THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
THE
5
HABITS
OF HAPPIER,
MORE PRODUCTIVE
WORKPLACES
In partnership with productivity expert, Chris Bailey
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THE
5 HABITS
HAPPIER,
MORE
WHITE
PAPER OF
TITE
I ZIPCAR
FOR PRODUCTIVE
BUSINESS WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
In our digitally connected, always-on world,
harness our time, energy, and attention to create
it may seem like employees are equipped
meaningful outcomes? After surveying people
better than ever to work smarter, multi-task
working at a company with 50 or more employees,
better, and get more done. There’s no shortage
Zipcar teamed up with productivity expert and
of software, apps, and collaboration tools
author of “The Productivity Project,” Chris Bailey,
that promise to optimize an organization’s
to examine the secrets to a happier and more
workflow. But what if the root of productivity is
productive workplace.
not about what’s getting done but how? How do we
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THE
5 HABITS
HAPPIER,
MORE
PRODUCTIVE
WHITE
PAPER OF
TITE
ZIPCAR
FOR BUSINESS
BUSINESS WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
WHITE
PAPER
TITE
II ZIPCAR
FOR
CREATING A PRODUCTIVE
WORKPLACE
The 5 Habits of Happier, More Productive Workplaces
looks at five important factors for improved performance:
FLEXIBILITY
PERSONALIZED
PERKS
INDIVIDUAL
WORK STYLES
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LOOSE
STRUCTURE
REFRESHING
BREAKS
THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
THE FREEDOM
OF FLEXIBILITY
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
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VALUED PERK IS FLEXIBLE WORK HOURS
ESPECIALLY BY MILLENNIALS AGES 25-34
As a pioneer of the collaborative consumption
and simply how they work best.1 With all of these
movement, we’ve seen the once bold idea of the
new choices, how can companies compete?
sharing economy become today’s business-asusual. Companies like Airbnb, Zipcar, and Etsy all
Our survey concluded the single most valued
make it possible for people to cooperate and find
work perk is flexible hours compared to things
everyday solutions that flex around the individual,
like free food, company sponsored social events,
while also fostering a community. Similarly, the
no meeting days and the ability to come and go
rise of co-working spaces and the solo movement
as you please. Though women were slightly more
(as coined by the people who launched Inc.
likely to call out flexible hours than men, 54% of
Magazine and Fast Company) show how more
our respondents (61.5% of whom are in the 25-34
and more people are finding ways to make a
age group,) place importance on flexible hours in
living that better fits their lifestyle, personalities,
a workplace.
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
Flexibility could be as simple as nontraditional
make one a more productive worker? Chris Bailey
hours or as broad as creating a culture of trust
conducted his own experiments to get to the heart
where employees are permitted to work wherever
of the time factor. He learned that managing our
and however they like as long as work is performed
time also means managing our energy.
to standards. Companies leading the way in this
are startup innovators like Buffer, offering 100%
Changes in our body’s natural energy flow connects
remote jobs and unlimited vacation, and large
to our moods. And in the workplace, many things
companies like Walt Disney and Google who are
can impact how we feel throughout the day. To
known to promote flexible work schedules for
be the most productive, we have to bring more
their employees. Does what employees see as
flexibility to the workplace beyond just adjustable
“flexibility” really amount to freedom? And if so,
schedules.
how does controlling your hours and environment
“We’re all wired differently—while early risers have the
most energy in the morning, night owls have the most in the
evening. When our energy peaks, so does our productivity.
This is what makes flexible work arrangements so powerful.”
Chris Bailey
- Chris Bailey
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS
WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS OUT. WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION IS IN.
Allow people to redefine their
Get casual about dress codes.
Don’t be ruled by traditional
workspaces. Think couches
In many industries, casual
hours. Parents, pet owners,
versus cubicles or cafés over
Fridays are passé. It’s a simple
volunteers, and artists value
conference rooms.
but letting people move
Get Comfortable
casual about dress codes.thing,
In
spaces make formany
relaxed
and casual Fridays
fluidly between home and work
industries,
productive workers.
life easier.
are passé. It’s a simple thing, makes
but
letting people move fluidly from
home to work and back makes life
easier. Clothing can play a huge role
in that.
