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8 ways to fine-tune so you can get into the productivity zone ASAP

It’s midweek, and you’re dying for the weekend to come.

Most of us who clock a 9 to 5 job often face such situations, so you’re definitely not the only one entertaining such thoughts. But it’s also due to such a mindset that we constantly find ourselves loitering out of the productivity zone.

This can be a massive problem if you have a work schedule to complete but can’t seem to get your head in the game. We’re here to the rescue! Or at least allow us to share with you some ways you can fine-tune to get your productivity engine moving.

#1: Clear your mind

One of the most persistent distractions we face is our mind.

Whether it’s piling bills, housework, relationship woes, or even just random racing thoughts, our mind can be an obstacle to our productivity.

As such, it’s time to take control! Clearing your mind can be as simple as jotting down your thoughts, taking a 10-minute walk around the park, or simply meditating before starting your day. For those who can’t seem to practise mindfulness at home, check out these meditation centres in Singapore to help you get started.

#2: Make changes to your environment

Image Credits: cielowigle.com

Temperature, lighting, and surrounding noise are environmental factors that affect our productivity.

It isn’t easy to focus on work if you are not physically comfortable. That’s why making changes to your environment can ease you into the productivity zone faster.

We’re sure deskbound people would agree that it somehow affects your typing speed when the office is freezing cold. Since many are still working from home from time to time and don’t have to fight over the air-conditioner’s remote, ensure you’re at ease.

Also, we hope your workspace is already well-lit and uncluttered.

#3: Create a work playlist

While we can control temperatures, we can’t always control background noise.

When working in the office, we may have talkative colleagues, noisy pantries, or other sound sources that we can do nothing to silence. While at home, there is a whole different noise level, from inconsiderate neighbours to chattering kids.

There are benefits to listening to music while working, so slip in your earbuds. Some of us are used to upbeat tempos to get ourselves fired up, while some may focus better on instrumental music. Whatever it is, find the tunes that rock your boat and make that your personalised work playlist.

#4: Keep unnecessary interruptions at bay

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Even when we have our environment optimised and our favourite tunes playing, our focus and productivity can be swiftly destroyed by interruptions.

Do you know that according to a study at the University of California Irvine, it is revealed that a person takes about 22 minutes to return to their original task after an interruption?

We can’t eliminate all distractions, but we can take proactive steps to manage the probability of being interrupted. For example, peeps who suffer from nomophobia can set their phones to “silent mode”. Or better still, place those distractive devices in a drawer to practise “out of sight, out of mind”.

You know yourself better than anyone else, so anticipate your needs and meet them before they start creeping into your productivity zone. Yes, go ahead and get that cup of warm water or coffee and use the washroom before settling in.

Little routines like that can help you sink into your work cycle faster.

#5: Practise a pre-work ritual

Rituals can act as a powerful tool to boost performance.

Setting a consistent routine of words, thoughts, or actions before getting to work can help us clear our heads and focus better on the task at hand.

The best thing about rituals is that they do not have to be complicated. For example, watering your desk plant at 8.30am, making coffee at 8.45am, or turning on your laptop at 8.55am can become daily rituals to help you buckle in and get into the work zone.

#6: Give yourself specific deadlines

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Deadlines may not resonate very well among people since only a few enjoy having a fixed period to work on a project.

Regardless, they are still an effective way to curb procrastination and enhance your productivity. Setting a deadline such as “update the project board before the next meeting” may be too generic a goal.

A more concrete deadline would be, “Update the project board on 15 April, by 3pm”. The deadline has a specific date and time, so you can schedule right into Asana or your Google calendar. For more significant assignments, it would be best to break them down into smaller tasks so you can still practise setting deadlines.

#7: Find the right balance

The ideal task would leave you feeling engaged but not bored or overburdened.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychology and management professor at Claremont Graduate University, shares that you will start feeling the proper flow when there is a good balance between your skills and the challenge presented.

Your work should be neither too easy nor too hard, but it must be challenging enough to generate engagement. Realistically, this kind of work may not always be available. Thus, when work becomes too demanding, ask for guidance or attend a course to improve your current skillsets.

#8: Tap onto social facilitation

Image Credits: BBC

As we come to a close, know that sometimes it’s good to have someone you can account to.

