Virtual Summer Vacation Enhances Workplace Productivity

Linda Passante 200By Linda Passante, CEO, The Halo GroupIn addition to a CEO’s everyday tasks of leading, planning and organizing comes a responsibility that is often overlooked: motivating. Within organizational development, motivation and productivity go hand in hand.  Motivation sparks the desire to produce while the obligation to produce creates a need for motivation.Productivity in the workplace is often a challenge as employees constantly encounter distractions and deterrents from various sources.  Feeling appreciated, having fun and taking regular breaks are all crucial elements that impact the level of productivity (and overall happiness) within the office.  A recent report by Globoforce found that 39% of employees feel underappreciated at work, with 77% reporting that they would work harder if they felt better recognized.The summer months prove to be an additional challenge to workplace productivity.  Productivity throughout the long summer months drastically drops 20% due to an increase in daydreaming and socializing and a decrease in actually staying in the office.At The Halo Group, a branding and marketing communications agency located in the heart of Manhattan, we understand the importance of motiving employees.  We also understand the importance of staying on top of the latest social, cultural and industry trends.  That’s why we took some creative liberty to fuse them together.With virtual reality as the breakout star in the world of tech, gaming, marketing and beyond, The Halo Group wanted to use this budding technology to show employees that they are appreciated while also increasing productivity during the summertime.  To make this idea come to life, The Halo Group offered its employees a virtual summer vacation through the magic of virtual reality.  Using Google Cardboard, a virtual reality app called Relaxation VR, beach balls, towels and fans, we created an in-office beach experience where each employee was able to put on the Google Cardboard and ‘escape’ to their ultimate beach getaway.This virtual escape proved that a little bit of play and creativity goes a long way. Employees seemed happier, more relaxed and ready to get back to work.  As an added bonus, employees were educated on the possibilities that virtual reality brings to the advertising and marketing industry.  This virtual vacation gave them a preview of the technology we are guaranteed to use within the next few years.While this specific project took place during the summer, motivation through play should be incorporated into the workplace throughout the year.  Spending just 15-20 minutes playing during the workday can inspire innovation, enhance productivity and reduce anxiety.  Recent studies show that employees who are motivated through play not only work harder, but maintain greater loyalties towards their companies for longer periods of time.The challenge of inspiring employees is ubiquitous, but it is our responsibility to understand individuals’ needs in order to provide the appropriate motivation.  Workers who feel appreciated and are motivated at work will ultimately be excited about their jobs, carry out their responsibilities to the best of their ability and make contributions to their place of work.

[author] About the Author: For over 25 years, Linda has worked hand in hand with regional, national, and international C-Level Executives to create, re-position, and grow their brands. She has persistently generated growth and increased the bottom line of brands across all categories in most every market, literally making billions of dollars for her clients. Based on her history of winning loyal customers, Linda has shaped Halo into a top-tier New York agency. Working alongside a formidable executive team with global brand experience and a deep understanding of the interconnection of communications, Linda has established a strong reputation as an agency leader on the forefront of communications. In 2004, Linda completed the Harvard School of Business Executive Leadership Program and recently the NYU Executive Finance and Accounting Program. She has been recognized by Wall Street Journal’s Women of Note, SmartCEO, and Stevie Best International Entrepreneurs. Linda serves on the AMIN Network Global Committee, Womensphere Advisory Council, and is a member of the Women President’s Organization.  [/author]

 

Paul Kontonis

Paul is a strategic marketing executive and brand builder that navigates businesses through the ever changing marketing landscape to reach revenue and company M&A targets with 25 years experience. As CMO of Revry, the LGBTQ-first media company, he is a trusted advisor and recognized industry leader who combines his multi-industry experiences in digital media and marketing with proven marketing methodologies that can be transferred to new battles across any industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kontonis/
Previous
Previous

The Isolationist Impact of Brexit

Next
Next

How Pitney Bowes Has Transformed Brand Perception Through Employee Advocacy (Free Webinar)