9 tips to boost productivity in the workplace

(BPT) – If you feel like you’re working more, but getting less done, you’re not alone. Employees are working an average of 44 hours per week, of which only 29 were considered to be productive, according to a new survey of 1,200 full time office workers.

The recent “Productivity in the Workplace” study commissioned by Fellowes found respondents feel the key to productivity is making adjustments within the existing workday versus working more hours. Chatty coworkers top the list of productivity killers, with unnecessary meetings, cell phone disruptions and problems with office equipment also on the list. Respondents identify productivity boosters as cutting back on meetings, having more quiet spaces to work, schedule flexibility and more up-to-date technology.

Laura Stack, also known as “The Productivity Pro,” travels the country helping organizations of every size improve their employee and team productivity. She shares the following tips to help people make the most of their hours in the office so they can get back to business.

1. Give disruptions the boot. Resist the urge to constantly check email and turn off email notifications. Put your cell phone on airplane mode, instant messaging on Do Not Disturb, and let calls go to voice-mail.

2. Speak up. Need something new in the office to help your coworkers and you stay more productive? It never hurts to ask. Office equipment, like printers and shredders, are now being made with advanced technologies that can make your job easier and help you get back to work.

3. Cut down on meetings. Ask yourself if you really need to have a meeting. Can you cover agenda items via email? Cancel meetings if face time isn’t imperative and give colleagues more time to get their jobs done. Also, try to schedule one day a week on your calendar that is meeting-free.

4. Don’t multi-task, single-task. When you do have a meeting, make sure you are 100 percent focused. You don’t want to miss crucial updates and next steps on projects, it will only hurt your productivity later on.

5. Practice “on, in, around, or shred.” Eighty-eight percent of people use paper in the office. Keep items you work with daily on your desk, those you work with weekly in your desk drawers, and those you work with monthly around your desk, in archives, or filing cabin Use an automatic shredder for everything else, like Fellowes’ line of AutoMax shredders, which shred up to 500 sheets of paper at a time with the simple touch of a button –which helps avoid disruptions.

6. Break it down. If you have trouble getting started with a big task, break it into smaller chunks. Ask yourself, “What is the next action step I need to take to see progress on this project?” Then set a timer, leap into action, and focus on the next step.

7. Vary activities. For mental and physical alertness, vary sitting activities with standing ones, mental activities with physical ones. It will help prevent fatigue and keep your efficiency high.

8. Put some fun into your work. Turn boring tasks into a game. Make a deal with yourself that when you complete the activity, you will do something fun afterward – like taking a walk or having a piece of chocolate. By creating internal enthusiasm, you can stay focused longer.

9. Change of scenery. Try to work in a different setting once a week. Whether you work from home, the library, or a nearby park, new surroundings can inspire ideas and give you the energy you need to tackle your to-do list.

To learn more about Laura Stack and the “Productivity in the Workplace” study, visit www.fellowes.com or www.TheProductivityPro.com.

9 tips to boost productivity in the workplace Read More »

9 tips to boost productivity in the workplace

(BPT) – If you feel like you’re working more, but getting less done, you’re not alone. Employees are working an average of 44 hours per week, of which only 29 were considered to be productive, according to a new survey of 1,200 full time office workers.

The recent “Productivity in the Workplace” study commissioned by Fellowes found respondents feel the key to productivity is making adjustments within the existing workday versus working more hours. Chatty coworkers top the list of productivity killers, with unnecessary meetings, cell phone disruptions and problems with office equipment also on the list. Respondents identify productivity boosters as cutting back on meetings, having more quiet spaces to work, schedule flexibility and more up-to-date technology.

Laura Stack, also known as “The Productivity Pro,” travels the country helping organizations of every size improve their employee and team productivity. She shares the following tips to help people make the most of their hours in the office so they can get back to business.

1. Give disruptions the boot. Resist the urge to constantly check email and turn off email notifications. Put your cell phone on airplane mode, instant messaging on Do Not Disturb, and let calls go to voice-mail.

2. Speak up. Need something new in the office to help your coworkers and you stay more productive? It never hurts to ask. Office equipment, like printers and shredders, are now being made with advanced technologies that can make your job easier and help you get back to work.

