bloomon’s Post

Last summer, my wife and I enjoyed a Friday off in the sun, soaking up the beauty of Oregon's nature with a cold beer in hand. I remember mentioning to her how great it felt to have the whole weekend ahead of us, yet already feeling like we were on vacation. That's when my wife, smart as she is, suggested implementing summer hours at our company. Initially, I hesitated. Would half-day Fridays truly make a difference? Most people are already mentally checked out on Fridays anyway, eagerly anticipating the weekend. So, why not give the team the full day off, at least every other Friday? And that's exactly what we did. We decided to alternate Fridays within the team, with one half working while the other half enjoying a well-deserved break. Some team members were initially skeptical, expressing concerns about work piling up. But others were super stoked about the idea, seeing it as an opportunity for rejuvenation. Fast forward a year, and I couldn't be happier with the results. While it's challenging to measure efficiency in numbers, I've noticed a remarkable increase in team morale and productivity. Sure, some team members still choose to work on some of their Fridays off (including myself), but it's entirely voluntary and speaks volumes about their dedication. Implementing this schedule wasn't about reinventing the wheel; it was about prioritizing the well-being of our team. And the best part? I get to enjoy moments like today, hitting the slopes on a beautiful weekday while avoiding the weekend crowds. It's a small change that's made a big impact, reminding us all that work-life balance isn't just a buzzword—it's essential for fostering a happy, motivated team.

Happy technically Friday! 🤗 With two 4 days weeks it's got me thinking on the times when 4 day weeks were being considered and trialled in companies. An old topic I know.. On one hand you have the opinion of increased productivity due to losing that extra day.. On the other hand you have a decrease of productivity because you lose a day.. Either hand, you are still losing one working day.. Personally I feel that Fridays for me really brings my week together, I can review and forecast the next week, ensure all ties are knotted if you will. Fridays are mainly the days I check in on any updates, feedback or vital information I need to be aware of, create to do lists and really set myself up for the week ahead. As most people do, I love Fridays. But I guess it all depends on the type of person right? Anyways, the point of my thoughts this morning is with two working days out of the office and numerous vacancies posted on our website, today is the day to reach out, have a chat, explore new opportunities! I would also be interested in knowing your thoughts on 4 day weeks. 🤔 #Productivity #careers #letmeknowyourthoughts

Today is the 30th Wednesday of the year 2024 – we’ve practically had a month of Wednesdays, and it's the first one that truly excites me. No, I haven't changed my workspace or taken a vacation. Instead, I've embraced a mindset shift surrounding this day.   Midweek slumps are real—I feel them too. Historically, Wednesdays have been my least productive days at the workplace. They seem too distant from the weekend firefighting & morning huddle meetings Mondays bring and too early to capture the anticipation of Fridays, and because everyone around you is having their own Wednesday, demands at work and from customers are also "slumpy" and boring. However, I’m not calling this as an opportunity to reset, refocus, and reignite productivity – that’s just what productivity gurus say, and I’m not that.   What I'm celebrating this Wednesday are the smaller, more administrative victories: 1. Clearing my desktop—win! 2. Replying to that one annoying, inconsequential pending email—win! 3. Having a heartfelt chat with a coworker about their ailing parent—wholesome win! 4. Solving the mystery of who keeps finishing the Jim-Jams from the office pantry—important win! 5. Taking a leap and doing something I've wanted to do for a while—there's no bigger win!   So, I should be experiencing my 30th midweek slump of the year by now, but instead, I've already accomplished 3 out of the 5 big things I’ve planned for today and it's only 10:13 am. Number 5 on my list? Posting right here on LinkedIn, and I'm celebrating every minute of this. How are you making the most of your Wednesday?

Back to Reality! 🌅 Now that the summer holidays are over, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. As we transition from the lazy days of summer to our regular routines, it can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry—I'm here to help. Whether it’s catching up on tasks, reorganising your schedule, or simply getting back on track, I'm here to support you. Let’s tackle the final months of the year together and turn post summer holiday blues into productivity and success! https://smpl.is/9hsx9 #SmartPA #BackToReality #BusinessSupport #PostHolidayBlues #Productivity

🚀 Why Fridays are My Most Productive Days! 🚀 I've found that Fridays are my secret weapon for productivity! Here's how I maximize my efficiency on the last day of the workweek: 🔹 Focus on One-Day Tasks: Fridays are perfect for tackling tasks that can be completed within the day. This gives me a sense of accomplishment and ensures that there are no lingering tasks over the weekend. 🔹 Limit Meetings: I keep meetings to a minimum, allowing me to concentrate fully on my to-do list. Fewer interruptions mean a more focused and productive day. 🔹 Eases Anxiety About the Upcoming Week: Wrapping up tasks and tying up loose ends on Friday helps me feel prepared and reduces anxiety about the upcoming week. I can start Monday with a clean slate. 🔹 Enjoy the Weekend: Knowing I've had a productive day allows me to enjoy my weekend guilt-free, fully recharged, and ready for the next week. Fridays have become my favorite day for boosting productivity and setting a positive tone for the days ahead. How do you make the most of your Fridays? Share your tips below! ⬇️ #Productivity #WorkLifeBalance #FridayMotivation #Efficiency #WeekendReady

