Time Management Tips: Work Smart, Play More

Time is the only commodity that money cannot buy. No matter how organized you are, you can only utilize twenty-four hours a day.

We must manage ourselves and maximize what we can do with the time we have. Let us appreciate how precious time is. Afterwards, let us move on to the next time management tip.

#1: CREATE A TIME INVENTORY

Track your daily activities to get an accurate picture of how much time you spend on various tasks. Creating a time inventory will help you know which activities you should cut down on. This is the first step to effective time management.

You see, many of us are timewasters. We spend too much time reading emails, posting on social media, browsing the web, messaging our friends, and making personal calls. Do your best to spend your time on more productive activities.

#2: SET ACHIEVABLE GOALS

If you have a pile of tasks on your desk, no amount of time management will help you accomplish it all. This is where prioritizing comes in. Use the four Ds of time management: Do, Defer, Delegate and Delete.

Do refers to tasks that are important and urgent. Prioritize these tasks.
Defer refers to tasks that are important, but not urgent. Place this at the bottom of the pile.
Delegate refers to tasks that are urgent, but not important. Delegate these tasks to others.
Delete refers to tasks that are neither urgent, nor important. Can you get rid of these tasks?

#3: WRITE A TO-DO LIST

Carrying a to-do list at work or at school is a time saver. If you have a trusty list, you will never wonder what to do next. A list keeps you motivated and focused. It also provides satisfaction whenever you tick off something from your list. Lists enable you to monitor your progress to ensure that you are on the right track. So, write a to-do list for the day.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: USE TIME MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Whether you are using a planner or a smartphone app, you can speed up the process by planning your tasks with time management tools. These tools will help you plan out how you will spend your time in the future. A software program such as Outlook can help remind you of the events that will soon take place. While your smartphone’s clock app can help you time your tasks.

#5: MAKE A REALISTIC SCHEDULE

A physical planner or a digital timetable can help track your to-do list or important meetings for the day. There are many time management apps that can help you organize your schedule such as the calendar app on your smartphone. Think of the period that you are most alert and put the important tasks on that time block.

When you are planning out your schedule for the week, please do not forget to find time for socialization. Working smart means that you will have more time for fun and for sleep. Most people need about 7 hours of sleep to remain focused at work.

#6: GET IN THE HABIT OF SETTING TIME LIMITS

As you manage your to-do list, you can set time limits for the tasks. For instance, you can set a limit of one hour to answering and reading emails. Stick to the limit! This will help you minimize time wastage.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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Delicious CNY Goodies To Bring Home To Your Family Reunion

Apart from spending time with your family and collecting ang bao, eating scrumptious Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks brightens up the festivities. Usher in the Year of the Tiger with these roaring goodies from adorable tiger buns to classic pineapple tarts.

#1: IKEA SINGAPORE’S CNY OFFERINGS

From January 17 to February 28, IKEA Singapore will delight its guests aesthetically pleasing confections such as mala-infused dishes and tiger-themed buns. Try the Little Tiger Buns with Kaya Filling ($2), Mandarin Orange Chocolate Cake ($4), IKEA CNY Donuts ($7.80), and Plant Balls with Mala Spaghetti ($8). These goodies are available while stocks last.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

You can also take home their pre-packaged snacks including Bak Kwa ($23.80 for 500g) and Mandarin oranges ($11.80 for 24 pieces).

#2: RED SAKURA’S HELLO KITTY SNACKS

Good news for Hello Kitty fans! Taiwanese confectionary brand Red Sakura and its Hello Kitty snacks are available at selected stores in Singapore. Get your sun cakes and butter cookies at Prime Supermarket (Tampines branch) or at Shopee.

Image Credits: redsakura.com.tw

Keep your eyes peeled as some of the Red Sakura snacks come with Sanrio merchandise such as plates and mugs! For example, the Red Sakura Hello Kitty Mini Cookies tins are sold at $7.90 in Shopee. These come in assorted flavors including butter, chocolate, and earl grey.

#3: BEE CHENG HIANG’S BAK KWA

You can always count on Bee Cheng Hiang for a variety of CNY goodies such as pineapple tarts and golden floss rolls. But of course, it houses its sought-after dried meat product Bak Kwa.

This year’s selection starts from $34.80 for 600g of Minced Pork Bak Kwa, $37.20 for Chilli Pork Bak Kwa, and $43.20 for Applewood Sliced Pork Bak Kwa. Choose a flavor that suits your preferences. You can even go for the fancy Gourmet Pork Belly option.