3. Cut down on meetings. Ask yourself if you really need to have a meeting. Can you cover agenda items via email? Cancel meetings if face time isn’t imperative and give colleagues more time to get their jobs done. Also, try to schedule one day a week on your calendar that is meeting-free.

4. Don’t multi-task, single-task. When you do have a meeting, make sure you are 100 percent focused. You don’t want to miss crucial updates and next steps on projects, it will only hurt your productivity later on.

5. Practice “on, in, around, or shred.” Eighty-eight percent of people use paper in the office. Keep items you work with daily on your desk, those you work with weekly in your desk drawers, and those you work with monthly around your desk, in archives, or filing cabin Use an automatic shredder for everything else, like Fellowes’ line of AutoMax shredders, which shred up to 500 sheets of paper at a time with the simple touch of a button –which helps avoid disruptions.

6. Break it down. If you have trouble getting started with a big task, break it into smaller chunks. Ask yourself, “What is the next action step I need to take to see progress on this project?” Then set a timer, leap into action, and focus on the next step.

7. Vary activities. For mental and physical alertness, vary sitting activities with standing ones, mental activities with physical ones. It will help prevent fatigue and keep your efficiency high.

8. Put some fun into your work. Turn boring tasks into a game. Make a deal with yourself that when you complete the activity, you will do something fun afterward – like taking a walk or having a piece of chocolate. By creating internal enthusiasm, you can stay focused longer.

9. Change of scenery. Try to work in a different setting once a week. Whether you work from home, the library, or a nearby park, new surroundings can inspire ideas and give you the energy you need to tackle your to-do list.

To learn more about Laura Stack and the “Productivity in the Workplace” study, visit www.fellowes.com or www.TheProductivityPro.com.

9 tips to boost productivity in the workplace Read More »

cPanel & WHM Version 54 Now EOL, Cent 5 & Cent 6-32bit in 3 Months

cPanel & WHM Version 54 Now EOL, Cent 5 & Cent 6-32bit in 3 Months cPanel & WHM version 54 has reached End of Life. In accordance with our EOL policy (https://go.cpanel.com/longtermsupport) 54 will continue functioning on servers where it is already installed. The last release of cPanel & WHM …

cPanel & WHM Version 54 Now EOL, Cent 5 & Cent 6-32bit in 3 Months Read More »

Spam Me Not

Charles Silberman, aka silberma1976, is a physical education & health teacher as well as a Fiverr Super Seller. He develops teaching curriculums and contributes regularly to local, national, and industry publications. SPAM. Any way you look at that word, there is nothing positive that comes to mind. In the Victorian era, telegrams were used to […]

The post Spam Me Not appeared first on .

Spam Me Not Read More »

Walking the hill: Advocating for veterans’ rights and services

(BPT) – Eva Wallace never enlisted in the U.S. military, has never been on active duty and never endured life-altering injuries protecting American freedoms. However, as a military spouse she has found another important way to serve our country — advocating for veterans’ rights.

Each February, Wallace and more than 500 other members of The American Legion Family, descend on Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C., to attend a conference to hear from influential speakers and meet with Congressional representatives and their staff. American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) members share and discuss pressing issues and legislation that affects veterans and their families, including increasing support of homeless veterans, upholding and expanding the advancements made by the GI Bill and improving Veterans Affairs hospital care for veterans in need. Members of the Auxiliary also appear alongside The American Legion before a Joint Session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs to advocate for key issues and promote accountability for legislative actions.

“The military community is constantly evolving and changing, so the veteran community is changing along with it. Returning from the conference, members are armed with new information on important issues that we can share with those who are interested in making a difference in the lives of veterans,” says Wallace, whose husband served for 24 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. “We return to our communities ready to shine a light on the true veteran experience.”

Last year, ALA advocacy helped preserve many important veterans’ services, including programs for disabled veterans and veterans’ widows. They also played a role in helping make care for veterans more accessible, especially for those who live hundreds of miles from their Veteran Affairs medical facility. Recognizing the important role military families play in supporting servicemen and women, the ALA also focused on enhancing resources that support them.

