all, unless you take into account that managers have subjective opinions.

More to the point, gender bias can influence a manager’s review of their employees.

As a result of mass dissatisfaction from employees, we don’t see this system around much. Stacked ranking is starting to fade out as big companies like Microsoft, Uber, and Amazon drop this method.

Stacked ranking is not the reliable system that it once used to be.

A performance review system should encourage employees to improve upon themselves and their work. It should NOT discourage them which is what you’ll end up with using a stacked ranking system.

 

Avoid Power Without Permission

stacked binders

OK, we all know policies and procedures are in place for a reason. Handbooks, company policies, generic work-related tasks that must meet the approval of managers, etc.

But there are times when said procedures can feel like hurdles that get harder to jump the more there are.

Employee empowerment is crucial to make them feel like they are creating value in the work they do. It shows a lack of trust however if employees have to ask permission to use such power.

All this does is give employees a false sense of autonomy that will no longer serve to motivate them in their job.

What else can too many procedures result in?

1. Too many hurdles can result in loss of employee motivation due to hindered progress in their job

2. The focus will be on how ‘correct’ the process is instead of the overall goal

3. What starts as a steady guideline becomes an unnecessary, overcomplicated system

4. There is a drop in productivity when managers continue to make decisions that employees are capable of making on their own

High quality work can happen on its own without the need for so many obstacles.

Sometimes simplicity can do better than the most complex of procedures, allowing for direct employee flexibility. With proper training on general procedures, employees can learn to harness their own process for getting work done.

 

It’s Time To Let Go Of The Past

Take a closer look at your company’s policies and procedures, then take a look at any obstacles you have faced in the workplace.

You’ll find that many of these obstacles have to do with outdated practices no longer relevant for today’s workforce.

Work-life balance is a priority now more than ever as more employees demand work schedules best suited to their personal lives.

Over-complicate the job and you’ll find that the company will achieve less over time.

Take the first step to update the office in a way that will elevate the company for employee flexibility.

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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How will changes in the workplace affect your office in years to come?

As William Pollard once said,

“Without change, there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”

As you’re closing the doors and reflect on the past year’s events, think about what the future will hold for corporate America.

Big changes are to come with the close of one year and the welcoming of another. And businesses are going to be the subject of these major changes a few years down the road.

How big of an effect these changes may have is up for debate. Call it optimism, call it realism, call it whatever you’d like, but business will never be as straightforward as it once was.

Cue in the Millennial workforce, new tech, and modernized expectation of industry workplace standards.

 

What You Can Expect From The Millennial Generation

So what makes Millennials particularly important in the future?

Here’s what Park Communications had to say on the matter:

“Experts predict that by 2020, Millennials will make up 35% of the global workforce with Gen Z making up 24%. That equates to more than half the entire workforce population!”

Suffice to say, the Millennials are going to take up a large chunk of the workforce in the next coming years.  Over a third to be exact.

With their arsenal of tech skills and can-do mentality, it’s no surprise they’re predicted to become key players at the big kid’s table.

Are Millennials really that much different than other generations though?

Millennials and Youth

There are enough blogs out there that will tell you everything from their work ethic all the way down to how they like their toast. But think back to all those studies and articles you’ve come across in the past couple of years.

They all have one thing in common: they’re pinning Millennials as ‘different.’ According to Bruce N. Pfau, their differences are an attribute of being young rather than being part of their generation.

Go back a decade or two and you’ll see that the industry was treating Gen X the same way as we treat Millennials today. And because Millennials are now entering the workforce, they’re going to bring with them the values and expectations seen in young people.

As with any wave of young people entering the workforce, their priorities remain similar for the most part.

Job security is one thing they place a heavy emphasis on.

They’ve seen how their families struggled through recessions in the ’70s up to the ’90s. With this in mind, it’s no wonder they place heavy emphasis on a job that they feel secure in.

Their work ethic is through the roof with 73% of Millennials working more than 40 hours a week.

Amongst other things, Millennials will value the following changes in the workplace as their top priorities:

– Decent pay
– Time off benefits
– How decent the people are that they work with
– Job flexibility
– New challenges, growth, and opportunities
 
 

 

Technological Advancements

The technological advancement of the 21st century has come a long way since the dot-com bubble of 2000.

Advancement may be a bit of an understatement. We’ll say technological invasion, it has a better ring to it.

More of today’s tech has a strong focus towards a similar intent: to make humans’ lives simpler. Technological changes in the workplace can help managers, CEOs, and common office employees alike.

When we say tech we don’t always mean the physical kind. Though individual temperature systems and robotics will be making a strong appearance come 5 years from now.

And the corporate industry is propelling itself into a state of reliance upon such benefits. Can you imagine a world without the use of data, without video conferencing or cloud storage?

Let’s place this unfathomable only-in-a-zombie-apocalypse scenario on the back burner, and focus on what’s yet to come after the end of the year.

Practical Changes In Workplace Tech

– Elevator problems are going to be an issue of the past.

Yes, say hello to the smart elevator. Coming to a corporate building near you!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE70SNyyY9g&feature=youtu.be

 

– Still wearing your sweater indoors? We think you’re going to like what Under Armour, Cisco and Johnson Controls are cooking up with their Comfy app.

An app designed with employees in mind, it’s geared towards creating a workspace that is not just tolerable, but comfortable.

– We can’t forget about the non-tangible tech, can we?

SaaS and consumer data usage will continue to improve consumers’ and employees’ lives alike.

Think realistically for a sec. What’s the percentage of people who answer a survey or give their online opinions honestly?

Consumer data CANNOT LIE which will continue to make it invaluable for business.

According to experts, only 1% of our data is being used effectively. The predicted change (fingers crossed) will be that we use our data more adequately than we do now.

As for cloud-based services, we have them to thank for eliminating the need for an IT department. Or if your company still has an IT department, expect to see more consumption-based IT services.

Expect to see talk of ‘connected clouds’ or ‘multi-cloud’ options. The need for networking, security, and cloud services overall will prompt this need for a seamless yet secured mix of workloads.

 

It’s All About Flexibility

business plans on a whiteboard reflect changes in workplace

What do you think of when you consider job flexibility? Changes in the workplace are broadening available job opportunities.

According to WERK, a flexible job is a full-time W2 role with a structured set of time or location-based modifications. Something entirely separate from the gig economy which is what some of you may be thinking when we say flexibility.

There are six types of flexible full-time job positions that appear quite often:

 

1. TimeShift

In this kind of position, a person can rearrange their workday hours and decide what their schedule will look like for the day.

If they want to beat the dreaded rush hour traffic, they can schedule their day to start early and leave early. They can also section their day to accommodate peak performance times or lagging periods.

With the ability to create a condensed work week, can someone say 3 day weekend?

 

2. MicroAgility

The deal with micro-agility is that employees have the freedom to handle unexpected situations in smaller time increments.

So if you get a call asking to pick up your kid earlier than usual, you have the ability to do so. You’re allowed to leave and come back no problem.

 

3. DeskPlus

changes in workplace culture allow freedom to work in many places

Employees will typically work out of their office within the company. But if changes in the workplace allow employees to work from a separate designated location for a period of time, you’re looking at a DeskPlus kind of job.

