Restrictive Covenants – what do they really mean?

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The sense of achievement you experience when you secure your new job is immense. And rightly so. You look forward to a positive and productive future with your new employer. This is quite possibly the least opportune time to think ahead to what may happen when you leave. However, protecting yourself for that eventuality is good practice and, some employment advisers would say, essential.

What are restrictive covenants?

Restrictive covenants are clauses in your employment contract restricting your activities post-employment for a specified period, in order to protect your employer’s business interests. While your employer’s desire to protect themselves is understandable, you are entitled to do the same.

Think ahead

It is vital that you understand the range and claim restrictive covenants have over your ability to function professionally post-employment. While this may not feel like the best time to question your employer, this is probably the last opportunity you’ll have to negotiate your rights.

Make sure you understand exactly what is being said in your contract regarding your rights post-termination. For example, how long are you precluded from working for competitors? Do restrictive covenants extend to your social media accounts and connections? You are the best judge as to how you operate professionally. Think about the contacts you brought with you to this role. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are prevented from working in your chosen industry.

What are the main areas covered by restrictive covenants?

Your employer will be keen to protect themselves across three key areas: competitors, clients and employees. You can be prohibited from competing with or working for a known competitor within a fixed radius of your employer’s location or across certain territories, for a fixed period of time. You can also be prohibited from luring employees away from your employer and working for existing clients for a fixed period.

Often restrictive covenants are not upheld because they are too vague, too lengthy and the employee in question is not senior enough to pose a credible threat to the business. The key to restrictive covenants being upheld is that they are specific and realistic. The courts will uphold what they believe as reasonable. It’s important that you understand how much leeway your employer has in restricting you.

Loyalty Obligations

Check your contract for the wording regarding the calculation of your bonus figure. In some cases, a percentage of your bonus rewards your performance but the majority is to reward your loyalty. There may also be terms advising that payment of your bonus is discretionary and potentially deferred to encourage you not to leave. Payments may also extend to commission, shares and any agreed long-term incentives. Pay particular attention to how these restrictive covenants affect your loyalty obligations and the timing of your departure.

Climbing the corporate ladder

Sometimes as part of your progression and promotion, you will be asked to agree to additional restrictive covenants commensurate with your increased seniority. It’s vital that you employ the same forward thinking with any such amendments.

We strongly advise you to seek independent legal advice prior to entering into any legal agreement.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1

Eco-Friendly Inks and Materials: The Next Big Thing in Sustainable Printing

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As the demand for sustainable solutions continues to grow, the print industry is shifting towards eco-friendly inks and materials. Companies are looking for ways to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality printing standards. This article explores the latest innovations in sustainable printing and how they are transforming the industry.

1. The Shift to Vegetable-Based and Soy Inks

Traditional petroleum-based inks contribute to pollution and are difficult to recycle. In contrast, vegetable-based and soy inks offer several advantages:

  • Lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing air pollution.
  • Easier de-inking during recycling, improving paper reuse.
  • Biodegradability, leading to reduced environmental impact.

2. Water-Based Inks Gaining Popularity

Water-based inks are becoming increasingly popular in packaging and textile printing. Their key benefits include:

  • No hazardous chemicals, making them safer for both workers and consumers.
  • Lower carbon footprint compared to solvent-based alternatives.
  • Compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

3. UV and LED-Curable Inks: A Sustainable Alternative

UV and LED-curable inks offer an innovative and energy-efficient printing solution. Their advantages include:

  • Instant drying, reducing energy consumption.
  • No need for solvents, minimizing harmful emissions.
  • Enhanced durability and resistance to fading.

4. The Rise of Biodegradable and Recycled Printing Materials

In addition to sustainable inks, eco-friendly printing materials are gaining traction. Companies are adopting:

  • Recycled paper and cardboard to reduce deforestation.
  • Biodegradable plastics for packaging, cutting down on landfill waste.
  • Alternative fibers such as hemp, bamboo, and sugarcane, which offer sustainable options with minimal environmental impact.

