Creating a Work-Life Balance in an “Always On” Workplace

Can Music Increase Productivity? And Other Benefits That You Should Know Here at Tommy we are focused on the BIG questions in life and solving all of the world’s problems over coffee… or at least how we can make it a slightly better place. In this article we look at research related to music’s impact in the workplace. Does listening to music distract you from your work? Or does it help you be more productive during your workday? We also look at the different types of music and their effect on the listener. Does Music Help With Productivity? The simple and generic answer to this question is yes… with a “but” afterwards. It actually depends on the person. There are those that don’t really like listening to music while working, and those that do. However, studies have shown this actually relates to the kind of music vs a discussion of if music is effective or not. Many that report not enjoying music while working do also report they enjoying and being more productive with ambient noise such as coffee shop bustle, running water, and waves crashing at the beach. Benefits Of Listening To Music • Enhanced Concentration This is probably the most common example of how music can help. Soothing sounds of nature (such as rainfall or flowing water) improve concentration and cognitive function. It can also enhance mood and focus. However, avoid listening to jarring noises, such as animal noises and bird calls. They can be a great distraction while you work. • Music Can Adjust Your Mood We all have bad days. And one way to take control is through listening to music. The first thing that you need to do is listen to music that matches your mood. Once the first song is done, listen to a new song that is slightly more positive. Repeat this process until you reach peak positivity… however you might define that. This technique is called the “Iso-principle.” Another way to improve your mood is to listen to your favorite music. If it’s not too distracting, it could enhance your productivity too but it is more “hit and miss”. • Increased Creativity Has someone ever told you that listening to classical music makes you smarter? There’s actually a scientific basis for that. Researchers have a theory called the Generalized Mozart Effect (GME). It suggests that classical music can improve a person’s ability to manipulate objects and solve spatial puzzles, which are useful in designing. Classical music can also calm people down and reduce stress. • Music Can Inspire You Do you lack inspiration at work? Music can help change that! Researchers have tested the effect of happy classical music on creativity. Music had a neutral effect in terms of convergent creativity (e.g., critical thinking and linear problem solving).Meanwhile, in terms of divergent creativity (e.g., brainstorming, hypothesizing, and experimenting), it has a positive effect. Another example is cinematic music. It can empower you, lift your spirits, brighten your mood, heighten your concentration, and maximize productivity. • Fast Music Can Speed Up Work Do you have an urgent task? You should listen to fast music to help you out! According to research , when people listen to fast music that they enjoy, their performance and satisfaction increase. Listening to slow music can decrease those factors in return • Video Game Music Keeps You Focused This may be unexpected, but this is true. Video game music is carefully chosen to enhance your experience without causing distractions. It helps you focus on your task, and its fast pace can push you forward. • Music Can Help You Enjoy Repetitive Tasks When your task is repetitive, you might not be motivated to do it. To help you out with that, you should listen to music you like. It will elevate your happiness, efficiency, and productivity. According to modern studies, people who listened to background music in the major mode had better results. So choose your songs wisely! People have different preferences in music, and each type has its own effects. Looking at the topic generally, music can help increase productivity, boost your mood, and inspire you to do your best but don’t use that ‘random’ button, pick your playlist carefully. Enhanced Concentration Music Can Adjust Your Mood Increased Creativity Music Can Inspire You Fast Music Can Speed Up Work Video Game Music Keeps You Focused Music Can Help You Enjoy Repetitive Tasks

Businesses are starting to see the significance of having a healthy and productive workforce. In order to attract and retain top talent, it is important to offer wellness initiatives that are both affordable and effective. In this blog, we will share some cost-effective ways to keep your employees healthy and productive this 2022! 1. Meditation Monday is disliked by everyone because it’s boring, and your employees are no exception. This is the day they despise the most. Allowing your staff to begin the week in despair may have a negative impact on their productivity. Prepare and schedule little meditation sessions to avoid this. These meditation sessions will assist your employees in overcoming their periodic work slumps. As a result, they will be more concentrated for the remainder of the day, which will have a favorable impact on their mental health. Similarly, for the rest of the week, you might promote different ways to include wellness at work. 2. Distribute Health Articles or Newsletters The most powerful agent for change is awareness. Creating awareness is the first step in every endeavor. Starting health initiatives in the organization requires a significant amount of effort at first. The biggest challenge here is persuading employees to pay more attention to their health. As part of your workplace health promotion efforts, you can achieve this by running health awareness campaigns and delivering health articles and newsletters to their emails on a daily basis. 3. Flexible Working Hours The majority of workplace wellness difficulties develop as a result of an employee’s excessive workload during the day. This problem is exacerbated by the absence of flexible work schedules, which leave employees with little time to relax. Allowing your workers to work from home can be a significant step in implementing optimal workplace wellness as an organization. Employees with flexible work hours can spend their time on anything they like, such as getting some rest or going to the gym. This also improves the employee’s satisfaction with their work and aids in achieving the ideal work-life balance. 4. Promote Work Breaks The office can become a stress breeding ground. Even your most dedicated and effective staff may be affected. Request that your employees take small breaks in between long shifts. 