If there comes a day when you’d rather not hassle with the 2-hour commute, this option is optimal. Especially for reducing the stress that can go with tiring commutes.

Working in a different space than the office can prevent boredom from a typical office space and can increase creativity as well.

 

4. Remote

Everyone should acquaint themselves with this type of job position at some point in their lives.

Remote work allows for the ultimate level of freedom since you can work your 9 to 5 job without ever leaving the comfort of your own couch.

Aside from the occasional in-person meeting, this job position is entirely self-dependent.

 

 

5. TravelLite

This position allows for minimal to no travel at any given time during the year.

So if you are a person that loathes business trips, this is the job type for you.

Video meetings and online technology will be very helpful in this case to stay in touch.

 

6. Part Time

So while part-time is not exactly considered a full-time position, it’s still a form of employment.

You’re able to optimize your skills towards your job with a reduced amount of hours. And the reduced workload allows more time for other activities.

It’s reported that the US workforce is not receiving the necessary amount of flexibility that they would like. Thus, it’s having an effect on their performance and well being.

A company can gain a competitive advantage from offering an adaptable workspace and improving the way employees work.

Whether it’s the liberty to step away from the desk or to have the choice of having no desk, job flexibility is a new trend that will do more good than you’d expect.

For more articles about the ever-changing office lifestyle, check out our other blog posts on the topic.

The Moral For Today

Well, folks, nothing will ever be the same as it is now.

In other words, nothing holds more potential than the years we have ahead of us.

From the people you work with, all the way down to the software on your computer, the workplace is a space where great development is inevitable.

And as more people envision what they want out of their lives, the less they’re settling for outdated standards and habits.

The advancement of tech and the optimization of a work-life balance has prompted employees to think outside the box. A box that just keeps getting smaller and smaller the further away we steer from it.

What was new yesterday is old today. What is new today will be old tomorrow.

Big changes in the workplace are on their way. All we can do is take the ball and roll with it.

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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Productivity this, productivity that. Let’s stop throwing the word around like it’s a mantra, simply hoping you’ll actually get some work done in the next hour. If you’re one of those with a steadfast concentration and robotic willpower then this article is not for you. Move along. For the majority of us, it’s safe to say that productivity plays victim to procrastination and distraction. It seems like the two are in cahoots and determined to bring the entire working population to its downfall but fear not! We’re here to tell you that it’s possible to improve your productivity. There are reasons why we are not as productive as we’d like to be and there are a number of ways how to boost productivity.

What Does It Mean To Be Productive?

When you think of productivity what do you think of?

Often times you’re going to think in reference to yourself as opposed to a large company.

When we think of our own productivity this is what we refer to as personal productivity.

We specify personal productivity as the goals that one wishes to achieve.

What do we want to get done in a day? What are we capable of doing and how to boost productivity to improve upon our task completion?

The issue that most encounter is how to see these ambitions through.

 

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Productivity vs. Efficiency

Image of two people on their laptops.

Now do not confuse productivity with efficiency as they are two separate terms.

Think of the phrase ‘quality over quantity.’

This definition from Key Differences will help put things into perspective.

Basically, productivity relates to the number of outputs produced compared to the number of inputs involved in the process of production. Efficiency is the amount of actual output produced compared to the standard output for that task.

In other words, productivity refers to the rate at which one produces an output or completes a task.

The focus here is on quantity. It’s like saying the more tasks one completes or the faster they do something then the more productive they are.

Say someone working in an office completed 5 tasks one day, 6 tasks the next, and 7 tasks the day after. They’re considered more productive than they were those days before because they are completing more tasks each day.

Efficiency is a little different.

The focus here is on quality. Let’s go back to our office employee example.

If they complete an ‘x’ number of tasks compared to their colleague who completed fewer tasks, then they’re considered efficient.

The difference here is that the person in our example is being compared to a standard amount of tasks completed per day. They’re doing more with their limited time as compared to the normal rate.

The overall goal here is to achieve a balance between the two. Strive to be productive but efficient as well.

Easier said than done, we know.

Before we give you some insight on how to boost productivity while reaching said balance, let’s get into why people struggle to be productive throughout the day.

Reasons Why People Struggle With Productivity

The darnedest things tend to distract us when we have important matters to attend to.

Funny how that loose thread on your left sleeve suddenly deserves 100% of your attention.

Am I right?

We’ve all been there. We’re trying to get things done but distractions tempt us one right after the other.

When you’re in an office, you likely devote most of your time to a computer screen. This is especially dangerous because it’s very easy to fall down the black hole that is the internet.

This concept of ruining our productivity through minute hitches goes by the name of ‘interruption science.’

Interruption Science Explained

Interruption science is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the study behind how and why interruptions distract people from their tasks at work.

According to researcher Gloria Mark at the University of California Irvine, workers are interrupted from their tasks every 3 minutes. The amount of time it takes to regain focus is nearly 8 times that amount.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s80q9rXQhfI

Some would say that multitasking is a solution to this issue and logically, it makes sense. Work faster, get more done between distractions and that way it’ll make up for said distractions in the first place.

Yet this theory proves no good since it’s found that workers experienced more stress when trying to increase their speed.

The same goes for multitasking.

The reason multitasking is a futile effort is that the act of switching between several tasks is a distraction in itself.

If you’re on a conference call with someone while sending emails while also scheduling your next meetings, you’re not going to get much done.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to multitask:

  • Switching between tasks costs you a significant amount of time with productivity reduced by about 40%
  • According to David Strayer at the University of Utah, only 2% of people can multitask successfully.
  • It can take a person up to 50% longer to complete a single task if they are multitasking.
  • People cause 44% of their own interruptions.

Here are some other reasons why you should consider dropping the multitasking habit.

How Can You Improve Your Productivity?

Well, aside from single-tasking and downing some coffee? There are several paths you can take to learn how to boost productivity AND be efficient about it.

Goal Setting

Suffice to say goal setting is a must if you want to stay on top of your schedule.

It’s a strong way to maintain progress. It’s also a way to hold yourself accountable for work done on a daily, weekly, and even monthly basis.

Goals are like the life raft in the midst of a vast ocean: they give you a sense of direction. They keep you focused, and they can even provide you with a sense of motivation.

So create smart goals that are attainable, relevant, and measurable.

Motivate Yourself

how to boost productivity with a reminder to stay focused

Ever heard of intrinsic motivation?

If not, here it is in a nutshell: it refers to the pleasure one gets from performing a task out of genuine interest or enjoyment as opposed to the desire for external rewards.

Thus, in learning how to boost productivity you need to find a way to motivate yourself intrinsically.

A great way to motivate yourself when working is to ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Don’t edit a document simply because your boss told you to do it. Think about how editing that document will help make the sales people’s lives 10 times easier.

Find a greater purpose in the work that you do. Being useful is a great way to derive satisfaction in the workplace and can be very motivating.

Of course, there are much simpler ways to stay motivated.

Reward yourself with a nice lunch if you finish a certain number of tasks. Staying positive, asking for feedback from peers, and setting goals are all great ways to stay motivated.

