Organize and Prioritize to Keep Employee Productivity High During the G-20 Summit

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

  

(Brampton, June 17, 2010) - Faced with finding alternatives for keeping their businesses open during the upcoming G-20 Summit many business owners are grumbling about the inconvenience.  To ease the frustration, Professional Organizer Karen Sencich offers the Top Ten Tips to help business owners harness employee productivity throughout the upheaval.

 

1.      Ask for employee input about how to organize and prioritize during the days of business interruption. Share suggestions gathered with entire staff. The key is to maximize flexibility.

2.      Employees deemed essential, who must report to the office, will have fewer phone calls and visitor interruptions. This may be the ideal time to clear out files and shred obsolete material. 

3.      In understaffed offices there will be fewer opportunities for face to face meetings which will save time that can be allocated to clear out the e-mail inbox and re-organize computer files. Delete old drafts and categorize information using the same format as the hard copy filing system.

4.      This will also be a good time to dust, damp wipe and disinfect desk, keyboard, mouse and telephone.

5.      Employees assigned to work from home will happily save money on gas, parking or transit and eating out. This may overcome the inconvenience and cost of using home phones and cell phones to keep in contact with colleagues and clients.

6.      The chunks of time usually spent commuting, travelling to meetings, and taking lunch and coffee breaks may make up for time spent watching World Cup Soccer or doing computer work outside on the patio. There is no reason to not enjoy the nice weather!

7.      As tempting as it might be to use the day off as a vacation day, more can be accomplished by leaving the children in daycare and having a stress free day to focus on everything else that needs to be done to catch up on work related issues.

8.      Quickly plow through short term tasks such as updating database contacts or preparing expense reports.

9.      Engage in preliminary planning for long term projects. Leave voice mails or e-mails requesting appointments for follow up once the Summit is over.

10.  How can employees make the most of having a non statutory holiday weekday off? Suburban services will be open for business so book car maintenance or schedule an appointment for the dentist, doctor or optometrist. This will save taking time off work later.

 

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Tackle it Now Tip

Pack and Go

Now that winter is winding down, many families are planning a spring get away. The key to a relaxing get away is to pack effectively. A personal packing list simplifies the packing process.

SUITCASES

  • Buy sturdy, lightweight suitcases on wheels, ones that nest together for easy storage.
  • Invest in luggage straps to securely strap smaller luggage onto bigger rolling pieces.
  • Pack only what you can comfortably carry and lift by yourself.
  • There is lots of walking through airports, so wear your most comfortable shoes (remember that you'll have to take them off to go through security).
  •  Dress in layers for comfort on the plane.
  • Plastic compression bags are the best new invention for compact packing. Vacuum pack or roll wrinkle-proof items like underwear, bathing suits, bulky sweaters or socks. Coming home, use the bags to compress dirty laundry to make room to pack souvenirs.

 CARRY ON

  • Pack a roomy, waterproof tote or backpack for necessary carry on items, ID, tickets and mini sized cosmetics. You can use it again as a beach bag or when sightseeing.
  • Carry personal prescriptions with you at all times. Include motion sickness remedies available in pills, patch or a magnetic bracelet.
  • Remember that you can only carry on a total of 100 ml. of liquids, stored in a see through zip lock baggie. Obtain current international luggage restrictions regarding carrying fluids at www.tc.gc.ca . Also check with your airline for their specific baggage weight regulations and charges since the rules frequently change.
  • Have a friend or family member drive you to the airport so you can leave winter wear in the car until you return from the sun. No sense lugging the extra weight of bulky coats.

 SAFETY & SECURITY

  • Label identification tags using a work address and cell phone number in case luggage is misplaced. (For security reasons never use your home address.)
  • On bus tours and cruises luggage is often left unsupervised, so invest in good quality locks.
  • Will a safe be available in your room? This may determine whether you travel with real or costume jewellery.
  • Don't take a bulky wallet, instead pare down to the essentials: license, health card, ATM and charge cards.
  • Code your cell phone with an ICE number (In Case of Emergency contact)
  • Pack a flashlight or nightlight to navigate in dark, unfamiliar places

WARDROBE PLANNING

  • Check if your destination or cruise ship has a dress code in effect requiring dress jackets and ties for men. When sightseeing find out if there are clothing restrictions, i.e. shorts may not be appropriate in some locations and women may have to cover their heads to enter a church. Be prepared with a pashmina that can double as a scarf or evening shawl.
  • Begin with the "Classic Packing Rule of Nine"
             -  3 bottoms (skirts, slacks or shorts)
             -  4 tops (shirt, blouse, T-shirt, shell or tank top)
             -  2 jackets (one weatherproof windbreaker and a jacket, blazer or cardigan)
  • Mix and match outfits starting with coordinating classic colours: black, navy, white, and then add bright contrasts. Accessorize to glamorize using belts, scarves, or shawls for a burst of colour. A dressy cardigan with a bit of glitter can dress up any outfit for evening.
  • Plan double duty items - an oversize shirt can double as a bathing suit cover or a housecoat.
  • Pack one pair of dressy, low heeled sandals
  • Pack flip flops instead of slippers and tuck them into your backpack for comfortable sightseeing when your feet tire of walking shoes.

 Professional Organizer Karen Sencich is owner of Havoc to Harmony. www.havoctoharmony.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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