Call it an accountability buddy if you would like. This person should ideally be someone you can get along with and assist you to keep your pace at work. It’s very similar to a workout buddy, encouraging you to push on when you feel the temptation to slack off to do something else.

A mutual partnership like this can aid both you and your buddy to stay in the productivity zone when the time calls for it.

Top 10 traits that can wow an interviewer

First impressions matter when we are seeking work. Whether we like it or not, research has found that most recruiters will base their decisions on a gut feeling about a candidate.

Zety’s career expert Jacques Buffett tells us that traits differ from skills. He explains that skills refer to those found on your resume. For example, hard skills may be a programming language you possess, while soft skills include leadership, teamwork, and communication.

“Personal traits are the qualities that turn up during the interview. It’s the impression you leave through your attitude and how you compose yourself from the second you walk in the door,” Buffett remarked.

Do you want to know what the top 10 traits that can wow an interviewer are? Read on.

#1: Loyalty

Loyalty is key to any company. A loyal employee is likely to continue working with the company for a long time to come, which could translate to more impactful contributions in the long run. Most importantly, faithful employees save the company money since turnover is costly.

#2: Adaptability

The pandemic and its associated changes to the global economy have proven that adaptability is an essential trait for any employee or business. Apart from that, technology and social trends change rapidly, and people must adapt to the times. As such, a flexible employee who can tackle new problems without flinching is valuable to any company.

#3: Persistence

a hand holding a sparkle in the midst of the ocean

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Persistence is intertwined with adaptability. Adaptable employees must also be persistent, working hard in the face of evolving or challenging situations. A person who sticks through their actions to achieve the company’s goals makes them highly indispensable to employers. Well, no one wants a quitter, right?

#4: Open-mindedness

A trait that ties in with adaptability and persistence is open-mindedness. Candidates who are happy to try new methods of doing business, enter fresh markets, and collaborate with people who hold different ideas than themselves are far more likely to add value to a company than candidates who don’t.

#5: Honesty

Honesty is the quality of being upright. It is easy to see why interviewers are attracted to candidates who display signs of integrity. These potential employees are likely to do the right thing and uphold an honourable code of conduct throughout employment.

On the flip side, employees without integrity are likely to participate in corrupt or unethical activities that could shed an unnecessary spotlight on the company.

#6: Sincerity

Image Credits: collegegrad.com

Sincerity is a highly subjective trait but a critical one. “It boils down to an impression a recruiter gets during an interview and if they really believe what the person is saying,” says Buffet.

If the recruiter believes the applicant to be insincere during an interview, they will likely not consider that applicant for employment. Colleagues and customers alike, too, would not want to deal with someone untruthful.

#7: Patience

Patience may seem like an impossible trait to possess in our fast-paced world. But it is essential when seeking employment.

Most modern workplaces are team-oriented, and to work effectively in a group, one must have patience. Rushing a customer through an order, demanding faster responses from a busy colleague, or otherwise behaving in demanding ways is not ideal at the workplace.

#8: Kindness

Truth be told, businesses can sometimes be highly competitive, and kindness seems out of the question. However, candidates who are harsh are most probably unable to work effectively with their teammates as inconsiderate behaviour is distasteful.

Thus, HR managers will be on the lookout for interviewees with pleasant personalities since such people can usually build relationships with others faster, which helps in project collaborations.

#9: Tolerance

Image Credits: iStock

For the Chinese-educated, we bet you have heard of this phrase: 忍一时风平浪静, 退一步海阔天空. In other words, “Just tahan lah!” if faced with a difficult person or situation.

Well, this is somewhat the tolerance we’re talking about. Folks who are easily prejudiced or intolerant of others will not work effectively within an organisation composed of diverse and unique people.

“Hiring an intolerant employee can create an untenable environment, and recruiters want to avoid its negative effects,” Buffet notes.

#10: Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is essential, especially if you’re applying for a leadership position.

“There are plenty of bad bosses out there, and to be (a) good boss, you need emotional understanding and compassion. Employees aren’t robots. Teams are made up of unique individuals with unique traits and qualities,” highlighted Buffet.

With that said, we think working in any environment requires identifying and managing other coworkers’ emotions and feelings. Emotionally intelligent individuals are aware of their own emotions, capable of harnessing those emotions to drive productive output and regulating their sentiments to handle challenging situations best.