Time Management

a person learning how to boost productivity by checking their watch

Time management is one thing we can all improve upon. We may think we’re using our time wisely, only to find that we have yet to do all the things we set out to do in a day.

There is so much help you can find online thanks to the one and only oracle, aka Google. Here are some brief tips to help you make better use of your time.

  • Make a To-Do List
  • Take breaks
  • Learn to stop procrastinating (or if that sounds impossible, schedule time for inevitable procrastination)
  • Plan out your day

Email Management

Image of new unread emails

Don’t let your emails manage you.

Your first instinct upon opening your eyes in the morning shouldn’t be to check your emails. If you fall victim to checking it religiously, then learn to suppress the urge.

Your emails are not going anywhere.

Checking one email can lead you down a road of mundane tasks that might be better left for later.

Learn to organize your inbox by sender or subject line so that when you do check your email, you can focus on only the important ones.

Don’t use your emails as a way to get out of doing more important work either. If you’ve got something particularly urgent, turn off notifications.

That’s one less distraction you have to worry about.

Habits Of Productive People

Wouldn’t you like to be one of those people who somehow manages to complete an entire day’s work in a matter of hours?

Everyone works at their own pace. But there are habits that productive people share that can help you make a dent in your own progress.

If you wish to be as productive as possible, here are some of the most useful habits that will help you learn how to boost productivity.

1. Prioritize

Image of very important sticky note reminders to prioritize tasks

Like we mentioned before, prioritizing your tasks and to-do lists can help you stay on track with your duties.

Spend a couple of minutes in your day to decide what MUST get done by the end of the day and which tasks can wait for another time.

Focusing on high-value tasks will make effective use of your time and you will feel accomplished for it.

2. Write Down All Your Distracting Thoughts

There’s something out there called a distraction list.

It’s like facing your fears, but you’re facing your distractions head on.

Or if you’re a yogi, think of it as meditation. You’re acknowledging your distraction, but as soon as it crosses your mind you write it down and move on.

What this does is it gives those thoughts a place to go so you can get back to whatever you’re doing in the moment.

3. Start a Routine

Image of a routine to-do list showing how to boost productivity

Some of the most productive people out there have some sort of routine from the moment they wake up to the moment they hit the bed.

It gets a rhythm going for the day. Routines don’t allow for odd time gaps that you can spend doing mundane things.

So set out the first thing you must do when you wake up. Think about how you are going to transition away from work mode at the end of the day.

It’s all about how you choose to get the ball rolling throughout your day in the smoothest way possible.

4. Break Up Your Work

Think of it this way. Say you’re trying to run a 10K race.

Seems a bit daunting right?

Break it up into chunks and it might seem a bit more do-able. Run to the 2-mile mark and you’re one-third of the way there. Run another 2 miles and you’re two-thirds of the way there.

The same goes for your work. If you’re looking at it from the perspective of a person looking at Mount Everest, you’re never going to get much done that way.

Break your work up into sections, set milestones to reach, and you’ll make progress in no time.

Bottom Line

Learning how to boost productivity is harder than it sounds.

It’s not something to master in a matter of days, rather it requires consistent control over most of your daily activities until it becomes a habit. 

Maybe you’re not one for a ‘distraction list.’ If you find that this helps you in no way, then don’t bother.

Know the difference between ‘getting things done’ and ‘getting the right things done.’ It’s all about finding that middle ground between productivity and efficiency where you’ll find most of your best work gets done.

The good news is: you now know exactly how to boost productivity. Cut the distractions, form good habits, and take a look at what others are doing to find methods that work for you.

 

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image of a motivating and satisfying work environment

What You Need to Know to Motivate Your Employees

If you were to ask your employees what a motivating work environment looks like, what do you think they would respond with?

Many factors can influence a person’s drive towards succeeding in their career. That’s why there’s a science behind what motivates people.

There are individual factors to think of that would have an effect on a person’s motivation. Furthermore, there are external factors that managers have no control over.

A manager’s job is to ensure that their team has space where they’re most likely to find their driving force.

And we get it! Motivating others is not an easy task to do.

As a manager, we know you’ve got a million things on your mind, but keeping your employees on the right path should take precedence.  

The best thing a good manager can do is improve the space in which your team functions.

This means understanding what makes them tick. What underlying factors affect them and how can you best inspire them to perform their best?

Before we answer that question let’s first dive into the science behind motivation.

 

Motivation According to Science

Defining motivation has been a task in itself.  Researchers have different theories when it comes to motivation in educational, social, and organizational psychology.

As of late, research has become more unified when it comes to labeling motivation and what it means overall.

 

Motivation & Learning

Image of office employees learning a new task

One thing to be aware of is how your seasoned employees differ from those you hire fresh out of their studies.

The main difference here is that some already know what they’re doing (mostly anyway). Their learning curve is much smaller since their main focus is on developing their already advanced skill set.

Those interns you just promoted to full time employees still have a lot to learn about the field they’re in. They already got their feet wet, but now they have to learn how to swim.

It’s smart to motivate your employees based on their experience level.

Types of Goals

According to Kou Murayama, a professor at the University of Reading, there are two ways that a person learns. This is because there are two primary goals they set when they seek to learn something.

On one hand, we have a type of motivation driven by performance goals. On the other, we have a type of motivation driven by mastery goals.

focused employees in a motivating work environment

Stay with me here!

Say person ‘A’ performs a problem-solving task with the intention of improving their intellectual capacity. Person ‘B’ performs the same task with the intention of performing well compared to their peers.

In the short-term, person ‘B’ will do better at a memory test of their task. Yet, person ‘A’ will retain more information than person ‘B’ in the long-term.

In this example, performance goals were the driving factor for person ‘B.’ Mastery goals were the driving force behind person ‘A’ and their motivation to learn.

Ultimately, you want to have most of your employees fall under the mastery type motivation. This way, by encouraging a mastery-based motivating work environment, your employees will hold on to info in the long-term.

Retaining info long-term will not only help them in their career but they will be more competent at their job. It’s a win-win for both your employees and the company.

 

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How is Motivation Related to Job Satisfaction and Behavior

Image of a satisfied and motivated office employee

Does a motivated employee equate to a satisfied employee?

Well, it depends.

The relationship between motivation and satisfaction can get tricky. While motivation and job satisfaction are sometimes used interchangeably, they differ greatly in some instances.

Take for example an average employee working for a large firm.

They have something that motivates them to show up to work every day. Yet this ‘something’ may not have anything to do with what satisfies them in their position.

For all we know, this person can hate their job. Their sole reason for staying could be their salary because without it, they’ll be living in a lavish box under a bridge.

Thus, a person’s motivation can exist independently from their job satisfaction.

We’re digging a little deeper here.

Motivation has more to do with a person’s drive to fulfill their needs. Satisfaction is an emotional response that a person can have towards their current position.

This isn’t to say that motivation does not play a part in how satisfied a person is with their job. It’s simply considered a component of job satisfaction.

 

Intrinsic Motivation

showing accomplishment from a motivating work environment

Intrinsic motivation refers to the pleasure one gets from performing a task out of genuine interest or enjoyment.

This is different from extrinsic motivation, which drives people to behave with regard to a known reward or consequence.

