The Science of Productivity: How to Get More Done in a Day

by Kayla Schilthuis-Ihrig for HubSpot It’s estimated that a shocking 60% (or less) of work time is spent productively, according to Atlassian. Time is our scarcest resource, yet we spend so much of it doing things that are unproductive — usually without meaning to. Emails, meetings, endless notifications... We’re indeed being pulled in more directions than ever before, but it’s not just technology holding us back from making the most of our time. In many cases, we are the ones responsible for our own lack of productivity. As a freelance remote worker, I’ve had to tango with my self-sabotaging productivity quirks more…

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5 Hiring Tips for Small Business Owners

By Nathaniel Stevens for HR Daily Advisor 2023 marked an important year for hiring managers, as it brought challenges with labor shortages, looming retirements, and a demand for evolving skills for small to medium sized businesses. But this year, the tide is turning. CEOs of smaller businesses are remaining optimistic about the future of hiring in the coming months due to a more positive economic outlook. In fact, a recent study showed that over half of CEOs at small businesses plan to hire more in 2024, and almost three-quarters intend to maintain or increase employee pay. With this, there are a few…

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Research Says Learning How to Receive, Not Just Give, Can Make You Happier

BY MARCEL SCHWANTES for INC. The age-old wisdom that "it is better to give than to receive" has shaped countless individuals, teams, and organizations for generations. But what if this is only half of the story? Globally renowned leadership expert, author, and speaker Robb Holman raises a thought-provoking question: "If everyone were giving, who would be left to receive?" Research indicates that receiving a gift triggers the release of happiness-inducing hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, echoing the chemical reactions associated with love. This is a proven recipe for cultivating and nurturing trust within our immediate sphere of influence. Given these benefits, who wouldn't…

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How to Boost Team Morale Amid Digital Evolution

By Chelsea Lamb for HR Daily Advisor In the rapidly changing landscape brought on by digital advancements, companies often focus primarily on adopting the latest technologies and automating processes. However, the cornerstone of any successful organization — its employees — should not be ignored. This article outlines proven strategies to ensure that your workforce remains a priority, even as technological changes sweep across the industry. Maintaining Open Lines of Communication Changes, particularly those driven by digital advancements, can be unsettling for employees. Open, transparent communication helps allay fears and reduces uncertainty. Keeping your company abreast of developments ensures they don’t feel blindsided…

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Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day Year-Round: Elevating Recognition with AI Gifting

By Archer Chiang for HR Daily Advisor On Employee Appreciation Day, many employers make gestures towards their employees, often without fully harnessing its potential impact, jumping on the bandwagon. However, Employee Appreciation Day transcends a mere date on the calendar; it presents an opportunity to boost workplace morale and fortify the connections between leaders and their teams. Rather than contemplating specific activities for this one day, employers should prioritize understanding and appreciating their employees at different points throughout the whole year. By doing so, meaningful actions that benefit them will naturally fall into place. This article aims to explore innovative…

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5 Steps Leaders Can Take to Unleash Their Team’s Strengths

By Tyana Owings for HR Daily Advisor It’s not unreasonable to say most of us in leadership probably got there because we were really good as individual contributors, and someone saw potential in us to lead others. Alternately, and statistically more likely, we were thrown into leadership in the hope we could duplicate ourselves or at the very least – keep things moving along and it was an adventure in “just figure it out” as a new leader.  Zenger/Folkman has conducted research that most managers don’t receive any kind of training for their first 10 years in leadership. It’s a common…

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Designing Workplaces that Promote Mental Well-Being

By Mike Szczesny for HR Daily Advisor Designing indoor spaces that promote mental well-being in the workplace is more than a trend; it is a crucial step toward cultivating a productive and content workforce. Here’s how thoughtful design can create visually appealing and emotionally supportive workspaces, enhancing overall employee well-being. Why Design for Well-Being Our surroundings play a pivotal role in our mental health. Workspaces designed with well-being in mind are fundamental in subtly promoting healthier habits and attitudes. The infusion of natural lighting and the choice of ergonomic furniture in these environments can dramatically reduce stress levels and elevate…

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The Evolving Role of AI in Benefits Administration

By Bill Bellew for HR Daily Advisor The world of work is changing fast, with people working from home, in the office, or a mix of both. This keeps HR teams on their toes, especially when it comes to benefits. That’s where AI, widely known as Artificial Intelligence, comes in – like a super-powered assistant to help HR manage everything smoothly. AI can automate tasks, crunch data like a champ, and even give personalized advice. This means HR can be more efficient, make better decisions, and keep employees happy. Let’s explore three key opportunities where AI can improve benefits administration…

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HR Query: How to Manage PTO Effectively in 2024

By HR Daily Advisor Staff According to a recent Forbes Advisor study, 40% of Americans plan to travel more in 2024, which means employees may request more time off from work than usual. This is a concern for many workplaces as time off requests and management can put a strain on an entire company. In this week’s HR Query, Tiffany Gamblin, Director of HR Business Services at HR software provider Paycom, discusses how time off requests and management impact an entire company, why time-management platforms are critical to keeping staff engaged and happy, and more. Here’s what she had to say. What are…

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Is Office Culture Dead?

By Lin Grensing-Pophal for HR Daily Advisor The pandemic has fundamentally transformed the landscape of work, ushering in a new era where employee expectations have dramatically shifted from pre-pandemic norms. This shift has led to a reevaluation of traditional office culture, which was once defined by its “cool” perks designed to create a vibrant work environment. Today, the allure of such amenities has diminished, with employees seeking more meaningful changes in their workplace. Source: UfaBizPhoto / Shutterstock The Evolution of Office Culture Before 2020, office culture was often highlighted by its physical environment and the perks it offered, from lounges…

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