Final thoughts

Recruiters often use their first impressions of an interviewee to evaluate whether they have the abovementioned desirable traits. This means observation starts the moment you enter the meeting room or a video conference.

Some may even turn to modern tools such as social media to evaluate a candidate, as these platforms can be quite revealing of a person’s innermost traits. Ensure you do the necessary digital detox if you don’t want to reveal the less desirable sides of your secret life.

Work from anywhere, for you and your team at SAFRA Jurong

The world’s first on-demand platform for workspace, Switch, has arrived at SAFRA Jurong.

Switch is your key to unlocking workspaces wherever and whenever you need it so you can be productive anytime, anywhere. Find your preferred workspace using the Switch mobile app—from a co-working space to a private booth and pay only for the time used, be it for just a minute or an hour!

Two new private work booths have arrived in SAFRA Jurong and these are the first of its kind in SAFRA! Now you can conveniently work in the club for an hour to a whole day. Each booth comes with a work table, sitting for four pax, WiFi, Bluetooth speakers, lights, power point and privacy screen.

If you have yet to try the new work booth, click here to receive an e-voucher that entitles you to a one-time free entry (valid for maximum 75 minutes) to the SAFRA Jurong’s Switch booth!

Terms & Conditions

Promotion is valid till 30 June 2021 or while stocks last.
One mobile number can only redeem one Switch Free Trial, while stocks last.
Usage is only valid on the day of redemption.
Switch will not reissue a new QR code for any unused redemption.
Free Trial is not exchangeable for cash and non-refundable and/or non-exchangeable in the event of loss, theft or damage.
Free Trial is valid for use for a single entry and will expire when you leave the Switch space.
No re-entry will be allowed.
Free Trial is not valid with other promotions.
Free Trial can only be used at SAFRA Jurong during operating hours.
Free Trial used at booths is only valid for maximum 75 mins.
Switch reserves the right to vary and amend these terms and conditions at any time without prior notice.
SAFRA is not an agent of the merchant. Any dispute regarding the quality or service standard must be resolved directly with the respective merchants. SAFRA will not assume any liability or responsibility for the acts of the merchants or any defects in products or services offered in the promotion.

Email: [email protected]

6 points to note as more head back to the office from tomorrow (5 April)

We hope everyone had a blessed Good Friday and a well-rested Easter weekend.

It’s time to face reality. For those who haven’t caught up with the news just yet, our government has made known last month of a shift in the style of working.

The co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Lawrence Wong said that instead of working from home as the default, Singapore would welcome a more “flexible and hybrid way” of working.

From tomorrow (5 April) onwards, more employees can return to the workplace and split team arrangements will not be compulsory. Here are some other points to note as we head back to the office from Monday.

#1: Different start times & flexibility in working hours

For those called back to the office, make sure that your boss is aware of the staggered start time requirements.

This is to make sure that there is no crowding at the office entrances or building lobbies before entry. The different start times will also ensure lesser jam-packed buses and trains.

In addition, your employer should be open to varied working hours, and as an employee, you hold the right to split your hours between working from home and clocking hours at the office.

#2: Working from home still recommended

an asian woman using her laptop on a sofa

Image Credits: The Straits Times

At the moment, only 50% of employees are allowed to return to the workplace. From 5 April, the percentage will increase to 75% instead.

As the virus still lurks in the community, employers are encouraged to allow their employees to work from home as much as possible. Unless certain business operations demand in-person meetings or collaborations, working from home is still recommended.

To that, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) added that companies should continue to keep to online meetings instead. The decision will minimise the number of people exposed at the workplace and avoid overcrowding in areas like the pantry.

#3: Vulnerable employees to be given extra notice

Folks who are 60 years old and above, be sure that your superiors are giving you special attention to lower your transmission risk at the workplace. This also applies to patients who are immunocompromised or suffering from other medical conditions.

If your job position allows you to work from home, then reporting to the office should not take priority. But for those who need to be at the workplace physically, you should be allowed to commute during off-peak periods.

Where necessary, you may also seek redeployment to another role within the company for the time being.

#4: 50’s the limit at work-related events

Image Credits: Vulcan Post

Work gatherings can only allow up to 50 people to guarantee the low risk of exposure to the virus. Attendees should also keep up with the 1m safe distancing measures when interacting with other individuals.

