​Years ago trying to do the simplest of tasks would have taken ages, as well as correcting any possible mistakes. The common phrase ‘it was simpler back in the day’ doesn’t always apply, especially when it comes to the workplace.
 
If anything, things are now made faster and simpler with the use of technology, but the important question is, are you keeping up with the rapidity of tech developments? The best leaders are always on the lookout for new systems that will help them get ahead of the rest. Here are some tips to help you keep up:
 
Develop Your View: Expanding your view is a vital aspect; don’t just keep an eye on leading companies from your sector, broaden your horizons. Check out firms that are outside your industry, ones who are using new technologies to develop. Some of the best tools being used will be out of your usual boundaries and may give you the best inspiration.   
 
Evaluate Available Resources: Reading different posts and publications that are centered on how firms can apply new technologies to help them develop, will give you a great insight for your own business. As well as reading content, curating some of your own and posting it online will also help to develop your understanding. Interacting with others focusing on the same topic, such as responding to other readers’ comments will help increase your engagement.
 
After reading up and writing content, start to follow different technology influencers and experts who are developing and reporting on the latest trends and tools in the technological market. Make sure to not only focus on the experts, but also talk to some customers or other leaders about what technologies they are using in their company. 
 
Incorporate Training: Organise some training for your employees to ensure they understand the steps needed to keep up with different tech tools. Sit in on the training yourself to reap the benefits and expand on the knowledge you already have. Training will benefit you to lead your workers in a way that will help increase their motivation. Offering training to your team will show how you embrace changes with a positive attitude, which in turn will make them act in the same way.
 
After training ask staff to keep an eye out for any upcoming technology tools that they feel would be beneficial. If any tools are then incorporated into the business, offer a reward to the relevant staff member to give the team more motivation to find new tech systems.
 
Update Systems: Make sure that all files, from contracts to reports, are all kept in a secure online cloud. This tool allows for you and your workers to access them anywhere, on any platform, 24/7.
 
There has been a massive shift in how technology is used in the hiring process of a workplace. Different platforms like LinkedIn showing potential hires work profiles with the click of a button is rapidly changing how new recruits are chosen and the posting of job advertisements.
 
If your employees use a clocking-in system, try and update it with new methods, such as checking in with their mobile phones or fingerprint scanning. Older methods are usually slower and more unreliable. Bringing in a more modern method will make it easier for workers and helps bring a more contemporary feel to the workplace.  
 
You will find that there are many resources out there, but it is important to weed them out so that all of your focus is on the main ones. The best way for you to do this is to rank the ones that have a better chance of working for your business. At the same time, rank the developments in terms of subject matter, an example of this could be your learning style.
 
Efficient managers are aware of the fast-paced world of tech and the dangers of not having an open mind about developing different methods. There have been many companies in the past who have ignored the changes, only to fall far behind major competitors. So take initiative and use the strategies mentioned above to help your business to grow.      

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​As a leader, you should always be focusing on the certain areas and thinking of strategies in how your company can take the next step forward. Many use a work ‘to-do’ list as a way of becoming more organised, as well as improving focus which can be very valuable. However, too many people use it only for measuring their self-worth and this is a mistake. It’s important to have a ‘quality over quantity’ mindset with your list and ensure that everything you have to do will be beneficial for your business.  
 
1) Choose a Method and Get Going
To-do lists are completed in all shapes and sizes, so do it in a way that suits you. Some individuals prefer writing it by pen as it feels more personal, but if you would prefer to opt for a different way there are many (we are in the digital age after all), including a massive range of digital apps specifically designed to help people create their own to-do lists. 
 
It’s also a good idea to create more than one. Make a list of what your employees need to be doing so that you can keep track of their work. Make an everyday HIT list for yourself. This list should be full of High Impact Tasks that need to be completed ASAP. Along with this, you should create a master list of things you would like to accomplish in the long-term. Every morning before checking your e-mails or meeting with employees, check the items from each list that you have completed and which ones you want to get done that day.
 
2) Prioritise the Most Important Tasks:
Ensure that you complete the MIWTs (most important work tasks) as this will make you feel more productive and will be more beneficial to your workplace. So even if you don’t complete all of your targets from the list for the day, it means that you have still completed the most important things.
 
3) Break Everything Down
One way to prevent procrastination is to make goals seem much more manageable by breaking them down into smaller tasks. So instead of writing ‘finish report’ try something more specific, such as ‘write 300 words of the report today,’ on Monday and then ‘finish remaining 500 words and read over report,’ on Tuesday. For tasks that require a lot of time but need to be finished by the end of the week, ensure to delegate some of them to your workers. This will help the work be completed a lot faster than if you were taking on most of it yourself.
 