With each conference attendees tackle new challenges and define annual priorities. In 2016, members learned how to encourage local involvement in veterans’ issues, generated awareness of national memorials honoring veterans and raised $110,000 for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, providing disaster relief for ALA members. In 2017, ALA has programs in place to commemorate the anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and to help establish a National World War I Memorial.

“The conference encourages important conversations with policymakers and explores new ways to collaborate and promote the mission of the ALA,” says Carol Harlow, director of the ALA Washington, D.C office. “When members depart Washington, D.C. they leave feeling empowered, inspired and ready for new challenges.”

The ALA is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans’ rights. The nonpartisan organization, founded in 1919, helps to advance the mission of The American Legion and provides service to veterans, military and their families. Working in tandem with The American Legion, the ALA has a record of creating meaningful change and has been instrumental in protecting the rights of those who have served. From helping to draft the GI Bill with The American Legion in 1944 to championing the formation of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in 1989, The American Legion Family has been pivotal in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our veterans and their families.

The ALA encourages non-military members to also get involved. To learn more about the legislative bills the ALA supports visit: legion.capwiz.com/legion/issues/bills/.

Walking the hill: Advocating for veterans’ rights and services Read More »

Walking the hill: Advocating for veterans’ rights and services

(BPT) – Eva Wallace never enlisted in the U.S. military, has never been on active duty and never endured life-altering injuries protecting American freedoms. However, as a military spouse she has found another important way to serve our country — advocating for veterans’ rights.

Each February, Wallace and more than 500 other members of The American Legion Family, descend on Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C., to attend a conference to hear from influential speakers and meet with Congressional representatives and their staff. American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) members share and discuss pressing issues and legislation that affects veterans and their families, including increasing support of homeless veterans, upholding and expanding the advancements made by the GI Bill and improving Veterans Affairs hospital care for veterans in need. Members of the Auxiliary also appear alongside The American Legion before a Joint Session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs to advocate for key issues and promote accountability for legislative actions.

“The military community is constantly evolving and changing, so the veteran community is changing along with it. Returning from the conference, members are armed with new information on important issues that we can share with those who are interested in making a difference in the lives of veterans,” says Wallace, whose husband served for 24 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. “We return to our communities ready to shine a light on the true veteran experience.”

Last year, ALA advocacy helped preserve many important veterans’ services, including programs for disabled veterans and veterans’ widows. They also played a role in helping make care for veterans more accessible, especially for those who live hundreds of miles from their Veteran Affairs medical facility. Recognizing the important role military families play in supporting servicemen and women, the ALA also focused on enhancing resources that support them.

With each conference attendees tackle new challenges and define annual priorities. In 2016, members learned how to encourage local involvement in veterans’ issues, generated awareness of national memorials honoring veterans and raised $110,000 for the Auxiliary Emergency Fund, providing disaster relief for ALA members. In 2017, ALA has programs in place to commemorate the anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and to help establish a National World War I Memorial.

“The conference encourages important conversations with policymakers and explores new ways to collaborate and promote the mission of the ALA,” says Carol Harlow, director of the ALA Washington, D.C office. “When members depart Washington, D.C. they leave feeling empowered, inspired and ready for new challenges.”

The ALA is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans’ rights. The nonpartisan organization, founded in 1919, helps to advance the mission of The American Legion and provides service to veterans, military and their families. Working in tandem with The American Legion, the ALA has a record of creating meaningful change and has been instrumental in protecting the rights of those who have served. From helping to draft the GI Bill with The American Legion in 1944 to championing the formation of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in 1989, The American Legion Family has been pivotal in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our veterans and their families.

The ALA encourages non-military members to also get involved. To learn more about the legislative bills the ALA supports visit: legion.capwiz.com/legion/issues/bills/.

Walking the hill: Advocating for veterans’ rights and services Read More »

5 tips for safe space heater use

(BPT) – During the coldest days of the year, space heaters are one of the easiest, most efficient ways to get warm fast. However, when not used correctly, they may also be one of the most dangerous.

