Millennials are navigating a landscape filled with information overload, remote work challenges, and an ever-evolving array of tools. To thrive in this environment, it’s crucial to adopt and refine best practices that not only enhance productivity but also promote a healthy work-life balance.
As a millennial myself, I experience these struggles firsthand, and I’m here to share four insights on overcoming these challenges. Whether you’re drowning in information or grasping for some sense of consistency in your work routine, this blog explores the best practices that can make a significant difference in your professional life.
Find the right business tools for the job.
In a world saturated with information, finding the right business tools is paramount. To make informed decisions, refer to reputable sources and tap into your peer-to-peer networks for valuable feedback. Websites like G2 and Capterra can provide insights into the latest tools that can streamline your work and help you stay on top of your game.
Once you find the right tool, become a power user—not just “dangerously capable” of using it. You’ll want to be able to use the main features that will benefit your team, but many tools have capabilities that can optimize your day in ways you never thought possible.
Remember, finding the right tool and leveraging it to its fullest potential not only helps improve the outcomes of your day, but you can rest assured that you’re getting a solid return on your investment—a critical point when validating your choice in the cost of productivity tools to leaders at your organization.
Establish routines that boost productivity.
Consistency is the foundation of productivity, and for millennials, establishing routines can be a game-changer. Where to start when establishing routines can feel a little murky, so let’s clarify how to get started:
- Define your goals and set priorities—this helps you determine which goals need to be done and would benefit from a routine to guarantee consistency and/or completion.
- Set a schedule—pretty much Routine 101, setting a schedule is essential for creating consistency in your routine.
- Implement your goals and schedule—set those goals into motion and start following your schedule. This is where your plan comes to life.
- Review and adjust—see what works, and revise if you find that something needs adjusting.
If you establish routines in your day, productivity should begin to follow. Though your routines may take time to refine, the iterations should become faster and simpler.
Initiate the domino effect with weekly meetings.
Meetings are arguably the most effective way to keep your team connected, boost productivity, and spark collaboration. But beware—poorly run meetings can accomplish just the opposite.
To cascade productivity to your entire team, you need to run effective weekly meetings. This consistent meeting time serves as a platform for your team to stay connected, communicate goals/issues/opportunities with the rest of the team, and have a guaranteed time to actually collaborate together. It doubles as a time to assign tasks and remove assumptions.
It’s important to stress that the meetings should include the same people at the same place (even if virtually) at the same time each week to strive for consistency and positive outcomes. You’re on the hook for curating this environment.
If you need help establishing a weekly meeting that drives productivity, check out our guide to run better meetings. You can also try us free for 30-days or schedule a commitment-free demo to see if we’re the right fit. Who doesn’t love a good test drive? 😎
Embrace automation tools.
It’s old news—but we can’t create more time in our day. We can optimize it though, and that’s where automation tools like Zapier become invaluable. Implementing these tools with programs you work with—like Slack, Microsoft, monday.com, ClickUp, and Google—can give you back time in your day.
The challenge lies in identifying the most suitable automation processes for your tasks. Whether it’s automating routine emails, data entry, or collaboration processes, Zapier and similar tools empower millennials to reallocate time, creating a desirable work-life balance.
Leverage the power of AI.
Artificial intelligence can be a concerning word to some people, simply because the new and unknown often provoke fear. But it’s clear that AI is growing in use and evolving. So instead of avoiding the inevitable, get educated on AI’s capabilities, risks, and potential.
Depending on your industry, AI can be leveraged in a variety of ways. Here are a few ways you may be able to utilize it on your team:
- Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa can help you add items to a list, schedule meetings on your calendar, or set reminders.
- Chatbots on your website or automated phone systems may help answer questions your clients may have without having to connect to a live agent.
- Monitor performance for certain marketing and advertising campaigns
- Fraud detection through pattern recognition
- Get a summary on projects that you’re working on
- Initiate brainstorming sessions anytime of the day
- Break through writer’s block
There are so many ways that AI can be used, but it’s essential to recognize the limitations of AI while embracing its potential to enhance your workflows.
Becoming the master of your workplace requires a strategic blend of informed decision-making, consistent practices, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. As millennials, we have the opportunity to harness the power of tools, automation, and AI to not only meet the challenges of the digital era but to thrive in it.
Ready to incorporate some of these best practices? Start by exploring Bloom Growth’s business optimization tools.