5. Tell Employees To Have A Walk Standing while working allows them to maintain regular blood flow and helps their posture. On the other hand, sitting for lengthy periods of time without much physical movement can lead to a variety of health problems. To combat this, set up a few standing workstations in your company, which have been shown in studies to improve employee health. Furthermore, the risk of weariness caused by sitting for lengthy periods of time with little or no activity diminishes. 6. Campaigns to Help People Quit Smoking Nowadays, smoking is a common practice among professionals. The reason for this, as many others have pointed out, is the ever-increasing workload. It is wide knowledge that nicotine is not a medicine. Rather, it exacerbates heart and lung diseases. Smoke cessation campaigns in the workplace, on the other hand, can assist your staff to kick the habit. 7. Keep Up With the Boss’s Pace The desire to maintain a healthy workplace should always originate at the top of the firm. Employees look on their bosses for motivation in all aspects of the workplace. Similarly, posing a challenge to them can motivate them to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Organizing walks or runs with the elderly at work is a fairly subtle method to accomplish this. This will provide the employees with two benefits: . A chance to keep up with their elders and compete with them in a healthy way. . Improve professional relationships, which is critical for an organization’s growth. If their senior peers live a healthy lifestyle, their subordinates will be inspired to do the same. 8. Take a Stroll and Talk Walking is an excellent workout that keeps a person’s mind and body in good shape in every way. Walking is an activity that can be done at any time, any place, and regardless of the weather. In the form of “Walk and Talk,” you can incorporate it into your health and fitness routine. Instead of sitting in a locked space, crucial meetings or talks might be held while taking a walk. Walking a reasonable distance every day helps to keep calorie levels in check and boosts stamina. 9. The Path to Good Health Climbing and descending the stairs can help you burn calories. It also enhances the heart, lungs, limbs, and joints, which are all critical body parts. Encourage employees to avoid taking the elevator and instead take the stairs to improve their health. It is the most cost-effective method for guaranteeing workplace wellbeing. You can also hold challenges like “Stairs to Health,” in which you track and reward employees who take the most steps to motivate them and encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle. 10. Gym Memberships on the Go Despite the fact that workplace wellness entails more than gym memberships and healthy snacks, they do make the list. Building an in-house health center can be expensive, especially when considering the cost of maintenance and hiring a professional to conduct sessions. You could, however, form a partnership with a nearby gym to offer subsidized memberships to your employees. This, once again, can be a great way to attract top talent to work for the company. 11. Workplace Plantation The surrounding environment in which employees sit and work has a lot to do with workplace wellness. It is also a well-known fact that living in a clean and green environment benefits one’s health and well-being. You can achieve this by placing plants throughout the office space, which will help to alleviate the work environment, which is critical for improving employee health. Plants also aid in the removal of toxic gases from the environment. As a result, the employees will feel rejuvenated with the constant presence of fresh air. 12. An On-Site Library

Does listening to music distract you from your work? Or does it help you be more productive during your workday? Here in this article, we’ll talk about the different types of music and their effect on the listener. Read below to know more about it! Does Music Help With Productivity? It actually depends on the person. Some people don’t really like listening to music while working, and others like it. The type of sound that works best for the latter ones are the natural sounds or ambient noise, such as beach waves. Benefits of Listening to Music Nature Music Enhances Concentration This is probably the most common example of how music can help you out. Soothing sounds of nature (such as rainfall or flowing water) improve concentration and cognitive function. It can also enhance mood and focus. However, avoid listening to jarring noises, such as animal noises and bird calls. They can be a great distraction while you work. Music Can Adjust Your Mood We all have bad days. And one way to cope with it is through listening to music. The first thing that you need to do is listen to music that matches your mood. When the first song is done, listen to a new song that is more positive. Continue doing this until you reach the peak positivism. This technique is called the “ISO principle.” Another way to improve your mood is to listen to your favorite music. If it’s not too distracting, it can enhance your productivity too! Get to Know Your Team Has someone ever told you that listening to classical music makes you smarter? There’s actually a basis for that. Researchers have a theory called the Generalized Mozart Effect (GME). It suggests that classical music can improve a person’s ability to manipulate objects and solve spatial puzzles, which are useful in designing. Classical music can also calm people down and reduce stress. Music Can Inspire You Do you lack the inspiration to work? Music can help change that! One research tested the effect of happy classical music on creativity. Music had a neutral effect in terms of convergent creativity (e.g., critical thinking and linear problem solving).   Meanwhile, in terms of divergent creativity (e.g., brainstorming, hypothesizing, and experimenting), it has a positive effect. Another example is cinematic music. It can empower you, lift your spirits, brighten your mood, heighten your concentration, and maximize productivity. Fast Music Can Speed Up Work Do you have an urgent task? You should listen to fast music to help you out! According to research, when people listen to fast music that they enjoy, their performance and satisfaction increase. Listening to slow music can decrease those factors in return. Another research mentioned that music with 50 to 80 beats per minute can help people be more open, receptive, and less critical. It can also stimulate learning and creativity Video Game Music Keeps You Focused This may be unexpected, but this is true. Video game music is carefully chosen to enhance your experience without causing distractions. It helps you focus on your task, and its fast pace can push you forward. Music Can Help You Enjoy Repetitive Tasks When your task is repetitive, you might not be motivated to do it. To help you out with that, you should listen to music you like. It will elevate your happiness, efficiency, and productivity. According to modern studies, people who listened to background music in the major mode had better results. So choose your songs wisely! Conclusion People have different preferences in music, and each type has its own effects. But generally, music can help increase productivity, boost your mood, and inspire you to do your best. Did you like this article? Comment your thoughts! Does Music Help With Productivity? Benefits of Listening to Music Nature Music Enhances Concentration Music Can Adjust Your Mood Get to Know Your Team Music Can Inspire You Fast Music Can Speed Up Work Video Game Music Keeps You Focused Music Can Help You Enjoy Repetitive Tasks