Look at it this way.

If you see a person reading a book, do you think they’re reading it because they have to get a good grade in a class? Or are they reading it because they have a real passion for it?

One is internally rewarding while the other is external.

When one performs an activity that is intrinsically rewarding, it invokes positive feelings in a person.

This is akin to the feeling one gets when they volunteer or when they help someone in need.

 

 

Intrinsic Rewards

Example image of extrinsic rewards

Research shows that if you motivate a person with external rewards, then this can undermine any internal rewards that a person may feel.

The more rewarding the task internally, the more that person will do well because they earn a sense of accomplishment.

It creates confusion otherwise because a person may try to find justification for their behavior. It’s probable that they will second guess themselves and wonder if their behavior is in fact due to their genuine satisfaction.

Do they like to feel rewarded internally or do they like the acclaim that accompanies it?

Use intrinsic based motivation when an employee is having a hard time performing a task or if there’s an important deadline they need to meet.     

Don’t get us wrong, extrinsic based motivation has its place and time. An intrinsically motivating work environment, however, is best to maintain employee satisfaction in the long-term.

 

What Can You Do As A Manager?

satisfied office managers leaving their motivating work environment

What does motivating employees have to do with a manager’s position?

Everything actually.

According to a Gallup report, only 2 out of 10 employees will agree that their performance is managed in a way that motivates them to do outstanding work.

For one thing, managers take on a role model position upon accepting manager status. You and other managers alike have a responsibility to your employees and to the company as well.

Another important goal for a responsible manager is ensuring that your employees have the tools they need to stay productive and get their jobs done.

There are going to be times that call for exceptional optimism when everything seems bleak. And it’s going to be your job to be that standing pillar in the midst of chaos.

The most important thing you can do is to create a motivating work environment that enables your employees to feel satisfied.

  1. Get rid of anything that causes job dissatisfaction
  2. Enable employees to feel motivated which in turn will promote job satisfaction
 

Address What Makes Your Employees Unhappy

Here are some of the top reasons why employees find themselves unhappy in their job:

 

1. People Don’t Quit Their Jobs, They Quit Their Managers

Ever heard of this saying?

You probably have, because it’s true.

One of the top reasons why people are not satisfied with their jobs and why they end up quitting is because of their relationship with their boss.

For employees, it’s extremely disengaging to feel unsupported by a boss or manager.

Poor leadership, lack of organization, micromanaging, the list goes on. These are all reasons why employees feel the need to seek out better opportunities.

 

2. They Are Unpaid

Pay your employees. That’s all you have to do.

It sounds like such a simple fix yet why is it still on our list?

For one thing, some businesses are not made aware of the legal repercussions. In their effort to keep their finances in check, they’re risking the backlash of their employees and any legal actions they choose to take.

In some worst-case scenarios, businesses may be aware of these laws but choose to ignore them. Also for the sake of saving their money.

In other cases, a company may not even have the money to pay their employees. The company could be facing a steady decline in revenue or other long-term hindrances that affect their ability to pay up.

Sadly, this happens all too often and employees take a back seat to the company’s most pressing financial issues.

 

3. Limited Career Growth

The longer your employees stay at one company, the more they expect to grow.

This goes for most people.

If there’s no chance for improvement, your employees are going to look elsewhere for better opportunities.

If they don’t feel like their job is offering them any value, they’re not going to feel as invested in the company as you’d like them to be.

Thus, an important factor in developing a motivating work environment is ensuring that employees feel they are on a long-term path to personal success.

 

Find What Motivates Your Employees Most

Something very important to remember here is that your employees will appreciate transparency.

This will make them feel like their opinion is heard and they are valuable.

There are others way to stimulate intrinsic motivation. One way is to pose a challenge to your employees.

Image of a challenging task

Break up the monotony of the workplace by giving them a challenge that they must overcome. This can take the form of a difficult task or a group project that requires extensive brainstorming.

Once they overcome said challenge, this will meet their need for self-worth. They’ll feel more enabled to take on ambitious tasks and willing to take on more than they would have before.

Know when and how to empower your employees too.

employees teambuilding in a motivating work environment

Allow them to take part in decision-making.

Take care not to overdo it when giving your employees too many tasks or too much info to handle. Providing them with extra tasks may have the opposite effect of empowering them.

Lastly, try to pique your employee’s interest. Find a way to stimulate their curiosity so they find value in their job.

Remember, when employees find a genuine interest in what they learn and do, they’re more likely to retain that info in the future.

 

 

Here’s the Takeaway

Theories developed by Maslow and Herzberg show that a person is more productive, creative, and loyal to their employers when their job satisfies them.

The best place to start is by asking your employees what they want out of their jobs. There’s only so much that money can get a person.

Of course, everyone has basic needs that only a salary can remedy, but what’s going to get your employees to stay?

Better yet, what is going to keep them fully invested in the company and working to their ultimate potential?

Embrace a steady set of principles to invoke intrinsically motivating work environment and you’ll start to see a change in the way that your employees see the workplace.

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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Office Space Improvements for a New & Better Year

Take a good look at your office just the way it is. No really, take a real hard glance at what your office looks like on a day to day basis. What do you see? Does your office need a little sprucing up before the year is out? Or does it need a hardcore makeover? Sure you could play interior decorator if you don’t like the physical layout of the office. That’s not all we’re talking about though. We’re also talking about what your employees are doing and how they’re interacting. What’s the vibe like, is there a lot of cohesive thinking going on or is everyone mostly doing their own thing? Let’s go over some office improvement ideas to prep your workplace for the new year.

Office Improvement Ideas – Physical Work Space

We’re starting this off simple by saying think about your physical workplace layout. Does your office look more traditional like this:

Boring Office Space

or does it have more of a modern startup feel with an open desk layout?

vibrant open office improvement idea

What you want to do in either case is optimize the room to fit with our senses: sight, touch, smell, and hearing.

Don’t focus so much on our sense of taste right now. When lunchtime rolls around we’ll bring it back to our tasting senses.

Many underestimate the impact that a few changes around the office can have on our work.

Even the smallest of changes to the lighting or adding a splash of color will positively affect the physical environment in which you work.

There are always ways to be better so here are 4 crucial office improvement ideas.

1. Get Better Lighting

side view of laptop on desk under desk lamp

Try and get some natural lighting in as much as possible. Open the windows, move the desks so you get better light without creating a glare on the computer screen.

Also, try and make the lighting as uniform as possible.

The last thing you want to do is spotlight your desk. What this means is you don’t want to have a bright light trained on your desk when the rest of the room has normal light.

Bright lights can cause eye strain and headaches so it’s best to steer clear of that.

On the other hand, you don’t want to have the light too dim. Otherwise, people are going to get drowsy and lose their motivation to work.

What you can do is create a mix of both natural lighting during the day and incorporate an even-toned light later on.

Proper lighting is one of the most important ideas for office improvement. No dim lighting and no spotlights!

2. Make it Feel Like Room Temperature, NOT the North Pole

Room temperature office improvement idea with thermometer

It’s the middle of the day, 77 degrees Fahrenheit weather outside. It’s a normal day. The sun’s out, but you still see everyone wearing their layers to ward off the chill.

