In times of heavy meeting days, I find myself saying “phew”, by 3pm. Without the right tools, planning and intention your schedule can drive you, instead of the reverse. When I came across this article (particularly this image) I was intrigued by the researcher findings and healthy ways to move through your day with balance and even greater productivity!
The article highlights “in a study of 76 companies, for example, management researchers found that employee productivity more than doubled when meetings were reduced by 40%”!! It’s so easy to see the day swept away when back to back calendar meetings replace vital time for strategic development, task management, or connecting with colleagues in meaningful informal ways.
Those last three items I’ve found even more important for emotional wellness. Social connections, and creating a sense of accomplishment by “crossing off a task” can improve mood and well being. Of course, meetings can be a form of connecting, and virtually go far when used as a tool for progress and focused teamwork.
Here are a few tips I’m using this year to create more balanced wellness and increase productivity:
- Log in an hour before the meeting day starts and use time to evaluate each meeting and your attendance.
- I keep a copy of the Eisenhower decision matrix close by my desk. Do first, do later, eliminate, delegate is an efficient tool that takes away decision fatigue.
- Ask for grace, I’m fortunate to work with very gracious colleagues. If I need 10 min, I simply shoot a note that says ‘can I get a quick 10 min before we start the meeting”. The answer is usually ‘yes I need one too!!”. Don’t be afraid to ask for 10 min :).
In peace,
Judith
Link to Article: What happens to your Brain in Back to Back Meetings (yahoo.com)