5. Challenges and Future Outlook

While the adoption of eco-friendly inks and materials is growing, challenges remain:

  • Higher production costs compared to conventional printing methods.
  • Availability and scalability of sustainable raw materials.
  • Consumer awareness and demand for greener printing solutions.

Despite these challenges, the future of sustainable printing looks promising. As technology advances and regulations push for greener alternatives, more businesses will transition to environmentally friendly printing solutions.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly inks and materials are revolutionizing the print industry, offering a path to sustainability without compromising quality. Companies that embrace these innovations will not only reduce their environmental footprint but also meet the rising demand for responsible printing practices. Staying ahead in the industry means investing in greener technologies and adapting to the evolving landscape of sustainable printing.

Take the Next Step Towards Sustainable Printing

Is your business ready to embrace eco-friendly printing solutions? At Athena Executive Search, we connect companies with top talent who specialize in sustainable packaging and print innovations. Stay ahead of industry trends and build a future-focused team.

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The Rise of Smart Packaging: QR Codes, NFC, and Augmented Reality

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In an increasingly digital world, packaging is no longer just about protecting and branding a product—it’s becoming an interactive experience. Smart packaging, incorporating technologies such as QR codes, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Augmented Reality (AR), is revolutionizing the way consumers engage with products. These advancements offer new opportunities for brands to enhance customer experience, ensure authenticity, and optimize supply chain management.

1. QR Codes: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds

QR codes have become a widely adopted tool in smart packaging due to their ease of use and ability to connect consumers with digital content instantly. Brands are leveraging QR codes to:

  • Provide Product Information: Detailed ingredient lists, user manuals, and safety instructions are accessible with a simple scan.
  • Enhance Consumer Engagement: QR codes direct users to promotional videos, loyalty programs, or exclusive content.
  • Ensure Product Authenticity: Counterfeit prevention is achieved by linking unique QR codes to blockchain-based verification systems.

2. NFC Technology: Instant Interaction with a Tap

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a contactless technology that allows consumers to interact with packaging simply by tapping their smartphones. NFC-enabled packaging is revolutionizing industries by:

  • Improving Security: Authentication features ensure that consumers receive genuine products, especially in high-value markets like pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
  • Enhancing Customer Experience: Interactive storytelling and personalized recommendations become possible through NFC-enabled smart packaging.
  • Streamlining Inventory Management: Retailers and manufacturers use NFC tags to track product movement and optimize supply chain logistics.

3. Augmented Reality: Bringing Packaging to Life

Augmented Reality (AR) transforms ordinary packaging into an immersive experience by overlaying digital content on physical products. Companies are using AR to:

  • Offer Interactive Tutorials: Step-by-step guides and 3D demonstrations help customers use products effectively.
  • Boost Brand Engagement: Gamification and virtual try-ons create unique and entertaining experiences.
  • Improve Sustainability Messaging: AR storytelling educates consumers on eco-friendly initiatives and recycling guidelines.

4. The Benefits of Smart Packaging for Businesses and Consumers

  • Increased Consumer Engagement: Smart packaging keeps customers engaged beyond the initial purchase, building brand loyalty.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Brands gain valuable consumer behavior insights, helping refine marketing strategies.
  • Enhanced Sustainability: Digital instructions reduce paper waste, and smart tracking minimizes product losses and overproduction.

5. The Future of Smart Packaging

As technology continues to evolve, smart packaging will become even more integrated into everyday consumer experiences. Future innovations may include AI-driven personalization, voice-activated packaging, and deeper integration with the Internet of Things (IoT).

Conclusion

Smart packaging is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present-day reality transforming industries. By leveraging QR codes, NFC, and AR, brands can create more engaging, secure, and efficient packaging solutions that enhance customer experience and drive business growth. Companies that adopt these innovations early will position themselves as industry leaders in the digital packaging revolution.