Or maybe it’s the other way around. All you see is everyone trying to take their layers off.

Perhaps it’s time to give the temperature system a go, right?

At the very least find the person in control because there’s no use hiring employees if you’re paying them to be uncomfortable.

Aim for 72 degrees Fahrenheit (or 22 degrees Celsius) for optimal task performance, according to a study done by Helsinki University of Technology.

There’s no pleasing everyone, but you can please the majority.

3. Let There Be Smell

diffusers and flowers for office smell improvement idea

Smells can pack quite a punch.

In fact, smells are indirectly linked to our memory and emotions. This is why some smells can make you feel nostalgic or reminiscent of a time long ago.

Similar to colors, different smells can trigger different states of being.

26% of participants in a study demonstrated more hits in a Snowball Fight video game when exposed to peppermint.

Suffice to say, peppermint keeps the mind alert and engaged.

Lavender reduces stress so it’s best to infuse it in break rooms or more relaxing areas for people to unwind. Citrus scents also help to alleviate stress and reduce mental exhaustion.

All you have to do is buy a couple candles, get a couple incense sticks, or invest in aromatherapy. Your employees and their noses will thank you for it.

4. Switch Up the Environment

Stop staring at the white walls. It might be the case that you or your employees are more inspired by a meeting room with lots of windows.

Some people might consider some areas more calming than others for working like the cafe around the block, a different room, one’s own couch, etc.

Encourage a change of scenery every once in a while since it can help spark your employees’ creativity.

Other ways that can help spruce up your office is just by creating better visuals.

Adding in some inspirational decor, a pop of color, and plants can make the slightest difference in a person’s workspace.

Plants are a great option since they improve air quality and overall well being. Some great office friendly plants to consider are Devil’s Ivy, Snake Plant, and Peace Lily.

 

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5. Office Improvement Ideas – Company Culture

five employees making a star with their fingers

Now that we’ve got our physical workspace squared away, we’ve got higher mountains to climb.

We’re talking company culture here which is not as simple as adding in a couple plants and calling it perfect.

Company culture is the vibe that employees create together when they’re at work. It’s the feeling they get when they’re with each other that influences them to do their best.

Creating an awesome culture serves 4 purposes:

  1. Attract new talent
  2. Keep employees happy
  3. Positive productive workspace
  4. Competitive advantage

You want people to come to work not only because of their paycheck but because they genuinely enjoy what they do.

Without further ado let’s talk about office improvement ideas for your company’s culture.

6. Choose the Right People for the Company

It all starts even before you start looking at ways to improve the synergy amongst your own team.

When looking for new talent, don’t just look for the talent part of the individual. Think about how they would vibe with the current team you have now.

Think about their personality. How do you see them interacting with others? What’s their attitude like?

A great way to figure out if they’re a good fit for your company is to bring them on as a temporary employee. Bring them on as an intern even.

Call it a trial period of sorts. Use this time as a way for you and your existing team to determine if they fit well in the company.

One bad strawberry ruins the whole bunch so make sure you add people to the team that you feel can work well with each other.

7. Ensure that Employees Understand Company Values

There are many ways to maintain a culture that fits within the company. One key way is to ensure that new and old employees alike understand why they want to work at the company.

That’s why a popular question during interviews is to ask why an employee wants to work at a company.

You’re attempting to gauge their fit with not only existing employees but with the company as well.

Ensure that your team takes the company’s core values seriously.

It’s not enough to simply have core values and hope everyone abides by them. The best way for your team to fully grasp the company’s core values is to lead by example.

Embrace the company’s core values and live by them.

Employees are the ones who represent the company outside of work. When employees share the same values as the company, then they will be more dedicated in the work that they do.

They’ll be more invested in the company, providing higher quality work and ensuring the company’s long-term success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gficoigz1xs

8. Find Ways to Build Trust

Think of a generic relationship. To build trust, there must be honesty.

See where I’m going with this?

Same goes for a company’s relationship with their employees.

According to an American Psychological Association Survey, 25% of employees do not trust their employers.

If you want to prevent your company from falling into these statistics, it’s time to start building a healthy relationship.

Look at trust as a two-way road.

Employees have to trust their managers to give them the info they need to feel successful in their positions. Likewise, the company has to trust their employees to work with the company’s best interest in mind.

An excellent way to build trust in the workplace is to promote transparency.

Let your employees know what’s going on within the company. Find ways to involve them in more decision making to encourage problem-solving.

Empower them to speak up about what they like or don’t like about anything. It all really comes down to creating an open line of communication so everyone feels in the loop.

Office Improvement Ideas – Trends Going Forward

We’ve covered eight office improvement ideas to better your own work space, but what will the office setting look like in the future?

Here are some things that you can look forward to in the next few years.

1. Remote Work

employee working on laptop at home

Thanks to technology, we can be in more than one place at a time. Allowing employees the freedom to work from home allows them more control over their work-life balance.

Millennials especially find the idea of remote work appealing and is something they will look for.

It often is the case that, as companies become more tech-focused, there is more flexibility in terms of where employees work from.

2. Open, Odd, Abstract

employee working on laptop at outdoor cafe

It looks like modern offices will be getting a major makeover.

They’ll be more focused on factors that can improve the ambiance of a person’s workspace. This includes creating a place that is more experience driven.

What this means is that companies are striving to become more than just a place for work, but also a place for play among other things.

Game rooms, meditation areas, bars, etc., are all things that you’ll see more often in the next coming years.

3. Co-Working Spaces

These spaces are innovative as it is, housing many companies under one roof with their own multi-functional areas. Yet, they’re becoming even more innovative.

The norm is that every group has their own allocated area for getting things done. Going forward you’ll see a more ‘free-range’ layout.

The intention here is to create a sense of collaboration among these groups while fostering dynamic thinking.

Want more insight into the future?

Get inspired by these up and coming office trends:

Office Improvement Ideas – Final Thoughts…

In with the new, out with the old. Now try and channel that mentality into the workplace.

The new year calls for some real changes and now is as good a time as any to get started.

Knowing who to bring on to the team, who to keep and who to let go is crucial to maintaining a good culture.

Build a community of individuals that believe in the work they do. Create a space that best supports their needs; one that boosts morale and motivates.

You’ll find that after using these office improvement ideas the workplace will no longer be a place to tolerate, but a place to enjoy.

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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Image of coffee cup in an office environment

What Experts are Saying About Your Choice of Beverage

Ever wonder how to promote a healthier lifestyle in your office space? You probably weren’t until we brought it up. Let’s pause here a moment. It’s crucial to know what you’re drinking whether it’s coffee, tea, or alcohol… right? Of course it is! You’re putting it into your body, so you should know how good or bad it is for you. Now, let’s talk about what you can do to improve not only your diet but your drinking knowledge.If you’re looking for a diet coke replacement or just a healthy office drink to enjoy at work, there are options.

Wine

red wine being poured into a wine glass - healthy office drink

The French Paradox

The year was 1991. An episode of 60 minutes aired one evening featuring Morley Safer and his story on the French diet. Not only French diet but a drink that the French are well known for: wine.

Thus began the French paradox hype. This popular theory has since become a topic of grand speculation.