Space heaters accounted for 40 percent of all home heating fires and a staggering 84 percent of home heating fire deaths, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association. And, as you might expect, these tragic accidents most often occur during the year’s coldest months. The same research finds nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

While these facts are sobering, it doesn’t mean you need to avoid using your space heater to find the comfort you need during the year’s coldest days. You just need to be careful when doing so. To help you keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying comfortable space heater use, Peter Duncanson, of ServiceMaster Restore, offers these five space heater safety tips.

Stay warm and safe this winter by:

* Reading the labels. When you’re out purchasing a new space heater, it’s important to know what to look for. Review each model thoroughly and look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory. This label should tell you if the heater’s construction and performance meets voluntary U.S. safety standards.

* Choosing a model with a safety sensor. Before purchasing a space heater, make sure the unit has a safety sensor. This sensor will monitor the heater, shutting it off automatically if it overheats, reducing the risk of a fire.

* Ensuring cords are in good working order. Whether you’re buying a new unit or monitoring your existing one, always check the condition of the cords as damage here increases the risk of fire. Once you’re sure the cords are in satisfactory condition, be sure to use them properly. Never plug a cord into a surge protector. Many surge protectors cannot handle the wattage, which could result in a fire.

* Keeping drapes and flammable items away from your space heater. A draped linen can quickly catch fire, so protect against this by selecting a location for your space heater with at least three feet of clearance on all sides. The more room you provide your space heater, the safer you’ll be.

* Unplugging it when not in use. Always remember to unplug your space heater when you’re not actively using it. This includes when you go to bed and even when you simply leave the room.

A space heater is an effective way to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months, and if you use it correctly, it can also be safe. Follow the tips presented here and your space heater will make this winter your most comfortable yet.

5 tips for safe space heater use Read More »

5 tips for safe space heater use

(BPT) – During the coldest days of the year, space heaters are one of the easiest, most efficient ways to get warm fast. However, when not used correctly, they may also be one of the most dangerous.

Space heaters accounted for 40 percent of all home heating fires and a staggering 84 percent of home heating fire deaths, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association. And, as you might expect, these tragic accidents most often occur during the year’s coldest months. The same research finds nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.

While these facts are sobering, it doesn’t mean you need to avoid using your space heater to find the comfort you need during the year’s coldest days. You just need to be careful when doing so. To help you keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying comfortable space heater use, Peter Duncanson, of ServiceMaster Restore, offers these five space heater safety tips.

Stay warm and safe this winter by:

* Reading the labels. When you’re out purchasing a new space heater, it’s important to know what to look for. Review each model thoroughly and look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory. This label should tell you if the heater’s construction and performance meets voluntary U.S. safety standards.

* Choosing a model with a safety sensor. Before purchasing a space heater, make sure the unit has a safety sensor. This sensor will monitor the heater, shutting it off automatically if it overheats, reducing the risk of a fire.

* Ensuring cords are in good working order. Whether you’re buying a new unit or monitoring your existing one, always check the condition of the cords as damage here increases the risk of fire. Once you’re sure the cords are in satisfactory condition, be sure to use them properly. Never plug a cord into a surge protector. Many surge protectors cannot handle the wattage, which could result in a fire.

* Keeping drapes and flammable items away from your space heater. A draped linen can quickly catch fire, so protect against this by selecting a location for your space heater with at least three feet of clearance on all sides. The more room you provide your space heater, the safer you’ll be.

* Unplugging it when not in use. Always remember to unplug your space heater when you’re not actively using it. This includes when you go to bed and even when you simply leave the room.

A space heater is an effective way to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months, and if you use it correctly, it can also be safe. Follow the tips presented here and your space heater will make this winter your most comfortable yet.

5 tips for safe space heater use Read More »

The #1 Reason Doers Help Your Business Thrive

What’s more exciting than dreaming? Turning those dreams into reality! For doers, that’s the type of take-charge attitude they carry with themselves day-in and day-out as they approach life,including their professional goals. For doers, sitting back and watching isn’t an option. For doers, taking notes and wondering when to move forward doesn’t cut it. For […]

The post The #1 Reason Doers Help Your Business Thrive appeared first on .

The #1 Reason Doers Help Your Business Thrive Read More »