If 2020-2022 has taught us anything other than the value of stocking up on toilet paper, it has been the power of technology transcending international lockdowns to help bring us all together. But beyond fake news or conspiracy theories, there are millions of people around the world using apps and technology to share and bring happiness into their lives. It’s no secret the ushering in of the digital revolution is now making way for the global internet of things. Gartner Research found: IoT devices such as apple watches and other wearable technology had been forecasted to reach $81.5 billion in 2021. Spending on worn devices grew by 124% in 2020. The IoT market is projected to be worth $1.5 trillion by 2030. So what are people using on their devices that is helping them live better lives? Perhaps helping them build new businesses or maybe deepen their inner-kingdom? Here are 6 apps people are using in 2022 to: Spread happiness or get peace of mind. Bring greater work/life balance into their lives. Use tools to help bullet proof your productivity or digital diet. Help spread your message or connect with clients or fans around the world. Explore meditation in an easier way. Deepen your religious studies or share the journey with your loved ones. Work/Life Balance, Peace & Productivity It’s no secret the key to longevity and happiness is having a good work/life balance and routines to support positive habits. Habits can be hard to break, especially ones we aren’t aware how distracting they are from our work or life. Researchers at the University College of London found that it takes the average person 66 days for a new habit to stick, which can vary from 18 up to 254 days! But whether you are trying to cut out a bad habit or pick up a new hobby, digital distraction will be a major roadblock in enabling you to keep focused as part of a healthy digital diet. Freedom https://freedom.to The Freedom app blocks certain apps and websites that can be distracting during the day, such as social media, shopping or news. Slogan: “Experience the freedom to do what matters most. Block distracting websites and apps to stay focused on what matters most.” Used by over 1,000,000 people to reclaim focus and their produc­tivity. You can block them anytime or set a schedule in advance. App and website blocker for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Chrome. Tommy https://mytommy.com Tommy is an Australian born mobile platform for Team Communications and Management. Whether your team washes cars or performs surgery there is a Tommy powered Solution capable of saving you time and improving your team happiness! Slogan: “The simple way to chat, schedule, and track things together.” Schedule can be set to trigger actions when certain conditions are met. Example: Last-minute shift cancel. All available staff immediately messaged, replacement sent to manager for approval. Communication with notification preferences based on Time Clock status. Marketplace of mini-programs and integrations. Sharing, Connecting, & Spreading Your Message Influencers and entrepreneurs alike have demonstrated how platforms can be used as a tool to stay connected or get attention. The digital age is being ushered in by platforms picking up with apps such as Skype and Vine started.Tik Tok’s huge gain in global popularity with the youth due to its many features and insane reach makes it a hot platform… but being the only China owned company, and facing data mining issues, has put the app in hot water with legislators and governments. Whereas on the other side of the app coin, Zoom listed #6 on Fortune Magazine list of apps helping change the world for the better in 2020. Zoom https://zoom.us Zoom provides video telephony and online chat services through a cloud-based peer-to-peer software platform and is used for teleconferencing, telecommuting, distance education, and social relations. Slogan: “In this together. Keeping you securely connected wherever you are.” 100k+ schools use Zoom and top educators and coaches host seminars and break through sessions using the app. Champion for global connectivity and togetherness during quarantines and lockdowns separating us. Statistics: $623M revenue; market value $116,880M (in 2020). Ranked #6 in Fortunes “Changing the World –2020″. Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com Tik Tok is a video-sharing social networking platform used to make a variety of short-form videos. From genres like dance, comedy, and education, videos have a duration from three seconds to one minute. Slogan: “make your day.” People are getting social media fatigue because of all the negativity on platforms such as Twitter and are now gravitating to TikTok, which is a “happier place”. You don’t have to give input in terms of searching or click on a category. AI can figure that out based on your behaviour. Statistics: In 2018, TikTok rocketed to the top of Apple’s App Store and racked up a record 3.8 million first-time downloads in October. #1 most downloaded app on the Apple App store Q1 of 2019. In 2020 it’s reach 800 million active users world with around 40% being between the ages of 14-24. Controversy: Unlike other social media platforms that are all silicon valley or USA based (facebook, twitter, google, snapchat), ByteDance is a Chinese owned company based in China. The United States government threatened to ban the app over data security threats and national security concerns, including a number of other dangers with Tik Tok. It has been banned in India with its parent company looking to relocate to Singapore. Mind & Spirit – Apps for Religion & Spirituality Today’s busy world doesn’t have to feel so busy or fast. Whether you are wanting to become more mindful in your life and explore meditation or perhaps you are mindful of your religious studies and want to continue your studies with your community (or find one), here are two apps that are multiplying happiness to expand your journey and share it with those you love. Mindfulness.com https://mindfulness.com Discover your inner strength and become a more relaxed and healthier you with Mindfulness.com.