At the time studies showed the French population consuming large amounts of wine. Wine is the definition of French culture, so of course it’s not surprising they’d have a heavy hand when pouring.

Likewise at the time, the French expressed low percentages of cardiovascular disease.

How is it that the French consume so much wine per person yet they have less heart attacks than Americans?

Sure there are some differences between our cultures that could be a factor in their health. The French spend more time eating, they have smaller portions and they don’t constantly snack on the go.

The questions still remain: can wine decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease? On balance, is it truly a healthy office drink?

What Does Science Tell Us?

To not sound like a medical know it all, we’re going to say that red wine has ‘properties’ in it that make it beneficial. If you’re a real science geek then the word you’re looking for is ‘phenols’. These properties affect cell activity in blood vessels and help to prevent blood clots.

Something called HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) increases when drinking red wine which can also inhibit blood clot formation.

Antioxidants from red wine also help to increase HDL cholesterol and prevent blood clot formation.

Overall, wine can be good for the heart in some ways. Wine can:

  • provide helpful antioxidants
  • prevent blood clots through something we call ‘phenols’
  • increase HDL (good cholesterol)
  • reduce LDL (bad cholesterol)

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Yes, it’s possible that wine can reduce your risk of heart attacks, but this is no excuse to become an alcoholic.

Before you start bathing in the stuff keep in mind that:

  • Studies do show that wine may have a positive impact on a person’s heart health, but it’s not entirely understood
  • Wine could do just as much harm as good

Take a look at what Dr. Josh Axe has to say on the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgAZaBZBM5s

Coffee

top down of six varying coffee mugs with different coffee drinks in them

How is Coffee Good for us?

Did you know that coffee can protect against type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver disease amongst other things?

Prior to the finding of these informational tidbits, it was believed that coffee did more harm than good. This was before researchers realized that smoking and lack of physical exercise was common among people who drank a lot of coffee.

Here’s some good news for your colon. Coffee can improve your health by reducing the likelihood of colorectal cancer by 26%.

Polyphenols in coffee act as antioxidants to limit the growth of colon cancer cells. Additionally, melanoidins produced in the roasting process are thought to increase colon mobility.

Coffee can improve mental focus, though that’s old news since it already runs in bloodstreams across corporate America.

As with wine, coffee should be drunk in moderation. Though it is truly the go-to healthy office drink, too much coffee can increase your risk of heart disease, and too much unfiltered coffee can mildly increase cholesterol levels.

 

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How to Improve your Morning Coffee

Put your coffee cup down. You heard us. Don’t drink it yet because there are ways that you can make it twice as good for you as it is now.

1. Skip the cream and sugar overloading

black coffee in a mug on a table - healthy office drink

You’re adding unnecessary fats and calories to your day which can add up to a lot in a month.

If sweeteners are your religion then try cutting your intake in half or use sugar substitutes like Stevia. I know this is hard to hear for those of you with a hardcore sweet tooth, but your body will thank you for it in the end.

2. Choose quality organic coffee

wooden spoon holding whole coffee beans

Yes we realize not everything labeled organic is good but in this case, it might be.

If you’re worried about your coffee beans coming into contact with pesticides then it’s best to go with organic beans.

3. Spice it up

cinnamon sticks and star anise - healthy office drink

As it turns out, cinnamon can do wonders for coffee drinkers and those with diabetes.

Cinnamon has properties that can lower blood sugar and prevents glucose from entering your bloodstream after meals.

To top things off, it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help your body fight infection.

Reaching for the bottle of cinnamon yet? You should, science says it can transform your morning cup of joe into a truly healthy office drink. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try ginger or nutmeg.

4. Don’t drink coffee alone

slice of lemon cake on a plate next to black coffee in a mug

Unless you’re enjoying a cup of bulletproof coffee which has enough calories to last you an entire morning, consider eating something with your coffee.

Coffee by itself can suppress your hunger and it can mask the fact that you may be under eating.

Give Bulletproof Coffee A Try

coffee beans and coffee in a mug on a wooden cutting board next to bowls of salt and butter - healthy office drink
Bulletproof Coffee

Ever heard of bulletproof coffee? It’s part of a Paleo diet and I’m pretty impressed with what it can provide the body.

Get this — bulletproof coffee is a mix of quality coffee brew, grass-fed butter, and MCT oils.

Talk about a way to optimize your morning coffee!  

Everyone should try bulletproof coffee at least once. From there you can gauge if it’s a healthy office drink for every day or if it’s something you should stick to every once in a while.

OK, we’re not just going to sit here and tout all the benefits of bulletproof coffee.

Let’s be honest, there are some skeptics out there who have valid reasons to be hesitant about coffee with butter and oils in it.

We’re going to give you the lowdown on the benefits of bulletproof coffee and the reasons why you should try other coffee options.

Start Off With A Recipe

Here’s a go-to recipe for bulletproof coffee to get your morning started:

  • 1 cup coffee
  • 1 tsp or more coconut oil
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • an optional pinch or two of Stevia extract

Mix all ingredients in a blender for 20 seconds or until frothy.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can try adding brain octane oil for an extra powerful punch of energy.

And there you go, you’re done! It’s an easy recipe to follow and allows for some wiggle room if you prefer a little more coconut oil than most.

Benefits of Bulletproof Coffee

One thing to note is that, by adding things like grass-fed butter and coconut oils, you’re taking in a lot of healthy fats. If you drink it in the morning it can boost metabolism, boost energy, slow down caffeine consumption, and burn fat for energy throughout the day.

Yes, that’s a lot of calories for a supposedly healthy office drink. But! It offers you more than just additional calories.

Take a look at one of the ingredients in bulletproof coffee.

One serving of organic, grass-fed butter has 2% of a person’s daily value of vitamin K. Meaning, it’s optimal for normal blood clotting and bone health.

Grass-fed butter versus normal butter is higher in not only vitamin K, but vitamins A, D, and E as well. Let’s not forget an added dose of antioxidants.

As for coconut oils, the keyword to focus on here is MCT oils.

There is a multitude of benefits to MCT oils. Just to name a few, it can promote weight loss, boost energy, and contains fatty acids to help combat yeast and bacterial growth.

Drawbacks To Bulletproof Coffee

Some cons of bulletproof coffee have to do with the uncertainty of its effectiveness. Obviously, it adds calories to your diet and it’s also not 100% proven to live up to everyone’s expectations.

If you’re one of those who thrive on a nutritious breakfast, then bulletproof coffee on it’s own may not cut it.

A sausage, egg, and toast breakfast can provide you with the same amount of calories with many more nutrients like protein or fiber. There’s also a better chance that an actual meal will fill you up than a single cup of enhanced coffee.

In some cases, drinking bulletproof coffee can increase overall levels of cholesterol. This is due in part to consuming large amounts of saturated fats like butter and coconut oil on a daily basis. This increases the good cholesterol, as well as the bad, which is not optimal for those who have concerns about their cholesterol levels.

Kombucha

Image of kombucha bottles

You might have heard a lot about this trendy beverage and why it’s become so popular. In terms of healthy office drinks, kombucha takes the cake. Before we get into the benefits of kombucha, let’s understand what it is we’re drinking.

