With to-do lists stretching as far as the eye can see, meetings taking over your schedule and your daily duties piling up, staying productive can be quite the challenge.
Our supplemental healthcare reimbursement plan, Ultimate Health, is made specifically for busy company leaders to reduce the distractions that come with health issues like researching multiple doctors, missing work for lots of appointments or shoeboxing claims. We aim to eliminate these things with services and conveniences like TopDoc Connect, executive physicals and a swipe-and-go Rx card. That way, you can focus on what you need to get done.
That said, we know there are other things that you can work on to increase your productivity in addition to decreasing health-related distractions. Here is a collection of pro tips on productivity from some very busy and very efficient Armada Team members:
Ed Walker (President) “I like to get a jump start on my day. I find my days are more productive when I start out with a morning run or workout. Waking up early and forcing myself out of bed for physical exercise gives me a feeling of early accomplishment that provides momentum for heading into the work day. Also, a nice long run without any distractions gives you time to really focus in on what you need to accomplish and prioritize for the day.
Charlotta Winslow-Jenkins (Chief Marketing Officer) “Sometimes it can seem like there are 99 priorities and projects all competing for your devoted attention. But spreading yourself too thin results in 99 projects inadequately completed that will yield sub-par results. You must fight the urge to feel overwhelmed and instead narrow your vision to the 4 or 5 tasks at hand that will truly impact the company’s performance.”
Jamie Spriggs (Chief Operating Officer) “There are only so many hours in the day, so plan them and attack them. I start the day with a workout to get the blood flowing. It gives me time to reflect and meditate on what I need to do that day. By the time I arrive at the office, I know my priorities and I can immediately start executing. If work is planned out, then fast, high quality execution is achievable.
It’s okay to cut back on less important matters and prioritize the things that really need to get done. True prioritization sometimes means saying ‘no.’ But it also means answering the questions that need to be answered, replying to the emails that need replies and tending to your responsibilities. It means making sure your time is being used as effectively as possible.”
Jamie Bernier (Director of Direct Marketing) “Don’t get sucked into the feed. At least for me, being on social media is part of the job, but having so much information readily available can prove seriously distracting. Similarly, if you’re looking for a break, stop yourself from typing in ‘Facebook’ or ‘twitter’ because that two minute break could become an hour that could totally throw off your day. And finally, don’t think that your research is impervious to getting hijacked by the abundance of search results. ‘Healthcare gap solutions’ can easily turn into the latest sale at the GAP if you’re not careful.”
Allyson Fisher (Director of HR) “Two things: When it comes to productivity, there is no such thing as multitasking. Focus on something, knock it off the list and then move on to the next one. Trying to juggle only hurts you in the long run.
Secondly, being physically and emotionally healthy is vital for productivity. There is no way you can feel bogged down, tired and sluggish and still perform at your best. Work out, take breaks away from your desk, eat healthy snacks that give you energy rather than a sugar rush. Be your best you so that you can bring your best to work with you.”
Michelle Johnson (Director of Marketing & Communications) “Organization is key to productivity. If your office is a little scattered, take the time to put it straight so you can, in turn, keep your thoughts straight. Different types of to-do lists work for different people, but regardless of your method, make sure you’re keeping those tasks prioritized. I personally rate mine in order of importance of timeliness (today, tomorrow, next week, far off future, etc). Starting each new day with the priorities in order can be the difference between having a productive day or the day being a wash. Take 5 or 10 minutes before you leave to set out what you need to do tomorrow.”