Image Credits: beechenghiang.com.sg

Just add the delivery fee of $6 when ordering on their website.

#4: NASTY COOKIE’S S’MORES BITES

Nasty Cookies offers a twist to the CNY food slate with its S’mores Bites. Its S’mores Bites consist of buttery chocolate chip tarts, which are topped with rich chocolate spread and toasted marshmallows. Every bite has a mixture of chewiness, crunchiness, and sweetness.

Image Credits: nastycookie.com

S’mores Bites will be available online for $28.90, from January 17 onwards.

#5: FAIRPRICE’S PINEAPPLE TARTS

Another staple in every household during CNY is the delicious pineapple tarts. Pineapple tarts are rich, buttery pastry filled with pineapple jam. It is impossible to stop at just one piece, so you might want to purchase a few tubs for the party!

FairPrice has an array of pineapple tarts from various brands. Halal and Vegan options are also available. Prices start from $3.92. Check it out.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Happy Year of the Tiger, 2022! Celebrate the auspicious Lunar New Year with an assortment of takeaway delicacies and goodies in this list.

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8 Reasons Why Your Employees Are Leaving You

The reasons why an employee desires to leave may be obvious, such as wanting to pursue better opportunities or feeling underpaid. These reasons provide a better understanding of how you can improve your organization’s processes and recruitment strategies.

So, why do employees leave and what can you do to prevent a good employee from quitting?

#1: LACK OF APPRECIATION

Recognizing the efforts of employees can increase their motivation. When a company and its management ignore the employees’ accomplishments, they may seek value elsewhere. Implement a system that rewards quality output and efficient workers. Most employees are willing to go the extra mile when they feel valued by the company that they work for.

#2: FEELING UNDERPAID

With the uncertainties of the current situation, many Singaporeans seek stability. Salary is among the top reasons why employees depart from their previous employer. Offering competitive salaries and other benefits can prevent the employee from leaving a post. However, not every resignation is financial in nature. Uncovering other underlying factors can be necessary to retain an employee.

#3: LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

Professionals have a potent desire to grow at a company. Who wants to remain stagnant, anyway? Recognizing the efforts and setting a clear career path can make the employees feel like they have a bright future in the organization.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: MISMATCH BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND THE EMPLOYEE

When you first arrived onboard, you were a perfect fit for the organization. As time passes, your goals and values no longer align with the organizational culture. This is a difficult situation to be in as the change needs to be addressed by several employees. Promoting open and honest communication in the workplace can bolster retention rates. Moreover, providing opportunities to interact outside of the office fosters a sense of camaraderie.

#5: LACK OF RESPECT

You are at risk of losing a good employee if he or she does not feel respected or trusted at work. Whether the employee feels disrespected by their boss or co-workers, the negative feelings can pile up. Employees can experience lack of respect in many ways ranging from written instances to sexual harassment. Prevent these issues by providing open channels for communication and exercising regular feedback.

#6: HAVING A HORRIBLE BOSS

A horrible boss can create a toxic environment for the employees. Many high performing workers quit their jobs because of their managers and not because of the job itself. Whether the manager is incompetent or is behaving badly towards the rest of the team, his presence can make or break an employee’s experience. Thus, training is essential. Ensure that the manager is given the tools to properly support their employees.

#7: DISCONNECT WITH THE COMPANY’S VALUES

If an employee no longer sees a connection between him and the company’s values, the employee can leave the organization. Do not sacrifice the company’s values for a result.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#8: NO WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Last but not least, having no work-life balance can contribute to an employee’s burnout and eventual departure. At the end of the day, you must respect that your employees have lives outside of work. Providing an ample amount for rest and recovery can help improve the quality of one’s work.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Exit With Grace – Here’s How To Quit Your Job In 2022

When shifting jobs, professionals should communicate their decision to quit with respect and gratitude. Leaving professionally and ensuring that you do not burn any bridges is the best way to welcome new opportunities ahead. While it may be entertaining to quit in a grand public gesture, it should probably stay as a dream.

 

Here are five helpful tips that you can employ when you lodge your resignation this 2022.

#1: BE DIRECT

After days of careful contemplation, you realized that you are ready to leave your post. Make sure that your supervisor and co-workers are not surprised by a general announcement. Notify your direct supervisor through written and verbal communication. While some companies prefer to receive a four-week notice, others are satisfied with a two-week notice. Review your employee contract to read about the resignation period.

