The connection between wellbeing and productivity

Simply put, productivity is a measure of your output leading to your employer’s success.  The healthier you are physically and mentally, the more productive you will be. That productivity and focus go out the window if every slot in your calendar is booked, your in-tray is overflowing, and your phone is constantly ringing. You’ll soon start to underperform, and your productivity will drop. So, taking a step back to get on top of things and utilising tools, processes and support available will increase your productivity leading to positive wellbeing.

So, what can you do to improve your wellbeing that’ll make you a more productive person?

1. Understand the flexible working policy of your organisation – Plan how you want to work and what works for you. Work with your manager to find better ways of working. Do you have the right equipment to do your job? Do you need further training to get the most out of the software and services you use?
2. Know which tools you have – Recently we’ve become reliant on the many collaboration tools available to us. Take time to learn the services you have in your organisation and when to use which service. Do you have separate services for messaging, meeting and calling? Learn how to use your booking systems to set up meetings in multiple locations – face-to-face meetings in meeting rooms or video meetings. Identify where you are going to keep the conversation going – email, team space/channel or chat.
3. Learn to use the tools like a pro – Make sure you know how to quickly mute, turn your video off and share content – rather than getting flustered because you can’t find the right button. Learn how to use the meeting room equipment and practice with the interactive whiteboard, speakerphone, and touch panels. You’ll want to learn how to connect your laptop, start and join meetings, bring people into video calls, muting participants and recording the meeting.
4. Familiarise yourself with new workspaces – Use meeting rooms or work from home for days requiring quiet focus time. Use the meeting room equipment to meet with remote teams without distraction. Use huddle spaces for small group teamwork. Use creative areas to brainstorm on interactive whiteboards and bring in remote guests for informal collaboration. Try scheduling your meetings together and plan to have your video calls at home or somewhere quiet in the office where the bandwidth might be better. Then block out time to follow up on the actions from your calls.
5. Get organised – Don’t be afraid to put your ‘Do not disturb’ on to block out time for projects. Most collaboration tools now have a place to create teams, spaces or channels. Encourage your colleagues to collaborate in these places to keep all your chats, meetings and content in one place. Schedule specific times in the day when you check your emails, make calls and take breaks. Block out time for your virtual commute or travel time.
6. Exercise – We all know that regular exercise is good for you, even if the thought of dragging yourself out of that comfy chair fills you with dread. Try using a wireless headset so you can stand up and move around during calls. Psychologically this can also help with your confidence when presenting and make you more engaging.
7. Stay connected – To avoid feeling isolated when working from home, arrange regular chats with people, either over coffee, a phone call or a video call. Taking an interest in others and sharing your worries is a healthy way to stimulate your mind.

Employee wellbeing isn’t just for big businesses with yoga classes, meditation suites and free fruit. It’s for everyone to encourage open communication and recognise burn-out due to workload.

If you want to learn more about your collaboration service, or book some training, check out the BT Support Centre where you’ll find guides and training for the tools we support. 

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