As they say in the entertainment industry – there is no such thing as bad publicity. Similar to when it comes to negative reviews, the only way it will negatively affect our business is if we ignore it or don’t address it professionally. Bad reviews can many times come when we least expect them. If it’s your first time getting a negative review for your business then it can be heartbreaking or leave you spinning your wheels about what to do next. Reviews matter for businesses as customer research shows: 94% of consumers say a bad review has convinced them to avoid a business (ReviewTrackers) 38% of consumers require at least a 4-star average rating with the average being 3.4 stars for them to consider engaging with a business (Podium) 63% of consumers say they use Google, 54% use Facebook and 32% use Yelp to track down reviews about a company (Brightlocal) High performing businesses focus heavily on customer service. Managers view customer complaints and negative reviews as opportunities to demonstrate their high-quality service, turning problems into opportunities and angry customers into raving, loyal fans. By reading this article we will cover: Should we respond to negative reviews (and how). How to turn a negative review into a golden opportunity for our business. Way to level-out negative reviews with positive ones. What causes bad reviews and how to review it as an opportunity versus issue. So if we are a new manager or owner wanting to turn the business around, or perhaps recently got a bad review and want to know what to do, this article will help to navigate how to keep our sanity and turn this challenge into a win. Should We Respond to Bad Customer Reviews? When deciding whether or not to respond to customer reviews the answer is always yes! This is how we build relationships that lead to loyal customers and can resolve issues on the head, rather than push them aside where the issue festers and gets worse as customers don’t feel valued. Research shows that responding to negative reviews is crucial for inspiring trust with customers for our business. 53% of customers expect businesses to respond to negative reviews within a week. 1 in 3 have a shorter time frame of 3 days or less (ReviewTrackers). 56% of customers say a company’s response to a review changed their perspective on the business (Podium). We risk increasing customer churn by 15% when we don’t respond to review (Chatmeter). When it comes to negative reviews, it is even more important to address and respond to them. Positive reviews are also good to respond to as it shows we appreciate customers taking the time to support our business and inspires others to also. How Should We Respond To Bad Reviews? Crossing paths with a keyboard warrior ready to do battle with our public image, we might feel attacked. Perhaps for a moment we want to put our head in the sand and ignore it? Unsure how to exactly respond to the review? Let’s dive into how to respond to bad reviews. When responding to a bad review, always remember: Getting into an online battle with someone we don’t know in a public space is far from a good idea – especially if we are representing a business. Battling to prove our point and we are right, may end up costing us/our business more customers than if we said nothing at all. Even if we want to back our staff (or the review was about us), ensure we always hold a level of professionalism that acknowledges what happened without pointing fingers or blame. Providing a whole-hearted apology with a resolution, as well as addressing we have or are resolving the issue is a sign of strength and honesty. How To Turn A Negative Review Into A Positive Customer Experience Handled wisely, even bad customers or reviews can be a springboard toward new customers. How? By executing exceptional customer service and conflict resolution Forbes shared their top tips on how to handle negative customer reviews into positive customers experiences: Make sure to act and respond promptly – it’s public for the world to see. Post-it (even if it’s negative) to help build trust with our customers. Use them as a learning experience. Show we are listening – we can learn much more from negative feedback than positive. Hug the haters. Let’s prove them wrong through our actions – not words. Offer something tangible or specific. Use a bad review as a reason to ask customers and staff to flood our business with positive reviews. In addition, we can offer rewards such as gift cards or other prizes to customers through our social media networks to leave positive reviews if they need some inspiration. What Causes Bad Reviews? In the digital age, customers have high expectations for businesses and their customer service due to increases in quality options, competition, and franchised stores setting a high bar for local businesses to try and match. Bad reviews can be targeted at: The staff and service. The food, cooks and menu. The manager and their customer service – perhaps they took something personal about their personality or how they handled a situation and didn’t like it. Bad reviews can happen when: Someone is having an off day and accidentally crossing paths with someone having a bad day. A staff member is already thinking of quitting, so lowers their duty of care & quality of work. Our staff make an honest mistake, made their drink incorrectly, or simply forgot something. Our staff took longer than the customer expected for them to deliver their food. Our shop was busier than usual yet they expected the same quality customer service. The customer’s personal preference differs from what the cook created, switching up a traditional meal and the ingredients. The customer might be the cause of the problem, be unwilling to address it, and wants to blame someone else (perhaps they were even intoxicated when

During times of uncertainty and rapid change, flow states are being used as a tool by high performers and teams to do their best work. From 5-star restaurants to professional sports teams. Being able to dial into Flow State means to get out of our head and into the game, effectively multiplying our results and happiness. What are some moments that flow state might assist us and our team? Restaurant – Friday or Saturday Dinner Rush Cafe – Sunday Brunch Hotel – honored guest, celebrity, star or politician Flow states are notorious for delivering premium art, work, meals and the champion of productivity. Discover in this article what are flow states are, what are some of the benefits of getting into a flow state and how to initiate a group flow state for our hospitality, office, hospital or kitchen team. What is the Flow State? We have probably heard pro athletes or musicians talk about this moment when they are fully engulfed in what they are doing. When there is no thought. Just the action and being one with the activity to deliver our best results in what they call Flow’. Flow states go through 4 phases: Struggle Release FLOW Recovery