Sorry to disappoint, but food should not be served unless the occasion calls for it, for example, due to extended periods past lunch hour or dinner time. If there’s a need to provide food, each participant must be served while seated.

Mealtimes should also be watched such that people are masked up immediately after eating.

#5: Huat number 8’s still the limit for social meetings

Please note that work events are different from social meetings. Yes, that farewell lunch for an exceptional colleague is regarded as a “social and recreational gathering”, not a work-related affair. Our tiny red dot is still in the midst of phase 3, and only up to 8 people are allowed to gather.

Even for plans like team bonding, the rule still applies. This is regardless of it being in or out of the workplace’s boundaries. For a refresher, households can only welcome up to eight visitors at any one time as well.

#6: Face masks and disinfectants must be provided

Image Credits: RECHI Retail

Peeps who’ve already been reporting to the office at alternate weeks or staggered schedules, we understand the pains of wearing a mask the entire workday. Especially those slogging without air-conditioners in humid conditions may find it necessary to change their masks more often.

Your employer should secure enough face masks for everyone in the company. “Where possible, employers should consider improving the working environment for employees to enable them to sustain wearing the masks,” said MOM.

There must also be sufficient handwashing soap and disinfectants such as sprays, cleansing wipes, hand sanitisers, and paper towels.

Final thoughts

For those who don’t have to return to the workplace from tomorrow (5 April), or at least not immediately, good for you if you’re enjoying it! With that said, you may be keen to check out our recently published article on “WFH tips to help you stay motivated”.

Working from home should not be a nightmare. Your boss ought to not take this as a chance to push you past your limits. Set boundaries between work and rest, so the lines are not blurred.

For both employers and employees reading this, you may want to heed the tripartite advisory on mental well-being formed by MOM, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), together with HR professionals:

Tripartite Advisory on Mental Well-being at Workplaces

Image Credits: CNA

Health is wealth, so learn how to work when you need to and take that break when your body needs it.

Are multi-page resumes acceptable?

Anyone who’s ever written a resume knows that a fundamental rule is this: don’t go over a page.

Many recruiters may not even consider a resume more than one page and could even immediately disqualify the applicant. While other HR professionals simply don’t read past the first page and don’t take in any additional information beyond what’s easily accessible.

Keeping that in mind, the one-page resume is often the best approach for HR managers. It may even help you to stand out amid thousands of other applicants. However, it’s not always the golden standard.

Some work experiences are best suited for multiple-page resumes, particularly those requiring advanced and technical skills. When you’re applying for specific roles or trying to detail expertise in various fields, it may feel impossible to condense the most relevant information into one page.

If so, a multiple-page resume is your best bet for providing a comprehensive overview of your work experience. It can also present you as a prepared professional and highly qualified candidate.

Here are some instances where multi-page resumes are acceptable.

#1: Extensive work experience

If you’ve worked in a specific industry for many years or a decade long, your work experience can likely stretch over two pages.

Applying for positions in this same field and not including all of your career histories can be a form of short-selling. If that’s the case, go ahead and offer a complete glimpse of your talents and abilities to the hiring team.

While providing details on your most recent positions are essential, don’t be afraid to spill onto the second page if you have something substantial to flaunt regarding your past work achievements.

#2: Skilled in technicalities

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Another example of a good time to pen multi-page resumes is when you have any technical skills to display.

Technical skills by nature take up more room on a page, especially if you have an extensive worth of episodes using certain technologies and software applications. You may also need to include information explaining the skills and programmes you’re familiar with, which can take up even more room.

Feel free to use an additional page but make sure that you include a brief list of technical tools and skillsets that best represent yourself.

#3: Engaged primarily in contract work

Contract work can take up page space to describe since they are usually only a year long.

When you’re covering different contracts and clients’ history, you can quickly fill up multiple pages on your resume. Recruiters likely know how contractors work, so they would be more accommodating when it comes to numerous pages of content on your resume.

But still, try to keep your main points clear and summarise the details where possible to create a weighty multi-page resume.

Final thoughts

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Two- to three-page resumes are likely the most a document should take up, and even then, it’s better to stick to two.

A three-page resume might be more reasonable for job seekers applying for a leadership position and have decades of experience to cover. But overall, the shorter and more concise your resume is, the higher chances it will be thoroughly read and considered.