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time more than money, and
return flexibility with loyalty.
THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
BEHOLD:
THE BENEFIT
BUFFET
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
BY 2020, THE WORKFORCE WILL BE
50% MILLENNIALS
Keeping employees happy and engaged can
is one way organizations compete for top talent.
be a tough challenge for any kind of company.
But including the right kind of perks that match
As the workforce fills with younger applicants,
your work culture and different types of employees
millennials want more than an attractive salary
is key. For example, working moms and recent
and interesting opportunity. The standard 401(k),
graduates may value very different perks.
vacation, and retirement plan are the norm not
anything to tip the job decision scale. Offering
Though flexible hours topped the list for all employees,
perks—and touting excellent benefits packages—
our survey found that millennials, now 18-34, got
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
more excited by free food and company sponsored
Hosting social events from time to time can help
social events than any other age group. Not
build a work community outside the confines of the
surprising? As a generation who never knew life
office. These little extras give younger employees
before the Internet, millennials are accustomed
a reason to take a break, socialize, and enjoy a
to an assortment of freebies and fun at their
treat—on the company.
fingertips—be it Bagel Friday and Beer Carts or
Lunch ‘n Learns and unlimited snack pantries.
“Any perk or event that everyone can enjoy,
such as a pub night or renting out an escape
room, is likely to boost cohesiveness,
performance, and the happiness of the whole
team—millennials included.”
- Chris Bailey
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
MILLENNIALS ON THE RISE
THE WAY TO A MILLENNIAL’S
HEART IS THROUGH THE BELLY
28%
27%
21%
17%
18-24
THE MILLENNIAL WAY:
ALL WORK AND PLAY
25-34
65 +
16%
35-44
15%
45-54
19%
12%
9%
25-34
55-64
Percentage of respondents who value
free food at work.
18-24
45-54
7%
7%
35-44
65 +
3%
55-64
Percentage of respondents who value
social events at work.
These are a subset of the 54% of respondents who preferred flexible hours.
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
PERK UP YOUR WORK CULTURE
Get creative in the kitchen.
Coffee, chips, and candy are
common. One up it with a range
of healthy and creative snacks. Let
employees vote on what to buy.
Offer creature comforts. When
you’re sitting at a computer
all day, sometimes it helps
to stretch out. Consider nap
pods, chair hammocks and cozy
lounge areas.
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Be super inclusive. Hold
events for all ages, levels,
and personalities. Let people
nominate event chairs and
solicit ideas. A little healthy
competition can be engaging.
THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
THE SUBJECTIVITY
OF PRODUCTIVITY
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
44
%
FEEL THEY ARE NOT
PRODUCTIVE IN MEETINGS
How can companies motivate employees to do
in meetings. Our survey also revealed that
their best work? What’s productive for one might
millennials feel significantly more productive
be dillydallying to another. While some workers
in meetings than older generations who say
might find checking to-dos off a list fulfilling,
they feel more productive just talking to their
creative types might consider time to doodle a win.
co-workers.
So what does productivity look like? The answer is
quite individualized.
Productivity may be a walk in the park
Famous for his long walks, Apple’s Steve Jobs
used this time for contemplation, problem
solving, and even meetings.
Perhaps more people should adopt the Steve
Jobs’ style of walking meetings, since 44% of
our respondents said they didn’t feel productive
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
TO MEET OR TO CHAT, THAT IS THE QUESTION
YOUNGER WORKERS FEEL LESS
PRODUCTIVE WITH CASUAL TALK
OLDER WORKERS FEEL LESS
PRODUCTIVE IN MEETINGS
67%
58%
50%
50%
44%
34%
65 +
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
48%
35%
25%
28%
26%
19%
18-24
18-24
Percentage of respondants who feel less
productive in meetings.
25-34
35-44
55-64
45-54
65 +
Percentage of respondants who feel less
productive with casual talk.
