YOU DO YOU
Batch Working Explained
What is it? Batch working is completing similar tasks within the same time frame instead of alternating between varied tasks that put different demands on your brain.
The most simple and relatable example is responding to all your emails in a 2-hour block instead of knocking out a few here and there, in between less communication-centric activities.
Why do it? Batch working, especially the cognitive continuity it enables, helps many people feel more productive.
While working on similar tasks for uninterrupted stretches, people…
- Feel a deeper sense of flow
- Avoid the brain drain of constantly shifting mindsets
- Feel more focused
- Make fewer small mistakes
- Feel more creative, generating more ideas
One person blogging for A Beautiful Mess said:
“If you’re someone who struggles with feeling overwhelmed or is easily distracted, I cannot recommend this method enough. It may not work for everyone’s job, but there are still probably lots of parts of your life where you can try it.”
Try It Out
Batch your similar tasks together.
- In this case, similar can mean they…
- Involve the same mental skill (Ex: creativity or logic)
- Involve the same mode (Ex: communicating or concentrating)
- Involve the same function (Ex: writing or math)
- Focus on the same topic or subject area (Ex: Annual budgets or event planning)
Designate time periods for each batch depending on your deadlines and priorities.
Work batch by batch, avoiding the tendency to jump around or multitask.
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GET MORE SH*T DONE
Diverge + Converge = Brilliance
The diverge-and-converge collaboration method optimizes brainstorms and meetings by creating space for people with different working styles and personalities to thrive.
Diverge phase: The group diverges and each individual independently comes up with ideas.
Converge phase: The group comes together to share and discuss all the individual ideas. With hope, the group will combine ideas, generate new ones, and ultimately come up with stronger solutions and plans.
Interested in trying it out? See the Nielsen Norman Group’s full article.
TOGETHER WITH BONUSLY
Incentivize your team to get moving 🏃
When someone takes part in Bike to Work Day, you can tell by the grease marks on their calves and helmet on their desk.
📈 But how do you scale and reward your wellness initiatives as your company grows?
Bonusly’s claimable awards incentivize healthy behaviors that contribute to a strong workplace, whether it’s Bike to Work Day, flu shots, a company step challenge, or your team’s vegetarian chili cook-off.
You can also create custom wellness rewards to showcase your company’s culture and add some fun to your corporate wellness initiatives.
👉 Boost Workplace Wellness With Bonusly
LEVEL UP
Finding stability when your income is predictably unpredictable
Working toward financial stability on inconsistent paychecks? Here are some budgeting pivots from Refinery29’s resident expert.
Traditional budgeting advice: Plan a budget based on your consistent paychecks.
Non-traditional pivot: Plan a budget for distributing inconsistent paychecks.
Establish spending limits, according to your expenses and savings goals, for each month. Base your spending on these limits—not how much cash you have right now—to make your sporadic paychecks stretch further.
Traditional budgeting advice: Save for a rainy day.
Non-traditional pivot: Save for next month.
Create safeguards for living on your predictably unpredictable income. Work toward saving enough to cover all your expenses for three to 12 months. When you dip into the savings, adjust your budget with the goal of replenishing as soon as possible.
Traditional budgeting advice: Check in on your finances at least once a month.
Non-traditional pivot: Check in on your finances at least once a WEEK.
More frequent check-ins help ensure you have a handle on your financial situation, no matter how volatile it may be. Having a firm grasp on your financial reality enables more realistic spending decisions.
Traditional budgeting advice: Invest to grow your wealth.
Non-traditional pivot: Invest to supplement your income.
You may not be able to act on this until you establish baseline financial stability. However, it’s never too early to research your investment options and start talking to a financial planner.
WATERCOOLER TALK
Eco-living made easy
- Start composting. We have been loving composting for the last year or so and if you have kids you can get them involved in this too. We have a little bin we keep under our sink that we then empty into our big compost outside.
- Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic water bottles.
- Invest in pieces you know you will have for years to come.
- Use reusable shopping bags. I admit I sometimes forget to put mine back in my car, but we usually have them in our cars to make it easier.
- Use a metal bento box and reusable snack bags for kids’ lunches.
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The GIST is a free must-subscribe newsletter that provides a refreshing female voice and perspective on sports.
Blueboard is hosting an interactive workshop this month to help you level up your culture at work. Seats are filling up quickly — reserve your spot today.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Latest Listings
🤔 Check out these culture interview questions for the next time you’re hiring someone for your team.
💡If you’re a team manager — seasoned or new — consider fostering these characteristics.
🔖 Catch up on all OG Tuesday newsletters here.
🏪 The Assist Store: Check out our Candidate Rating Card and browse our Etsy Store.
- Adobe is hiring for an Executive Assistant (San Jose, CA).
- Wegman’s is hiring for a Sr. Art Director (Hybrid/Rochester, NY).
- Rubrik is hiring for a People Partner (Remote).
- In-N-Out is hiring for a Human Resources Coordinator (Irvine, CA).
SPILL THE TEA
Hooray, You Made It to the End of Our Newsletter!
Riddle me this: What word in the English language does the following: the first two letters signify a male, the first three letters signify a female, the first four letters signify a great, while the entire world signifies a great woman. What is the word?
⭐ Answer here.