New York Times best-selling author and award-winning journalist Steven Kotler is the master of flow state. Co-founder and director of research for the Flow Genome Project, Kotler and his team have identified three different types of flow states we can experience Individual flow states Group flow states Community flow states Think of the energy we experience at a concert with thousands of people singing together? That’s a community flow state in action! So, what are Flow states? The merger of action and awareness – full immersion into the task at hand Intense concentration on the present Loss of self-consciousness and track of time Sense of control (flowing with the activity versus trying to complete it) Distortion of time The sensation that the task is intrinsically rewarding Now that we have dived into what flow states are and the three different types of flow states, the bigger question is how to trigger group flow states for our teams to maximize. How To Trigger Group Flow State for Our Team Aside from triggering flow states on an individual’s level, group flow states companies can tap their teams into to generate exponential growth. Here are 9 “social triggers” that will help initiate ‘group flow’ for our team: Serious concentration: remove all distractions to maximize attention and concentration on the task Shared, clear goals: a single collective goal that provides enough focus so the group knows when they are close to meeting it, but is open to not stifling creativity Good communication: constant communication to keep the energy going; nothing blocks flow more than ignoring or issues between group members Familiarity: group has a shared knowledge base; is inclusive; uses the same language and their communication style takes into consideration all members of the group Equal participation (and skill level): an example is a professional sports team; Flow is most likely to happen in a group setting when all participants have an equal role in the project and skill level; work as a team Risk: Innovation and failure go hand in hand as does success. The potential for failure drives creative ideas and thinking outside the box Sense of control: choosing our challenge with the skills to complete it; mix between autonomy (free to do what we want) and competency (being good at what we do) Close Listening: being present and listening fully; fixed and a focused-collaborative mindset Always Say Yes: Interactions should be additive, not argumentative; take improve comedy as an example and “run with it” Conclusion – Benefits of Flow State Flow states enable us to be present and in flow with the task at hand. To be able to support each other and meet all customer demands, especially in a fast-paced or high-stress environment such as a reputable Michelin Star restaurant, we have to react and act instantly in a calm state. What are the benefits of entering the Flow State regularly? Helps mental health Multiple’s happiness Reduces anxiety and depression Higher performance in a wider range of highly specialised tasks Increase scientific and artistic creativity Group and individual flow states have been a hot topic identified as delivering incredible results for top creatives, athletes, hospitality workers, students, managers, nearly anyone in any field. Let us know what gets you into your flow state? Perhaps anything that sparked your interest or if the flow state recommendations presented in this article assisting influencing an individual or group flow state! What is the Flow State? How To Trigger Group Flow State for Our Team

How long does it take for your work to create your weekly schedule? How difficult is it to get shifts covered or can we get them covered last minute? Consider this when it comes to spreadsheets and managers creating their weekly staff schedules: On average 140 hours are wasted annually on scheduling done manually with spreadsheets vs scheduling apps. Managers using spreadsheets spend an average of 20% (or 3.14 hours) of their work week just on creating the weekly work schedule. Average 2.64hrs. per week for restaurant, hotel and office managers for creating their team schedules. Depending on the type of place we work or manage whether it’s a local cafe, bar, office or restaurant, chances are we have a system for scheduling staff that might be due for an upgrade. Why Switch from Spreadsheets to a Staff Scheduling App? Aside from the potential learning curve and investment, there are a number of considerations for most managers when switching from spreadsheets to scheduling software and apps. Here are 10 reasons most managers consider switching spreadsheets for scheduling apps to creating their team’s work schedule: Efficiency – most managers go from taking hours each week to only minutes then creating their teams weekly work schedule Availability – last-minute call-outs mean checking available staff and calling in a replacement is a nightmare for most managers, but a couple of clicks and approval for others Communication – notifying staff of schedule or policy changes Planning – prevent double-scheduling and assist in workforce management by scheduling better teams and staff per shift Tracking – keeps better and more accurate track of shifts and staff hours Compliance – where spreadsheets need manual checks, scheduling apps can automatically check all shits meet licensed staff requirements Task Management – spreadsheets might not get updated, where a project or shift manager needs to be able to see the tasks assigned to their team to know what they need to be working on Automation – manager can automate sending timecards or reports, trigger messages to be sent to staff to record their time or clock in-out, or a number of other tasks with scheduling software Scalability – spreadsheets or some traditional scheduling software can be limited when it comes to affordably growing your team, requiring time or financial investment scheduling apps save Integration – your spreadsheets might integrate with QuickBooks – but what about your HR, CRM, POS, or Payroll system? Benefits of a Work Scheduling App Nowadays nearly everyone in the work-force has a smartphone. From 2017-2011 smartphone users worldwide increased by 49.89%. Whether it is happier employees, less stressed managers, or saving money through efficient scheduling, there are a number of benefits to having the right scheduling software for our team. Scheduling software can: Reduce time spent managing schedules by 80% and Labour costs by over 3% Some of the benefits when it comes to staff scheduling apps are: Better records to meet regulatory compliance requirements Transparent labour and cost tracking Better time and workforce management Better forecasting and shift coverage Reduce staff turnover and increase retention It’s a common headache for managers that are sending staff schedules via email (or still using  paper) staff can occasionally miss shifts or use not getting the schedule as an excuse. This is where