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
Similar to different perspectives on perks,
independent approach. With the amount of time
by and large, older and younger age groups
everyone spends in meetings, it’s important to
tend to have different work styles. A millennial
explore ways to make them valuable for all.
generation used to round the clock social tools
and always-on communication may need that
extra structure that formal meetings provide
“About 37% of the average office
worker’s time is spent in meetings.”
whereas older generations gravitate to a more
-Chris Bailey
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
MAKE MEETINGS MEATIER
CHRIS BAILEY’S TIPS FOR MAKING MEETINGS VALUABLE FOR ALL AGE GROUPS
Think about the actual cost of
a meeting. If you gather people
for an hour for what could’ve
been resolved over email, you’ve
just stolen time and maybe even
sidetracked teammates. Always
consider the cost, in real dollars,
of a meeting.
Set intentions beforehand.
Define, as a group, what you
need to accomplish in meetings.
This will help you focus in on a
purpose and keep the meeting
on track when it veers. Never
run or attend a meeting that
doesn’t have an agenda.
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Aim to end early. Making an
effort to wrap meetings sooner
than planned shows you respect
everyone’s time. When a team
forms this a habit, they become
much more productive by gaining
back precious minutes whenever
possible.
THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
MEETING RE-MAKERS THAT ROCK
Who’s reinventing the modern day meeting? FastCompany took a look at companies that make meetings
memorable, effective, and short. Here are a few worth following:
Odd Timing: To help employees remember regular meetings, TINYpulse, an
employee engagement software provider, starts them at an odd time—for
example, at 8:48 a.m. The effect? People rarely walk in late.
One Tough Question: To get more personal, leaders at chat software provider,
LivePerson, require “connection before content.” Before meetings, attendees
answer challenging questions like, “What are your doubts about your project?”
It works so well, they promote the idea with customers.
Paddle Up! Brivo, a security management software provider, found an innovative
way to save time and stay focused in meetings. They use a “No Rehash” rule, raising
a “No Rehash” ping-pong paddle anytime a former topic resurfaces. This avoids
backtracking on many decisions.
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
STRUCTURE IS
YOUR FRIEND
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
70
%
FEEL THEIR COMPANY TRUSTS THEM TO GET
THEIR WORK DONE BUT PRIORITIZING IS KEY
The idea of a calendar packed with meetings
guru says it can be more productive to scale back
could make anybody cringe, but how leaders run
how much time we commit to accomplish goals.
meetings may make all the difference. Focused
You’ve heard the adage “work smarter, not harder.”
discussions don’t need to be long nor formal
So while it seems like you can get more done by
(nor in front of a white board). When is structure
spending more time on tasks, like logging a 60+
necessary and how much should there be? When
hour workweek, our expert says the contrary.
the majority of us are working eight-hour days on
Scheduling less time for important things is
average, how do we manage our time effectively?
actually more productive.
It may seem counter-intuitive but our productivity
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
Ultimately, productivity is about that right mix of
success, helping employees balance their time
time, attention and energy. Bailey touts these as
and attention, which in turn shapes the amount
the three essential levers to achieving meaningful
of energy put towards different areas of work.
work. Our survey found that many people are,
An easy way to help yourself and employees
in fact, struggling with how to prioritize their
prioritize? Chris Bailey calls it the “Rule of 3.”
tasks. Setting priorities upfront can better drive
“Prioritize your day quickly with a simple strategy I call the Rule of
3. In the morning, mentally fast-forward to the end of the day and
ask, ‘what three tasks do I want to accomplish today?’ This helps
filter out what’s important and scales well for teams. Many managers don’t want a laundry list of employee to-dos but they’re usually
up for hearing the top three. Encouraging employees to define top
daily intentions is a powerful way to guide their productivity.”
-Chris Bailey
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
THE POWER
OF THE PAUSE
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
In a world that seems to be forever moving towards
much of a difference. After a break, they either felt
bigger, better, faster, it may surprise you to learn
about the same or stressed. So how can employees
that the fuel for that productivity superhighway
make sure they’re taking the right kind of breaks
is putting on the brakes. Though 69% of our
to re-energize? Chris Bailey heavily promotes the
respondents said they do take breaks, more than
value of breaks.
half also said that these time outs didn’t make
“Taking frequent breaks is crucial to productivity since our
brain has limited physiological energy. When we completely
separate from our work and let our mind rest, we replenish.
