It’s mid-afternoon and you’ve been working since early morning. You’re already tired, but there are still a lot of video calls to manage. If this scenario rings a bell, here are five expert tips for handling that afternoon slump.
1. Take a break to collect your thoughts
Simon List, IT manager at a pension fund manager, explains that the right technique to fight against the 3 p.m. slack is different for everyone. However, anyone can benefit from a 15 minute break away from their computer.
“It’s good to take some time to reflect“, he said. “Whether it’s going for a walk or clearing your mind, for example by reading a book. It’s good to do something completely different because it appeals to another part of your brain.”
List says he likes to exercise in the morning, which keeps his mind awake the rest of the day. The key is to avoid overthinking and getting bogged down mentally.
“What you don’t want is your mind racing on one thing. Sitting in front of a screen for hours is not healthy. To overcome the doldrums, you have to find a mechanism that works for you“, he explains.
2. Avoid long and heavy meetings
Lisa Heneghan, global head of digital at consultancy KPMG, says professionals need to think about the types of meetings they host at different times of the day.
“There is a whole spectrum of different meetings. What to avoid at 3 p.m. are administrative meetings where you have to deal with paperwork.”
According to Heneghan, professionals should instead organize meetings that inspire and motivate. Ideally, these meetings take place in person, but they can also take place online. To be successful, you have to be creative.
“Balance your days, so you really have the opportunity to think and do some of the things we do best when we are physically together“, she says. “If you are remote, having these kinds of meetings at this time allows you to think more creatively.”
3. Explore experimental working methods
Danny Gonzalez, director of digital and innovation at London North Eastern Railway, says one of the things that can help professionals avoid the mid-afternoon doldrums is to avoid an overreliance on the videoconference.
Every professional has learned over the past two years that going on back-to-back video calls is physically and emotionally draining. According to Mr. Gonzalez, managers need to make sure that “hybrid working” doesn’t just mean being stuck in front of a screen.
“As a team — and, I think, as a company — we’re trying to strike a good balance between using Teams, having face-to-face meetings, and creating spaces for reflection.“, he explains.
Mr. Gonzalez’s department is trying things, like holding days without Teams meetings, unless they’re necessary. According to him, it is essential to carry out these kinds of experiments to establish a good rhythm of work.
“I think the risk is that if we continue in the world we were in a year ago where there were literally people staring at a screen from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., then people will tire quickly. I also think it’s starting to impact a lot of people’s mental well-being.“, he says.
“For us, it’s just about trying to find a healthy work-life balance.”
4. Meet interesting people in person
Not all professionals work all day, every day from home. David Schwartz, vice president of PepsiCo Labs, spends most of his time in the office or on the road: “I also enjoy being in the office with my team and our leaders.”
Schwartz thinks video calls don’t effectively replace the benefits of face-to-face conversations. One of the ways he uses to make things better is to bring entrepreneurs to a coffee shop near his home. He advises other professionals to think about similar tactics.
“During the slack period, have this coffee in person or go to the coffee shop to organize these meetings“, he said. “Then, organize meetings on fun topics that you are passionate about. For me, it’s about learning a new technology, because we are in a continuous process of identification. When I learn something new, the adrenaline starts to rise.”
Like other pros, Schwartz says taking a personal break is a good thing — 3 p.m. is when her daughter gets home from school. Taking time off from work to play for half an hour is empowering: “It gives meaning to work, beyond the benefits it brings to the company. Having flexibility in your day is a good way to spend time with your family.”
5. Split your working day
Daniel Smith, head of analytics at clothing brand PANGAIA, says he spends up to 80% of his time in the office these days — but when he’s at home, his coping strategy is to take short breaks when needed.
“The best way to avoid doldrums is to divide your lunch time“, he said. “I often go for walks. It is important to take the time you need. If I go for a 20-minute walk and then have lunch a bit later, then I don’t get that slack.”
According to Smith, exercise is key to making sure your enthusiasm for work doesn’t wane later in the day.
“I quit caffeine after lunch — if I drink it after that time, I can’t disconnect until late at night“, he said. “When you have a break, it’s important to do something where you’re up and moving. It has always worked for me.”
Source: “ZDNet.com”