apps come in handy for scheduling, more specifically to prevent buddy punching and to capture important information like if they are at the shop and what time exactly, they leave. Scheduling apps solve this issue. Conclusion – Spreadsheets Cost While Scheduling Apps Save If we are sending our schedule via spreadsheet or posting it online, how difficult is it to swap shifts? To update the schedule so everyone gets the new times? No schedule is bulletproof or perfect. It’s common for last-minute changes, swaps, or cancellations altogether. That’s why it’s wiser to consider how much time we would save (and money) for our business if we were able to track, updated, and communicate about the schedule in a straightforward and easy way. The introduction of cost-effective and powerful cloud or AI-powered apps is making some of the leading rostering and scheduling software of yesterday double the cost when it comes to maintaining, operating, training or upgrading. Some of the latest advancements in work scheduling apps include: Cloud-based with unlimited storage or user licenses. Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered automation tools. Real-time communication. Integration of apps with other providers (bookkeeping, appointment scheduling apps, HR, accounting, POS, etc.) Predictive analytics and planning tools. Automated timesheet and timecard comparison to flag discrepancies. Automated weekly schedule compliance checks. The rapid digital revolution in the business and consumer app marketplace means a rostering app could solve multiple problems for us as managers, and also additional ones in the business – staff retention/turnover, productivity, or simplifying communication. The majority of apps today offer a free version to try and get us to explore some of the features and benefits. This is how we can discover some of the opportunities we have missed out on thinking we didn’t have the budget. We may find additional productivity within our team, for communicating, tasking, management and scheduling could bring our team to the next level, especially if we have a small to medium-sized business where staff scheduling is key priority. Contact us today to give Tommy a try and discover the ease of automation, communication, and task management. Why Switch from Spreadsheets to a Staff Scheduling App? Benefits of a Work Scheduling App

Aiming for a promotion with more money or more responsibility? There are nine key character traits which will help you reach that ambition: 1. Exude confidence Confidence is crucial for demonstrating leadership material. You should be confident in your decision-making and problem-solving skills and show your ability to lead a team. 2. Be optimistic Having an optimistic outlook is a positive way to boost engagement and employee morale. Be enthusiastic about problem-solving when issues arise with projects and model resilience in recovering from set-backs or failure. 3. Demonstrate strong listening skills Strong listening skills are imperative to gaining a promotion and being a valued member of any team. Listening to team members at every level demonstrates respect and consideration for other opinions and knowledge. Listening means learning, contemplating, pondering and then responding or taking action. 4. Strong relationship and interpersonal skills with manager ‘Managing up’ means working on your relationship with your manager. Having respect for and earning the respect of your manager is more likely to lead to promotion. Taking initiative and becoming more involved in broader aspects of the business will build relationships and interpersonal skills with your manager and other senior employees. 5. Maintain relationships and network regularly Working towards a promotion requires strong relationships with peers, managers and external networks through associations and groups. Building networks of professional contacts plays a key role in moving up the corporate ladder. 6. Provide solutions and advice Employers are more likely to promote employees who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to problem-solving, providing innovative solutions and ideas. Demonstrate your skill in this area by responding enthusiastically to issues when they arise and thinking creatively about potential solutions. Give advice when asked in an objective and positive manner. 7. Do your job and more Your manager will evaluate your performance at set times throughout your employment. An employee who meets their key performance indicators, shows initiative and demonstrates the ability and capacity to do more is more likely to be promoted. Working autonomously and showing the capacity for independent decision making inspires confidence in management. Anticipating and responding to changing customer needs, industry demands, and limitations shows initiative and problem-solving skills. Volunteer for extra responsibilities including the opportunity to mentor junior employees. 8. Define your goals for success Successful people have clearly defined goals with short, medium and long term steps to achieve. Designing these strategic actions and skills to develop, experience to gain, is a surefire path to promotion. Demonstrating your planning skills through discussing your goals with your manager highlights your strengths. 9. Openness to learning An attitude of always learning is a strong and positive mindset that leads to positive personal growth. Challenging situations, learning new skills and gaining new experiences are valuable tools in your path to promotion. Conclusion To make your goal of promotion happen quicker, incorporate these nine traits into your professional repertoire. Exude confidence Be optimistic Demonstrate strong listening skills Strong relationship and interpersonal skills with manager Maintain relationships and network regularly Provide solutions and advice Do your job and more Define your goals for success Openness to learning

