1. Make Phone Calls More Productive
Outline your conversation goals before picking up the phone. After exchanging greetings, share these goals with the person on the other end of the line, so that you both know the real purpose of the conversation. Your phone calls will be shorter and more effective.
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2. Take A Break
Have you booked your vacation days for this year? Your employer provides you with vacation time - make sure you use it! You deserve time off. You'll come back more relaxed and ready to be more productive.
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3. Email Skills
Presentation counts, even in your written work. Spell check and re-read your messages before sending them off. Email messages are a permanent record, so be attentive to both content and tone.
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4. Take Control Of Your Inbox
Do you leave all your incoming email sitting in your inbox? If you don't take action, you'll end up lost in the disorder. Create folders and categorize your email in a meaningful way. It will be easier to find what you need.
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5. Healthy Fuel
Don't ask your body and your mind to run on empty at work. Eat breakfast. Keep healthy snacks at your desk. Take 10 minutes the night before to pack a nutritious lunch. If you bring a packed lunch, you'll be less likely to skip a meal or to grab something unhealthy.
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6. Master Your Work
Make yourself an expert in your role. Take courses to update your skills and do the required reading to keep up with what's new in your industry. You could earn yourself a better paying, more satisfying job.
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7. Cool Down Period
Stop whatever you're doing 5 to 10 minutes before leaving work. Use this time to organize your desk and prepare for the morning. You'll arrive to a clean slate at work and ready to leap into your day.
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8. Work-Life Balance
Are you struggling to balance your work and family life? Look into flextime, job-sharing, telecommuting or part-time work options. If your current employer is unwilling to negotiate then start looking for a more flexible, family-friendly work culture.
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9. Comfortable Conditions
Is your workspace ergonomic? Be attentive to your body and make sure your seat feels right, the lighting is good, etc. Many common causes of discomfort have easy solutions, such as the use of a wrist rest or a footstool. Eliminate pain and strain, and make yourself more productive.
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10. Go On Hold
Enable yourself to focus on the task at hand by minimizing interruptions. Unless you're expecting an important message, wait and check your email at designated times. Schedule important calls, and screen the rest or let them go to voicemail. Check and return calls and emails when it fits in your schedule.
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