The post Does Working From Home Make Us More Productive? appeared first on BC Jobs Blog.
]]>Many companies have had to ask employees to work from home to allow for self-isolation. Though learning to cope with new operations can be tricky, many people are more concerned with their productivity.
According to CNBC, working from home may increase or decrease productivity. The connection is between the task and the environment.
Boring tasks are easier to accomplish in a structured and simple environment like a cubicle. Accomplishing creative tasks is easier in a more relaxed environment.
It is an easy thing to be distracted by housemates, television, or dog walking when facing a dull or simple task – hence productivity lessens when doing this work from home.
When facing a complex task that requires problem-solving, an unstructured environment may heighten creativity, attention, and productivity.
As companies and employees question whether working from home should be the new normal, strategies for keeping employees consistent are necessary.
To help keep yourself or your employees productive during this time, consider using helpful methods, apps, and websites designed to help increase focus and workflow.
The Pomodoro Technique is one of the easiest and most rewarding productivity supports we have found. It helps increase workflow by setting 25-minute ‘work’ timers, each followed by a mandatory ‘break’. Though it may seem counter-productive, it minimizes procrastination and distraction. This is a helpful tool to use when needing to slog through basic or boring tasks, but can also help the creative soul find focus and drive.
Another lovely work assistant is a music website called brain.fm – a space dedicated to keeping you focused and efficient. Featuring anywhere from 30min to ‘∞’ sessions of brain-boosting music, you can tailor a soundtrack to your work length. One of their tips is to pop in headphones while you work. We believe this helps cut down on general distraction. Brain.fm also has music for relaxing and sleeping so if you find the work playlists helpful, try the others.
Giving yourself adequate breaks throughout the day will decrease burnout and lift your mood. This is especially important when dealing with the stress of a pandemic and a changing workspace. Don’t be afraid to get outside and take a short walk to keep your blood pumping and your spirits lifted.
We hope that your remote work leads to a healthier and happier lifestyle, regardless of CoVID-19. Keep your goals in sight and remind yourself to get those pesky tasks done, boring or not.
Related Posts: 4 Tips to Be An Engaged Remote Employee
10 Tips to Stay Productive at Work
Top 10 Jobs in Canada During COVID-19
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to BC Jobs, he served as a marketing advisor for high-profile blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM and Ripple. He’s also worked with fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space.
The post Does Working From Home Make Us More Productive? appeared first on BC Jobs Blog.
]]>The post Top 10 Jobs in Canada During COVID-19 appeared first on BC Jobs Blog.
]]>Below is a list of 10 positions professionals may want to consider during this period.
At the top of our available positions, we have healthcare providers. Due to CoVID-19, there is currently a large need for support within our health institutions. This is not exclusive to hospitals, as positions for caregivers, home support workers and long-term care facilities open up. Provincial websites such as Health Careers in Saskatchewan can help find placements.
For those without necessary medical credentials but interested in supporting the front-lines, there is a call for non-clinical workers. Supply warehouses require supervisors, distributors, inventory and merchandising. Provincial resources such as PHSA can aid in finding non-clinical positions within your province. Though some positions require experience or education there are entry-level positions available for those looking for supplemental work in this season.
Companies such as Loblaws and Sobey’s need support in areas other than their grocery section. Pharmaceutical departments within cross-country chains such as Superstore and Safeway are looking for pharmacists to help with the increasing demand.
This is a great time for people looking to break into the IT sector. As many businesses increase their online presence or move online entirely, there is a corresponding need for support within the technology world.
With an increase in product demand, comes an increase in staff, comes an increase in management need. If your talent lies more in operations or management we encourage you to look at management positions within businesses that are experiencing increased demand for their services such as Amazon.
As many layoffs have occurred within the hospitality industry, consider taking those service-oriented soft-skills into the customer service world. There are many companies hiring customer support representatives, including stay-at-home positions. Many businesses are hoping to increase their customer support as platforms and services are flooded with requests.
Though many of the layoffs and hourly cuts have come from within retail, business is booming for some lucky companies. Grocery chains, essential service suppliers and others are actively searching for employees to meet the needs of Canadians, with many companies raising their hourly wage. The Retail Council of Canada is actively tracking retail positions available across the country.
Experience driving commercial vehicles has never been as needed as it is now. Grocery delivery, restaurant delivery, online retail orders, and warehouse transportation services are all available for drivers. With the threat of CoVID-19 looming, there have been reports of truck drivers retiring early or taking leave due to their increased risk of health complications, creating an opening for those interested in this line of work.
Along with an increased need for commercial drivers will come an increased need for vehicle technicians. According to BC, this is considered a high opportunity industry – now may be your chance to shine. If you’ve got auto technician experience or education, check out the Canadian job bank with automotive technician listings.
The Canadian government has made a list of needed services in response to CoVID-19. The services include jobs already listed such as healthcare providers but also ask for services such as security, accommodation maintenance and laundry.
Though this pandemic has rocked economy, business, and employment all over the world there has also been an inspiring rise in support and community. Businesses and organizations are coming up with ways to specifically address the CoVID-19 crisis and support the workforce. We hope that this season becomes an opportunity for you, so stay calm, think positively, and brush up on those interviewing skills.
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to BC Jobs, he served as a marketing advisor for high-profile blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM and Ripple. He’s also worked with fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space.
The post Top 10 Jobs in Canada During COVID-19 appeared first on BC Jobs Blog.
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