Encourage your employees to write their own daily HIT lists every morning; this will improve their productivity and ensure that everything is completed. To ensure they are sticking to it, ask to see their lists on occasional mornings or mention it in meetings. The surprise factor will ensure they will continue to do them. Emphasise to employees the importance of writing as much information down as possible, meaning there are no excuses for not getting the work done.
 
4) Be Specific
When you make each list, put a time estimate next to each item to keep it precise, for example: finish remaining 400 words of report – 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Move onto the next task when your time is up and continue with this work structure to prevent spending too much time on one task and not enough on another, it’s vital to maintain a good working balance.
 
When it comes to the ‘master list,’ make sure not to stress. There will be items on this list that you’ve been meaning to do for days, weeks and maybe even months. Before diving in head first, try and learn what steps are necessary for completing the task. Break each task down so that you are taking the steps to completing it, instead of becoming stressed and not doing it accordingly.    
 
5) Maintain Flexibility
Don’t try and complete each task on your HIT list back-to-back, not only will this completely stress you out; it will mean your tasks are completed half-heartedly. It’s important to take some time between each item on your list to take a breather. This also gives leeway in case something pops up that needs to be done, such as an employee needing help or looking after client relations.

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​So it’s January, the festive period is well and truly behind us and some people are left with tighter waistlines and lighter bank accounts, the festivities have finished and everyone is back to reality with a bang. It comes as no surprise that your employees may not be feeling their very best, with most adopting the dreaded ‘January Blues.’ However, it doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom, make an impact with your employees and bring positivity to your workplace this January with these tips:

Employee recognition:
One of the vital aspects for motivating your employees is giving them recognition for their hard work. Acknowledging employees for this will make them feel more valued, while also encouraging them to continue working efficiently. Not only this but saying those two words will increase customer loyalty and overall workforce productivity. It is a good idea to develop an online recognition platform for employees. This will enable you to reward each employee individually for their achievements and this will increase your interaction with your workers.
 
Create a positive atmosphere:
By generating an optimistic energy in the office, you will increase employee performance and morale. A negative atmosphere in the office will curb creativity and reduce new ideas which will result in a negative start to your company’s new year. As the leader it's up to you to kick this off with a good attitude. A positive attitude will have a ripple effect on your team. Also why not organise some events? Just because it’s January doesn’t mean that the events have to completely come to a halt, organising different team building events or work dinners will give employees something to look forward to.  
 
The third Monday of January has been named ‘Blue Monday,’ the most depressing day of the year. So to wash away the blues on this day organise a working lunch or after work drinks, this will help to keep spirits up. It may not have the same atmosphere as a Friday afternoon but it will help with the aim of a positive atmosphere. 
 
It’s also important to introduce an ‘open door’ policy in your office, if your team feels they can approach you about anything then they will get to know you better, therefore your working relationships will improve. This will also avoid any problems that could occur if employees tried to resolve it themselves.
 
Help workers with their New Year resolutions:
There are a wide variety of resolutions people choose, to start a new sport, travel more and most this most common one, which is to lose weight. So it is likely that most of your workers will be aiming for this after the Christmas period. Investing in workplace wellbeing is beneficial and will enhance your teams drive. Offering yoga or work-out classes during lunch, free fruit and bottles of water will be greatly appreciated and helps to get the New Year off to a good start.
 
Change it up a bit:
Bring something new to your workplace so as to bring significance to the New Year. Asking employees to work on different projects will mix it up a bit for them and asking your team to give you any ideas for updating the business routine will help with creativity. Holding a ‘welcome back’ meeting with everyone will get the energy flowing again and will also allow you to ensure that everyone is aware of their aims and objectives and what they have to do in order to achieve them.
 
Offer running money saving schemes:
For many people in January it’s a time for people to tighten their purse strings and budget themselves. So as an added benefit for your workforce, you should consider running money saving schemes. This would be holding a percentage of your workers salary and offering an amount of interest on this. Agree with your team when the money will be released, maybe during birthdays or the Christmas holidays. This will take some financial stress off employees and create a more relaxed working environment.   
 
Help the work-life balance:
After Christmas is a time when many employees will start to re-evaluate their work-life balance. Offering employees some flexible working hours or the option to work a couple of days a week at home will improve motivation, while also increasing the rate of employee loyalty. Making sure that employees take a couple of breaks throughout the day and have their lunch away from their desk will help their productivity.
 
By following these top tips you will ensure that your employees will get the new working year off to a fresh new start, banishing any ‘January blues’ before they have the chance to become ‘February blues.’  
 
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