Summer Fridays: How to Make the Most of Them 🌞🎉 1. Start Early: Begin your day with focus so you can wrap up in time to enjoy the afternoon. Pro tip: Employees who start earlier on Summer Fridays are 30% more likely to be productive throughout the day (Harvard Business Review). 2. Set Boundaries: Protect your time by setting clear expectations with your team. Remember, clear communication can boost team efficiency by up to 25% (McKinsey). 3. Plan Something Fun: Whether it's a quick trip or just relaxing in the park, plan something enjoyable to look forward to. Research shows that anticipation of leisure activities increases overall happiness by 20% (Journal of Happiness Studies). 4. Reflect and Reset: Use the time to reflect on the week and plan for the next. A study by the American Psychological Association found that reflection can improve productivity by 23%. 5. Disconnect: Turn off work notifications and truly unplug. Employees who disconnect fully are 50% more likely to return to work refreshed and motivated (Forbes). Ready to make the most of your Summer Fridays? Try these tips and see how they transform your end-of-week experience. For more ideas, check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/3Aoars0 #WorkLifeBalance #Productivity #SummerFridays #EmployeeWellbeing

On Tuesday: "Can’t believe it’s only Tuesday!" And by Wednesday: "We’re halfway there!" By Friday, the energy shifts to: "Happy Friday! So glad the weekend is here!" I’ve been thinking—why do we spend so much of our week waiting for the weekend? Growing up, Monday through Friday felt like the core days to thrive, and weekends were the time to recharge and reflect. But once I entered the workforce, especially working in an office with mostly middle-aged adults, I noticed how many people seem to treat the weekdays like a race they need to finish in order to get to the weekend. But where does this obsession with weekends even come from? Historically, the idea of a "weekend" is relatively new. For majority of history, the workweek was six days long, and Sunday was a religious day of rest. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution and labor movements of the 19th century that we began seeing calls for shorter workweeks and the right to leisure time. In the U.S., Henry Ford was one of the first to implement the five-day workweek in the 1920s, and soon it became the norm. This gave rise to the two-day weekend we know today—a break from the grind of factory work. But weekends were meant to be a change of pace, a time to rest and enjoy a different rhythm of life. Today, it feels like we’re spending five out of seven days just waiting for those 48 hours to arrive and start the loop again. Have we lost the ability to appreciate our weekdays in the process?

Sometimes, taking 1 or 2 steps backwards isn’t a bad thing 🤔 I wanted to share a new commitment I've made to myself: taking Fridays off. As someone deeply invested in building my life and business, it can feel like taking a day off is a step backward. However, I've come to realise how crucial it is for my overall well-being and productivity. 🌟 I say ‘day off’, but it’s more a time for me to take stock of things, it allows me to clear my mind and start the following week with a fresh perspective. It helps me focus on working "on" my business rather than getting caught up in working "in" it. This shift is essential for strategic thinking and long-term planning. With this new arrangement, I was able to get out and enjoy a nice lunch on the river with my wife, and ‘Office Buddy’ of course.😜 I encourage everyone to find their own balance and prioritise time for rest and reflection. It’s not about slowing down but about ensuring we’re moving in the right direction with clarity and purpose. Wishing everyone a productive week ahead!💪🏻

🌟 Building a culture of care from the inside out! It's not just about what we SAY; it's about what we DO. How does your brand infuse heart into your organization? At NOW, we wrap up our weeks with a little something special - the NOWIE-OWIE-OW call! 🙌Every Friday at 11, we gather to celebrate each other's wins, share laughs, and soak in the good vibes. It's our way of saying "thank you" for all the hard work throughout the week. And guess what? Our half-day Fridays (hello, 2.5-day weekends!) have been a game-changer. Productivity? Through the roof. Happiness? Off the charts. Our team has LOVED having their Friday afternoons off to enjoy life. When we’re happy and balanced it shows in our work. Have you or the company you're with do something creative to help the work/life balance for those on your team? When we CARE for our team, they show up with more CARE for those we serve. 💗 #BuildRelationships #RelationshipMarketing #RelationshipROI #JessikaPhillips #LoveMoreGiveMoreBeMore

''I get nothing done on Fridays.'' 😕 On Fridays you can get that 'the week is almost over' feeling. Its not worth the effort. Why not postpone to next week? While I am all in for some weekend-vibes, we can try to not take Friday's power per default. Also Friday is a day worth spending with intention! This is why I am meeting with my Deep Work Group Fridays in the morning. The setting is relaxed, we take it slow & take regular breaks. By creating an environment that makes you feel relaxed and in good company, you can get both a deceleration from the week and stuff done. Quite. Relaxed. Intentional. Let the hectic of the week pass and spend some time on things that most matter to you right now. And before closing you laptop to get of to the weekend: reflect on the past week, make a plan for the coming, set one intention for what will be most important to you next week. —- Hi, my name is Miriam. Here to help you get things done! For more inspiration on Time Management and Prioritisation, follow me Miriam Beyers, PhD. or my hashtag #wontime. 💚