2020 was a year of experimentation not only for companies but also for individuals belonging to the labor force – may you be an employee or a business owner. It was indeed a time when we tested the waters. We hoped to see what would work and what would not. Although not everyone had the resources or manpower to scale this, it cannot be doubted how everyone tried to stay afloat and thrive despite the insurmountable challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true for a thriving country like the Philippines. Despite all these efforts, the Philippines ended 2020 with a -9.6% GDP growth.
Come 2021, most companies and their manpower became more mindful and strategic. Work-from-home setups, company-paid COVID-19 vaccinations, labor adjustment programs, and better resource allocation are some of the initiatives most were only planning for in 2020. However, most companies are now more focused and aggressive in executing these plans this year. Hence, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), albeit conservatively, now estimates a GDP growth on the positive side this 2021 at 4.5% with this projection seen to further improve in 2022.
All things considered, you may say that the facts presented above are too macro in nature. You may also think that not every business or every employee feels or even realizes the effects of these projections in terms of what is happening in their respective daily lives and careers.
This food for thought aims to address just that. Together with the fact that we are now entering July, marking the last half of the year 2021, we are asked this question: Are you ready to face the latter part of this year headstrong? Here are 5 tips!
1. REVISIT YOUR GOALS
As an employee or a business owner, goal-setting and fully committing to it are essential to keep your focus and to be more specific in your strategies. However, circumstances, may they be expected or not, come and go. As a result, your set goals can also be affected. Hence, it is necessary to revisit initial goals from time to time. See which ones are still achievable. Work on those that may need to be modified for them to still be attainable.
GreatDayHR BONUS TIP: Keep your goals S.M.A.R.T.! Evaluate if, after modification, these goals are still specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
READ: HR Tips: 5 Ways to Increase Business and Employee Productivity for Philippine Businesses
2. MAKE STRATEGIES EFFORT-DRIVEN RATHER THAN OUTCOME-DRIVEN
In relation to the first tip, effort-driven strategies push you to actually do something. This is in contrast to mainly stating outcomes where it could be the same start and finish line of your strategies. Effort-driven strategies are more specific. These are considered action steps that you can be in control of. This mindset should then push you to tailor-fit your plans in order to execute those action steps that you have.
For instance, your goal is to improve the efficiency of your company’s HR. This is not an action in itself. Exploring and pursuing HR software platforms like GreatDay HR that can automate HR, payroll, and performance management among others in your organization is a more specific and actionable step.
READ: GreatDay HR: An Innovative Response to a Great Need for Philippine Businesses
3. RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU NEED TO STOP DOING
Self-awareness and mindfulness are great attitudes to live by. By identifying what routines and processes you need to stop doing, you are taking the first and most important step of being and staying focused on what you want to achieve for yourself and your company to grow.
For example, if you are working in an organization that still does your HR processes manually like your payroll, there is some likelihood that errors and discrepancies may be committed. Add to that the fact that it takes a lot of time to do. If your company has enough resources, try exploring the use of HRIS software platforms. A lot of options are available in the Philippine market right now. However, GreatDay HR can provide you the most comprehensive one at the most competitive price. It even has priority support if in case you encounter problems.
READ: Moving Forward with the Best HRIS Software in the Philippines
4. RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU NEED TO CONTINUE DOING
Do you have a tried-and-tested routine? Try to be consistent and keep on doing, if not improving, these things! Remember, consistency and quality when made to work together can produce amazing results.
However, keep in mind as well to remember how to balance everything out and still maintain a healthy work-life balance.
READ: HR Tips: How to Improve Overall Employee Wellness and Well-being
5. RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU NEED TO START DOING
Going back to the first tip, it says to try and revisit your goals. After revisiting, have you discovered strategies or steps (even the most minute ones) that you may be missing out on doing? If so, try to repurpose and come up with a concrete yet manageable action plan. As in the fourth tip, consistency of effort is key. Planning with these in mind can help dramatically increase overall productivity and satisfaction.
GreatDay HR BONUS TIP: Appreciate the small wins.
So then the question presents itself again: Are you ready to face the last half of 2021 headstrong?
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