Having a customer-centric business makes good sense, but what about your employees? Prioritising employees is important, and here we offer 10 ways to do so: Why you should prioritise employees Employees represent your business, and if their happiness and wellbeing is valued, they are more likely to act as positive ambassadors sharing the value of your brand. The more respected your employees feel, the more they can serve customers’ needs. How do build an employee-first culture Businesses invest a lot in their employees, from wages to benefits and training. Helping attract the best employees, and retain them is a good way to protect your investment. 1. Advocate for employees to be themselves Retaining great employees means harnessing their individuality and potential. A supportive workplace that encourages and rewards diversity, opinions, skills and perspective is a more productive and happier workplace. 2. Communicate One of the best ways to put employees first is to ask for their opinions and suggestions. Many businesses fail to communicate, and this can alienate employees. When someone feels valued, even if their ideas are rejected, they are more willing to work harder and to keep improving their skills. Empowering employees with responsibility and ownership in the direction of the business places employees in the centre. 3. Prioritise wellbeing Observe your employees and ask if they seem to be working longer hours, or struggling to manage their workload. Offer employer resources or flexible working arrangements if needed. 4. Invest in them Training and professional development is an investment in your people, which increases both the employees’ and the businesses’ productivity. Employee assistance programs may help with stress, health club memberships help with wellbeing and social clubs help with connection. Investing in your employees is an investment in the business. 5. Model work-life balance Employers can model work-life balance to encourage this in their employees. Workplaces with better balance have higher retention rates and happier employees. Encourage taking annual leave, leaving at a reasonable time, and taking breaks. 6. Make scheduling easier Planning employee schedules can improve wellbeing by making sure employees have an appropriate work-life balance. Further, managers can reduce planning time by using a scheduling system which streamlines flexible hours, shift changes, swaps and unexpected issues. 7. Be fair, ask for feedback Employees should have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences of working at your business. Perhaps employees feel their positions are not leading to growth, or that a manager is unfairly rewarding only certain employees. Making feedback easy and anonymous when necessary places employees at the centre. Use suggestion boxes, surveys and discussions to ask for and receive feedback. 8. Have a culture of respect Employees should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, and ideas considered without judgment or repercussions. Dismissing an employee’s idea can be offensive and demotivating. Encouraging managers and employees to be open-minded, practice listening skills and be open to suggestions demonstrates a culture of respect and employee centricity. Employees should feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, and ideas considered without judgment or repercussions. Dismissing an employee’s idea can be offensive and demotivating. Encouraging managers and employees to be open-minded, practice listening skills and be open to suggestions demonstrates a culture of respect and employee centricity. 9. Organise events Social connection is a big part of working life, and your Human Resources team should organise team building events, holiday parties and other celebrations appropriate to your business. This demonstrates your employee’s value to your business and offers social connection which improves wellbeing and productivity. 10. Reward employees Rewarding effort, performance and attitude can be highly motivating to employees. Read our article ’10 easy steps to motivate your employees at any level’ for ideas. Conclusion While customers are important, employees are vital to the success of your business. Developing a culture of respect for employees means communicating regularly, listening, modelling work-life balance, asking for feedback and rewarding performance and effort. What do you think is the best way to put employees first? Share it with us! Advocate for employees to be themselves Communicate Prioritise wellbeing Invest in them Model work-life balance Be fair, ask for feedback Have a culture of respect Organise events Reward employees

Balancing professional and personal commitments can be challenging for employees. The demands of work can impact family responsibilities, relationships and commitments to volunteering or hobbies. And personal commitments can impact an employees’ ability to fulfill their work responsibilities. However, managing this balance is an important aspect of employee engagement, productivity, and contentment. There are several factors which influence work-life balance including long working hours, insufficient time-off, overtime, and stressful working conditions. Taking a pro-active approach to managing these issues may include: 1. Ask your employees Conducting a survey of your employees to understand their preferences for schedules, hours, workload management and the general working conditions. Reviewing the survey results will help your business understand the needs of your employees. 2. Education Providing education to employees about how to manage work-life balance through personal development training is a positive and pro-active way to manage your employees’ wellbeing. Training can include professional advice and tools to manage and review wellbeing. 3. Offer flexible hours Employees generally prefer a flexible work schedule as it offers greater freedom to balance their personal life and work life. Offering flexible hours may mean flexibility in working days and hours, as long as a minimum number of hours is reached, and work requirements are met. Offering this flexibility may make an important difference to employee wellbeing. 4. Promote breaks Taking regular breaks is associated with better wellbeing. Encourage your team to take breaks from work and set the expectation that everyone prioritises their own wellbeing. 5. Regularly review workloads Reviewing each employee’s workload is an important part of work-life balance. Team meetings can assist in allocating and sharing workload. Checking in with employees can avoid burn-out and reduce stress. 6. Flexible support for parents Flexible working arrangements make life for parents much easier to manage. Parents have a lot of responsibilities and can feel overwhelmed by their commitments. Balancing work-life balance for parents is incredibly challenging, especially during the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Offering equitable benefits for parents including parental leave, childcare, flexible hours and job-sharing would greatly benefit parents. 7. Lead by example Encouraging work-life balance in your team may be as simple as setting the example by working reasonable hours, taking breaks, avoiding emailing after hours and showing your own balanced commitment to your work and personal life. 8. Encourage taking time off Encouraging time off for your employees can avoid burn out and worsening stress. Conclusion Managing personal and family commitments is crucial for employees and with these simple strategies your employees and business can strike the right balance. Ask your employees Education Offer flexible hours Promote breaks Regularly review workloads Flexible support for parents Lead by example Encourage taking time off