The words kombucha and probiotic go hand in hand and that’s because kombucha is a fermented tea.

Before fermentation starts, strains of bacteria and yeast are added to tea on top of a whole lot of sugar. Kombucha is then left to ferment for a week up to a month depending on who is doing the fermenting.

It can undergo multiple fermentations and even take on the flavors of added ingredients like spices or other fruits. What’s produced from this fermentation are gases and trace amounts of alcohol that can range from .3 to 3 percent.

Now that we know what it is, we can start to understand what the hype is all about.

The Lowdown on Probiotics

The reason why kombucha is good for your gut is thanks to probiotics. If it weren’t for probiotics then most of the marketing surrounding kombucha would cease to be relevant.

flower in a belly button with hands around it - healthy office drink

Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms consumed through fermented foods or supplements.

We have a microbiome in our gut that is exponentially important to maintain. Kombucha is a great way to keep that in check since it brings a lot of good bacteria into our system.

Gut bacteria imbalances can occur due to poor diet, medications, or illnesses. This can result in detrimental consequences such as obesity and severe digestive issues.

A big key to our health is keeping the bacteria in our digestive system in balance and probiotics are a great way to keep the balance.  

It helps to promote healthy digestion alongside a stronger immune system and even weight management.

What else can it do?

Aside from probiotics, kombucha also contains antioxidants and B vitamins.

Okay, we already talked about the benefits of antioxidants from wine. Did you know that antioxidants can combat free radicals that cause cell and liver damage?

You heard that right. Another one of kombucha’s benefits is the ability to kill bacteria.

Acetic acid produced during kombucha’s fermentation process is powerful enough to kill harmful microorganisms.

Kombucha made from black or green tea displays exceptional antibacterial properties. This kind of kombucha can protect against Candida yeasts.

What if we said that it can also give you the energy you need to get through your day and improve your mental well being?

Yup, you’re probably rethinking kombucha at this point.

Kombucha can do some good for your health. But before you start preaching it to your coworkers keep in mind that it’s not for everybody.

What can it not do?

Well, it won’t cure cancer, no matter how much you will it to. The reason why we say this is because the hype around kombucha may exaggerate the benefits it possesses.

Another thing to remember is that some kombucha teas have varying levels of alcohol. If alcohol is something you’re trying to avoid then you can try finding a kombucha with low levels of alcohol or skip this beverage altogether.

Some kombucha brands have a lot of sugar which may not be an optimal choice if you’re trying to watch your sugar intake. If this is the case then try low sugar brands like KeVita for a more healthy office drink.

If you want a better perspective on where kombucha got started and what it can do check out this video from Business Insider:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clp_HCEplBU

Final Thoughts…

Do you drink coffee because you like the taste or because it spikes your energy levels? Same goes for kombucha and wine. Do you drink kombucha or wine for simple pleasure or for something deeper?

While we may have touted all the wonderful things about wine, coffee, and kombucha, these benefits should be taken with a grain of salt. We don’t mean literally, but don’t let us dictate how you like your coffee.

By this, we mean that there is no one miracle elixir that is going to fix every plaguing issue. It’s important to do your research about what you drink and why you are drinking it.

At the end of the day, the only person who can determine what’s good for your health (aside from perhaps your doctor) is you!

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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Keep Your employees engaged and functioning

Transform your Office Culture from Boring to Fun

It’s a typical Wednesday afternoon. There’s paper shuffling somewhere behind you. Someone’s coughing across the room. You’re on your own computer typing away, switching back and forth between screens to get that report done so there’s less work tomorrow. God forbid anyone should work in a place where crickets chirp louder than their own thoughts. OK, so this might be a depressing exaggeration of what it’s like to work an average office job. For some offices though, this description isn’t too far off. What kind of team would this be if you didn’t know more than first names and job positions? What company wants their employees to think of their jobs as just a job? Here are some ideas for how to liven up the office that will keep your coworkers/employees alive and functioning the entire time.

 

Get to Know Your Team

five employees fist-bumping above laptops - how to liven up an office

The Power of Networking

You’re spending 5 days a week, 9 hours on average with your coworkers or your employees. Don’t you think it’s crucial to get to know who they are?

Nowadays it’s paramount to form connections if it means you can grow yourself through your career. Networking is crucial in opening doors to opportunities and nurturing existing connections.

The more in tune you are with each other, the more comfortable everyone will be working together. You can influence each other’s work ethic, stay in sync with one another, and stimulate a culture based on performance.

Socializing builds trust and boosts morale, but it’s also the main factor in workplace happiness.

So next Friday take initiative. Instead of skipping happy hour at the end of the day, go out for a drink! Encourage each other to go out, strike up a conversation or try to find common ground.

 

Other Group Bonding Activities

You’re probably already considering happy hour as a form of social engagement. Drinks plus fun people equals a good time.

If you’re thinking of something different, there’s nothing better than a scavenger hunt. It’s something fun and easy to encourage participation and get everyone working as a team.

Another option is to get involved in a regular community service event.

This could be as simple as having everyone volunteer at a shelter every Saturday. Organize a beach cleanup once a month or read books to blind dogs.

The point is, community service brings people together inside and out of the company.

You don’t even have to go out of the office to do something fun that gets your team on the same page.

Host ‘Office Jeopardy’ or simulate a minefield to switch up the routine of work life.

 

Establish a Fun & Comfortable Work Environment

smiling employee with post-it on forehead reading "be happy"

Repeat this mantra with me: “Happy employees equals happy business.”

Creating an environment where people can work comfortably is a key factor in growing and sustaining a business.

This not only creates a positive atmosphere but also helps to increase employee retention rates. Employees are not going to want to look for another job if they like the one they have.

Added bonuses include increased loyalty and positive reputation with reference to the company. An employee can spread the word about their awesome job, greatly benefiting the company.

Now there are options available to you when it comes to constructing an enjoyable place to work. You can:

 

1. Bring Pets into the Office

dog - how to liven up an office

Here’s a tidbit of info for you: therapy animals exist for a reason.

Yup, shocker, animals are more than just cute.

Animals in the office can reduce stress levels by 11 percent for those in an office. Furthermore, research suggests that they can increase productivity by 23 percent. Now that’s a way to really liven up the office!

They’re a calming presence and offer much-needed breaks when one becomes too overwhelmed with work.

Whether they’re two legged, four legged, furry, hairless, doesn’t matter. What matters is that they all in some way positively impact workers and help liven the office.

 

2. Bring in Decor

three succulents in small pots

Did you know that plants can reduce tension and stress by 37 percent?

According to a study done by the New University of Technology Sydney, that’s not the only thing they can do. Plants can do wonders by improving the surrounding atmosphere and improving overall well-being.

Aside from plants, there are crazy simple ways to up the atmosphere of a drab office scene.

Adding a splash of color can inspire you when you stare off into space or concentrate on bigger ideas.

Color adds vibrancy, depth, and transforms an environment with the emotions it conveys.

Take the color green for example. Green is often associated with nature or rebirth.

For a company wanting to focus on being more eco-friendly, for example, adding a pop of green somewhere can really liven up the office.

