Here’s a challenge. If you could only achieve five productivity priorities in 2025, what would they be? With so many competing ideas and hacks to make our working lives easier, it’s a conundrum. What would your admin office resolutions be?
As the New Year rolls in, it’s the perfect chance for admin offices to make meaningful changes. But forget the vague promises – this year, it’s all about practical resolutions that deliver real results.
So pop that personal promise to eat fewer crips or chocolate or cake (or all three!) to one side and consider our five actionable resolutions designed to boost productivity, well-being, and efficiency in UK admin offices.
1. Consider Flexible Working Arrangements
Why It Matters:
We’ve covered this before on the Evolve blog. It’s still controversial. But we discovered is that the shift toward flexible working isn’t just a trend – it’s becoming an essential workplace option. The UK government is exploring enhanced flexible working rights, with studies showing compressed workweeks or remote options can lead to significant productivity boosts.
How to Do It:
- Start Small: Trial flexible hours or a hybrid working model for a few months.
- Stay Organised: Use tools like Microsoft Teams or Trello to ensure remote staff stay connected and on track.
- Tailor the Approach: Consider compressed workweeks, staggered hours, or even “core hours” where everyone is online at the same time.
Tip for 2025: Flexible working isn’t one-size-fits-all. And not all businesses are in a position to offer it. Engage employees to find solutions that benefit both the team and the business.
2. Cut Down on Unnecessary Meetings
Why It Matters:
This is a big one. We’ve all sat through meetings wondering why they couldn’t just be an email. Too many meetings are a drain on time and morale, leading to “meeting fatigue” and reduced focus.
How to Do It:
- Review the Necessity: Ask, “Is this meeting essential?” If the answer’s no, don’t schedule it.
- Set Agendas: Every meeting should have a clear purpose and a set end time.
- Introduce Meeting-Free Days: Choose one or two days a week where employees can focus on deep work without interruptions.
Example: A UK-based marketing firm cut meeting time by 40% in 2023 by introducing standing 15-minute updates and reserving Fridays for focused work.
3. Prioritise Employee Well-Being
Why It Matters:
Happy, healthy employees are productive employees. Prioritising mental health and well-being isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s a business necessity. According to Mind, UK businesses lose £45 billion annually to poor mental health at work.
How to Do It:
- Promote Balance: Actively encourage staff to take their annual leave and maintain boundaries around work hours.
- Offer Support: Provide resources like employee assistance programmes (EAPs), mental health first-aiders, or access to counselling.
- Open Up the Conversation: Create a culture where employees feel safe discussing stress or burnout without fear of judgment.
Quick Win: Organise monthly well-being activities, like mindfulness sessions or walking meetings, to show employees you’re invested in their health.
4. Introduce Activity-Based Working (ABW)
What is Activity-Based Working?
Activity-Based Working (ABW) is a work style that allows employees to choose the work setting that best suits the task they need to complete. Different areas of a workspace are designated for different types of work, such as focused work, collaboration, and relaxation. Employees can then move freely between these areas throughout the day depending on what they need to accomplish.
Why It Matters:
Different tasks require different environments. Activity-Based Working lets employees choose spaces that suit their needs, whether they’re tackling a detailed report or brainstorming with colleagues.
How to Do It:
- Zone the Office: Designate areas for focused work, collaboration, and relaxation.
- Support With Technology: Equip spaces with tools like video conferencing for collaborative zones or noise-cancelling booths for focus areas.
- Encourage Choice: Let employees choose where they work best based on the task at hand.
The concept of ABW has been associated with productivity gains in various organisations. For instance, a study by Gensler found that optimising workplace design can lead to up to a 20% increase in productivity. Additionally, Veldhoen + Co, pioneers of ABW, reported that such environments could boost office satisfaction by 13%.
5. Encourage Regular Digital Detoxes
Why It Matters:
The “always-on” culture isn’t doing anyone any favours. Endless screen time contributes to burnout and hinders creativity. Encouraging digital breaks can help employees recharge and refocus.
How to Do It:
- No-Email Hours: Designate times when emails and instant messages are off-limits to promote uninterrupted work.
- Promote Screen-Free Breaks: Encourage employees to step away from their desks and stretch, walk, or simply relax.
- Lead by Example: Managers should model healthy screen habits, showing it’s okay to unplug.
Fun Idea: Organise a weekly 10-minute team “tea break” where screens are banned, and the only rule is a lighthearted chat.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
These resolutions aren’t about adding more to the to-do list – they’re about working smarter and creating an environment where everyone thrives. By embracing flexibility, cutting unnecessary meetings, and focusing on well-being, admin offices can make 2024 their most productive year yet.
So, what’s the first step you’ll take? More specifically, what is on your list of New Year Resolutions? Because a more efficient office isn’t just a resolution – it’s a reality waiting to happen.