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of everyone and through efforts to contain the virus’ spread, businesses have been closed. For those with small businesses reliant on foot traffic, the stress of the pandemic has greatly impacted wellbeing. Further, the requirements to comply with safe operating guidelines have created more work, significantly impacting the already time-poor schedules of small business owners. However, business owners can improve their wellbeing in six key ways: 1. Mental health True wellbeing includes both mental and physical health, and during this pandemic, this has never been truer. Prioritising your mental health through daily meditation offers many benefits. Using an app such as Calm or Mindfulness.com can improve physical pain and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. 2. Time management Running your own business has numerous advantages, and one of them is the privilege of time. While having control of your own time and work is a major benefit, the responsibilities of time management can create uncertainty and stress. Managing your time through apps or alarms, diaries and reminders can significantly improve your productivity and reduce stress by reducing your to-do list. Allocating time for rest and breaks throughout your day can establish a boundary between your professional and personal life, ultimately improving your wellbeing. 3. Practice a healthy lifestyle Have you experienced pain in the form of a back or headache? Are you wondering why this pain is appearing so suddenly? If you are not taking regular breaks, you may be able to relieve pain by moving regularly. A healthy lifestyle is as important as your profit margin, as ultimately your long-term wellbeing plays a key role in your success. A balanced diet, movement or exercise, doing something you enjoy, and enough rest are key aspects of your healthy lifestyle. During the pandemic, prioritising your wellbeing through reducing tension and stress is more important than ever. 4. Finding support A strong support system is valuable for any small business owner. However, the need for support is significantly higher during a global pandemic. Asking for help is a positive step if you or your business are struggling. Don’t hesitate to seek help for your mental health, or research resources for financial support. By reaching out for help, you can reduce stress, improving your long-term wellbeing. 5. Connect with employees or colleagues If you have employees, remember to connect regularly even if you are working from home. Social connection is vital for wellbeing and can alleviate stress. If you work alone, reach out to colleagues or friends to keep social relationships. Further, through building connections, your business stands to increase future possibilities 6. Keep a mood diary Keeping a mood diary is a powerful tool in managing your wellbeing. By identifying and recording emotions and triggers, you may be able to address the issues causing distress and improve your future wellbeing. Conclusion The global pandemic has impacted small business owners through reduction in profits, safety legislation and operating requirements and changing environments. Business owners can improve their wellbeing by prioritising their mental health, good time management, having a healthy lifestyle, accessing support, social connection and recording their daily emotions and triggers. Mental health Time management Practice a healthy lifestyle Address instances of absenteeism as they occur Finding support Connect with employees or colleagues Keep a mood diary Conclusion

Each of us has our own definition of success. For some, it is a new car, a business making profit, or a management position. Defining success is personal and can be influenced by external opinions. Harvard Business Review studies found ‘busy culture’ or the concept of busyness dramatically impacts productivity and personal growth. Further, by constantly prioritising work, boundaries with the personal lives of employees erode and impact wellbeing and relationships. Successful people avoid busy culture Successful people aim for maximum productivity and effectiveness, prioritising tasks based on their importance and expected impact.To address busy culture in your own life, try these six steps: 1. Redefine productivity Busy culture drives an obsession with the appearance of being busy, encouraging individuals to generate tasks as a marker of success and hard work. Therefore, conquering busyness requires resetting your mindset. By changing how you think, you can change your perception of success. Redefining what productivity means to you opens up the opportunity to refocus your daily schedule. 2. Consider your own values Your own values should guide your decision making about your career, home life and personal view of success. Busy culture relies on the cultural impact of following the lead of others, which can be disrupted by choosing your own path. Determining your own version of success can redirect your time and energy, leading to increased creativity and happiness. 3. Make time for nature Taking time to be outside, whether for exercise, or just with a cup of coffee, can help to improve relaxation and creativity, and reduce stress. Remember to take breaks from your computer, for your physical and mental wellbeing. These breaks are instrumental to staying true to your values and personal goals. 4. Create a personalised schedule Good time management skills are imperative to defeating busy culture. Balancing your time with family, work, exercise and fun is critical for happiness. Further, allocating time for tasks leads to improved effectiveness. Track your time for a few days to see where you are spending too much or too little time. This practice may help you to use your time more effectively. 5. Make time for fun Don’t forget about the activities which you enjoy or are passionate about. Perhaps it is sport, baking or music… When you spend time enjoying yourself, you may be more relaxed, reduce stress and become more able to manage time effectively. 6. Prioritise rest and time away Busy culture relies on the idea that we can work endlessly. However, rest and relaxation are crucial for your wellbeing. Take time with your family or friends, plan a vacation or break. A break from digital devices and social media may help to reduce stress and help your body to recover from particularly challenging periods. Being people-centered means that you should avoid frustrating employees because you’re too strict and avoid them from taking advantage of you. You should know how to balance flexibility and expectations. Conclusion Busy culture impacts productivity by prioritising work for the sake of appearing to be busy and successful. Redefining success by your own values is associated with better wellbeing and improved satisfaction with life. Taking the time to prioritise your work activities, balance your time and increasing rest, is likely to increase your success in the future. Redefine productivity Consider your own values Create a personalised schedule Finding support Make time for fun Prioritise rest and time away Conclusion