Be direct when communicating the reasons for leaving. Consider not only what is best for you and your new employer, but also what is best for the company you will be leaving.

#2: GIVE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS’ NOTICE

Employers generally accept a two weeks’ notice of departure. Sharing your decision in advance will give the supervisor time to sort things out. Elements such as your pending projects and status of assignments can be transitioned strategically.

In contrast, departing abruptly could have negative consequences such as leaving a poor impression and having co-workers wonder what happened wrong.

#3: CREATE A RESIGNATION LETTER

Make a resignation letter that is clear and concise. Thank your employer for the opportunity and state when your last day of work will be.

If you are leaving over a possible legal claim (e.g., allegations of workplace safety violations), you must speak to a lawyer first. Remember that anything in writing could be used against you.

#4: TRANSITION YOUR PROJECTS

What are your current projects and assignments? List these down. Determine which items will end when you leave, and which will need to be assigned to someone else. Discuss these projects to your direct supervisor and provide substantial data, reports, files, and contact information. You may need to train your replacement too.

#5: MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Maintain professional relationships, if possible. Connect with key people from your previous organization through their LinkedIn profiles or email addresses. Make it clear whether you are open to being contacted with questions about the pending projects after you are officially gone. Alternatively, you can connect with these people virtually.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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5 Coolest Co-Working Spaces In Singapore

Fast-paced developments in technology and connectivity paved the way for the rise in online jobs and tasks, especially with our current flexible working conditions. If the distractions at home are too much to handle, try fulfilling your tasks in a co-working space.

You can access Singapore’s co-working spaces whether you are a freelancer, a startup, or a well-established company. Read the article to find a space that suits your budget and your needs.

#1: THE HIVE SINGAPORE

Operating at twenty fantastic co-working spaces across seven countries in Asia Pacific, the Hive is recognized as a boutique co-working network. Since its inception in 2012, it has expanded to other locations such as Thailand, Japan, and Singapore. Frequent jetsetters can reap the benefits of accessing all the locations through the Hive Passports. Prices start at S$30 for a Hot Desk Day Pass.

Image Credits: thehive.sg

Location: Various locations including the Hive Carpenter at 36 Carpenter St., Singapore 059915
Website: thehive.sg

#2: JUSTCO

As one of the largest co-working networks in Asia with multiple locations in Singapore, JustCo blends functional spaces to the community. It raises the platform by offering the entertainment factor. The breezy spaces include a gaming room, a well-stocked pantry, a snooze lounge, and a meditation corner. Feel free to relax after a long day of work!

Image Credits: justcoglobal.com/sg

JustDesk Basic Plan starts at S$98 per month. Sign-up for a free trial to experience its services.

Location: Various locations including Marina Square, Raffles Quay, Robinson Road, and MacDonald House
Website: justcoglobal.com/sg

#3: CLUBCO

Tucked away on Cross Street, ClubCo is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This modern co-working space fuses value-for-money membership plans with contemporary furniture. Anyone from consultants to occasional office workers can come inside to use their amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, private phone booth, photocopying machine, and complimentary beverages. Private meeting rooms of varied sizes are also available. What’s more? It’s conveniently located right beside the Raffles Place MRT, with a rooftop space where you can unwind.

Image Credits: clubco.sg

A Day Pass is worth S$40, which is available from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Location: #04-00, The Quadrant, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
Website: clubco.sg

#4: THE GREAT ROOM

The Great Room opened its doors at One George Street in 2015. It is strategically located in the heart of Singapore’s financial and business district. Since then, The Great Room has opened four more spaces around the country among vibrant neighborhoods that brim with restaurants, shops, hotels, and wellness facilities.

Image Credits: thegreatroom.co

You see, The Great Room draws inspiration from the best hotel lobbies with its hospitality-inspired layout and highly functional spaces. The flattering lighting, decor, and furnishings make it conducive for ideas to thrive. Its options vary from a dedicated office to a business club. Be treated to something special with a Day Pass costing about S$70!

Location: Various locations including One George Street, Centennial Tower, and Ngee Ann City
Website: thegreatroom.co

#5: SPACES

From lively spaces to prime locations, Spaces has it all. What sets it apart from the rest is its flexible plans that you can tailor to suit your needs. For some plans, you could work at your desk at any time of the day. This is perfect for people who work remotely with global businesses.

Image Credits: spacesworks.com

The Co-working Membership fees start at S$178 for 5 days in a month.

Location: Various locations including Clarke Quay, City Hall, and Robinson
Website: spacesworks.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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