When we discuss decor, we can’t forget about holiday decor. As corny as it is, most will agree that holiday decor is uplifting and festive. It’s a reminder that there’s something to look forward to like holiday events or family visits.

This is where the scrooges of the world scoff or offer a snide remark on the futility of such simplicity.

 

3. Casual Fridays

tailor's mannequin with measuring tape - how to liven up an office

Casual Fridays are still in existence and people are saying they want to keep it that way.

Here’s the tricky thing though: some want more consistency with dress codes whereas others don’t.

Let’s get into more detail here.

There are benefits to establishing a professional dress code versus a casual dress code.

Some want professional dress codes because this can instill a professional demeanor. ‘Dress for the job you want’ as they say and if this means dressing in suits and pencil skirts then there’s nothing wrong with that.

On the other hand, some say they prefer a more casual dress code because this allows for personal freedom and physical comfort in the workplace.

Ultimately it depends on the people working for the company. This will also constitute what dress code policy a company should adopt.

 

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The Value in Taking Breaks

Humans are not machines.

We’re not superhuman, we’re not invincible, and we’re not perfect.

We need to recharge our batteries and take breaks if we want to function at maximum efficiency.

 

What kind of Breaks Should you be Taking?

The point of a break is to disrupt the monotony of work. It’s a time to ease the mind off of anything work related so that you boost your energy and productivity later.

This is not an excuse to be running to the fridge because you’re giving in to what’s called ‘boredom snacking.’ This is a bad habit in the making if you don’t take charge of how you take your breaks.

Nor is it wise to take breaks only to take part in other negative activities. This includes venting about issues or tackling item number 3 on your 99 problems to fix list.

Can you think of other ways in which to spend your free time at the office?

 

Why Lunch is so Important

three appetizers on plates on a table - top down

Always take advantage of that lunch break to nourish your body. Eating brain healthy items or healthy foods in general will help liven up the office.

Make or buy something with fish that will give you your dose of omega 3 for the day. Snack on dark chocolate or nuts that have a plethora of antioxidants.

Is that new latte calling your name? Try a new drink or order something you wouldn’t normally think to get.

Think of lunch as a reward for all the work you’ve been doing before.

A long lunch means help in boosting concentration later throughout the day. It’s less likely you’re going to get reeled in by Instagram ads or YouTube videos if you spend lunch away from work.

 

 

Yoga & Meditation

If you don’t have the time or resources to do yoga at a nearby studio, try it at your desk. Get your desk-buddy to do it with you.

Sitting for long periods of time can strain your body and unless you see a chiropractor, this problem can only get worse.

Yoga and meditating help to clear the mind and filter out any negative tension you may be feeling. Simple desk poses can liven up the office by easing body tension so you can spend more time focusing on work and less on discomfort.

 

 

Take a Break with your pet

We’re bringing it back to the pets. They’re a huge stress reliever and serve as a much-needed distraction from daily tasks.

Most people would think of bringing their dog or cat to work and if so, this is a great chance to take them out for a walk and get some air (yes, cats can go for walks too).

 

Time Prioritization

In relation to breaks, it helps to know how to prioritize your time efficiently so you’re able to take that long break.

What some can finish in two weeks would take others twice as long to finish. If you like your to-do lists then it might help to categorize it based on three things:

1. How important is this task compared to everything else on your to-do list?

2. By when must you finish this task?

3. How long will it take you?

This can help you manage your day accordingly and get everything done on time.

 

Liven Up An Office Atmosphere To Foster A Positive Work Space

Every office has a vibe.

There’s a noticeable ambience and anyone who claims otherwise doesn’t spend enough time in the workplace.

So we already touched base on how to create a fun and comfortable workspace by getting to know your team and visually sprucing the place up.

At this point let’s dive in deeper. Creating a positive atmosphere in the office is more than adding a few plants and bringing in Nerf guns.

A lot of it has to do with how you interact with your team and coworkers.

And sure, team bonding is a great way to socialize and get to know your team. But socializing with someone is different than working with them.

Socializing with your team sets the foundation for a positive atmosphere. And creating a positive atmosphere at work requires a structure between you and those you work with.  

Consider this the ABC’s of creating and sustaining a positive workspace that will help liven up your quiet and dreary office.

 

1. Ask For Respect And Give It In Return

Image of two people shaking hands in a show of respect - how to liven up an office

Pull your own weight and don’t be the one to hold everyone back. This is often the case when there is a lack of effort on one’s part.

When the quality of your work affects the way someone else does their job, then you’re obligated to put some more effort into what you do.

If your coworkers have to take time away from their work to pick up the slack, it shows that you don’t respect their time

And if everyone has to work twice as hard to compensate for a lack of effort, say good-bye to the good vibes in the office.

 

2. Be Supportive And Encouraging

Image of team giving each other high fives

A lot can be said here and what it means for the ambiance in an office.

What does it mean to be supportive? Can you say ‘Good Job!’ every once in a while and have that count as being supportive?

Well, not exactly. Being supportive and encouraging requires more work than that.

One way to go about this is to be actively involved with your team.

In other words, don’t be a stranger. Go ahead and recognize each other’s hard work once in a while.

Motivating your team to do their best is always conducive to a positive atmosphere.

You can even liven it up once in a while by engaging in random acts of kindness.

What if someone were to come up to you and offered to buy you lunch? You’d be in a pretty good mood, right?

It’s the little things that can make someone’s day and you never know when your desk buddy might need a pick-me-up.

Plus, unless you’re a total downer, doing a good thing makes you feel good. So now you’re in a good mood, your desk mate is in a good mood, everyone is in a good mood!

 

3. Clear Communication

Image of a manager communicating with their team - how to liven up an office

OK, so we mentioned two ways that you can liven up the workspace by being supportive and respectful. Now how do we keep it that way?

The answer lies in keeping a clear line of communication with everybody in the office.

Adopt a philosophy of transparency. Be honest and don’t hold anything back. The good, the bad, the ugly, let it all out.

Tiptoeing around issues is just about the worst thing you can do in any case. When you address any issues right away, the outcome is better than if you were to avoid it altogether.

Trust is also key to maintaining a positive workspace. It’s a two way street between employees and managers.

You want to be direct and concise with each other.

As a manager, be clear on what’s expected from your team. As an employee, be clear on where you stand with your duties and the progress of your work.

This way you can liven up the office in the way that matters most. Create a positive workplace culture, and you create positive energy that flows through the entire office.

 

Takeaways…

So what did we learn today folks?

Right, we learned how to create a fun and stimulating work environment! This will not only ramp up productivity, but it will motivate employees more than money or deadlines ever could.

The workplace is meant for people to come together and get things done. Switch the game up and make 9 to 5 a time to get work done without making it feel like work.

So relax, buy some plants, hang out with your coworkers, and silence the cricket chatter once and for all.

 

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Make sure to share this article with anyone you think could use it!

When you find yourself in need of wine, coffee, kombucha, tea, beer, or snacks for your office or event, shoot us a message!

This article was brought to you by Office Libations, your San Francisco Bay Area office coffee, keg delivery, and snack service. Delivering top local brands and kegs of cold brew coffee, kombucha, beer, and wine.

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