The secret to rejuvenating is to fully step away from work. It
helps to switch your environment—walk to a park, grab a Zipcar
to change up scenery, or even pop into a shop to defocus.”
- Chris Bailey
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
BREAKS THAT BEAT THE WATERCOOLER
Put your digital devices down.
Leave the office. A change of
Get your heartbeat going. Quick
That includes your laptop and
scenery refreshes the mind.
bursts of exercise benefit more
smartphone. For your mind to
Jump on a subway or grab a
than the body. Dr. John Ratey
fully refresh, stepGet
away
from
and escape to a park for
casual
about dress codes.Zipcar
In
at Harvard Medical School says
emails, texts, andmany
theindustries,
constant casual Fridays
an hour. Studies show greens-
exercise is the most powerful tool
interruptions of the
day. It’s a simple thing, pace
are passé.
but has a calming effect.2
for optimizing brain function.3
letting people move fluidly from
home to work and back makes life
easier. Clothing can play a huge role
in that.
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
THE COLLABORATIVE ECONOMY
STARTS WITH EMPLOYEES
In summary, the majority of our workforce is skewing younger and employees are demanding more
freedom as work and home overlap thanks to a hyper-connected life. How can companies flex to address
these shifts? Embrace the individual and let employees participate in creating their unique culture.
Below are five practical take aways to help your team members improve workplace productivity.
1
2
3
4
5
Give employees flexibility on work hours and workspaces to allow both independence and
collaboration.
Reward teams with perks that matter. Give them a say in what benefits they want—from
snacks to outings.
Since people work differently, set broad guidelines but let your teams weigh in on
communication and meeting processes.
Experiment with a varying amount of structure to guide workers and help them prioritize
using the simple Rule of 3.
Make time for breaks fully away from work since spending less—yet highly focused—time
on tasks is more productive.
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
ABOUT CHRIS BAILEY
When Chris Bailey graduated college, he decided to dedicate a year to his passion: productivity. He did
everything he could to become more productive including conducting many experiments like: living in
isolation for 10 days, limiting his smartphone use to an hour a day, waking up at 5:30 every morning, and
working 90-hour weeks. Over the last decade, Chris has investigated a slew of techniques to discover the
keys to productivity.
His work has received global attention from The New York Times, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, Fast
Company, and many others. More than 200,000 people read his work monthly from every corner of the
world. He’s been described in a recent TED Talks blog as, “ the most productive man you’d ever hope to
meet.” Read Bailey’s work at ALifeofProductivity.com.
“Our productivity fluctuates throughout the day. We’re affected by
when our energy levels rise and fall, how intentionally we work,
how social we are and how much we refresh over breaks. Since all
these factors impact our productivity on our ever-demanding work,
it’s crucial to define our priorities and defend our time. We must
work when we naturally have the most energy and take smarter
breaks so we better invest in meaningful connections in life.”
- Chris Bailey
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THE 5 HABITS OF HAPPIER, MORE PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACES I ZIPCAR
ABOUT ZIPCAR
Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network, driven by a mission to enable simple and responsible
urban living. With its wide variety of self-service vehicles available by the hour or day, Zipcar provides
reliable mobility solutions for how we get around today. From exclusive weekday rates to fleet
management technology, Zipcar for Business helps companies large and small to start, grow, and scale.
Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR), a leading global provider of vehicle rental
services. Learn more about Zipcar at Zipcar.com/business.
1 The Solo Movement (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.thesoloproject.com/welcome-1/#what-is-solo
2 Ehrenfeld, T. (July 23, 2015). Nature Calms the Mind—Even in Photos [Format]. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/opengently/201507/nature-calms-the-mind-even-in-photos
3 Regular exercise releases brain chemicals key for memory, concentration, and mental sharpness, from the May 2013 Harvard Men’s Health Watch
[Press Release] (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/regular-exercise-releases-brain-chemicals-key-for-memoryconcentration-and-mental-sharpness
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