Stay Ahead with Athena Executive Search

To stay competitive in the rapidly evolving packaging industry, you need top talent who understand smart packaging innovations. Athena Executive Search specializes in connecting businesses with industry-leading professionals to drive digital transformation and innovation.

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The Future of Packaging: Emerging Trends Reshaping the Industry in 2025

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1. Sustainable Packaging Takes Center Stage

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Consumers and regulators are demanding eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials. Companies are increasingly investing in biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable packaging solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. In 2025, expect to see more:

  • Plant-based packaging derived from renewable resources like cornstarch and seaweed.
  • Minimalist packaging designs that reduce material waste without compromising product protection.
  • Recyclable mono-material packaging, eliminating complex multi-layer plastics that are difficult to process.

2. Smart Packaging Enhancing Customer Engagement

The rise of IoT (Internet of Things) and digital technologies is revolutionizing packaging. Smart packaging solutions enhance product traceability, improve customer interaction, and provide real-time insights. Key innovations include:

  • QR codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology enabling consumers to access detailed product information, promotions, and authenticity verification.
  • Temperature-sensitive packaging for perishable goods, ensuring food and pharmaceutical safety.
  • Augmented reality (AR) experiences, allowing brands to create immersive storytelling through interactive packaging.

3. The Rise of Refillable and Reusable Packaging

In a bid to reduce single-use packaging waste, brands are embracing refillable and reusable models. From beauty and personal care products to household cleaning supplies, consumers are increasingly opting for sustainable alternatives. Major trends in this space include:

  • Refill stations in retail stores, where customers can bring their own containers.
  • Subscription-based refill models, reducing packaging waste and promoting brand loyalty.
  • Durable, reusable packaging made from glass, aluminum, and other long-lasting materials.

4. AI and Automation Transforming Packaging Operations

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are streamlining packaging production and improving efficiency. These advancements help manufacturers reduce costs, minimize waste, and optimize supply chain management. Expect to see:

  • AI-driven quality control systems detecting defects and ensuring consistency.
  • Automated packaging lines, increasing production speed and reducing human error.
  • Robotic packing solutions, improving accuracy and reducing labor shortages.

5. Flexible Packaging Gaining Popularity

Flexible packaging continues to gain traction due to its lightweight, cost-effective, and durable nature. This trend is particularly prominent in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and e-commerce industries. Benefits of flexible packaging include:

  • Extended shelf life for perishable goods.
  • Lightweight materials, reducing transportation costs and carbon footprint.
  • Improved barrier protection, maintaining product freshness and safety.

6. Regulations Driving Change

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations on packaging waste and environmental impact. In 2025, packaging companies must comply with:

  • Plastic bans and extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies requiring companies to manage post-consumer waste.
  • Stricter labeling laws, ensuring transparency in sustainability claims.
  • New recycling infrastructure investments, improving circular economy practices.

7. Personalization and Customization on the Rise

Brands are leveraging digital printing and variable data printing to create personalized packaging solutions. Customization not only enhances the consumer experience but also fosters brand loyalty. Notable trends include:

  • Limited-edition packaging designs, catering to seasonal promotions and special events.
  • On-demand packaging production, reducing waste and meeting specific customer preferences.
  • AI-powered data analysis, enabling brands to tailor packaging based on consumer behavior.

Conclusion

The packaging industry in 2025 is defined by sustainability, technological integration, and customer-centric solutions. Companies that adapt to these emerging trends will not only stay competitive but also contribute to a more efficient and environmentally responsible future. By embracing smart packaging, AI-driven automation, and sustainable materials, businesses can ensure they meet the evolving demands of both consumers and regulators.

Stay Ahead with Athena Executive Search

Navigating the evolving packaging industry requires top talent. Athena Executive Search specializes in connecting businesses with industry-leading professionals who drive innovation and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to build a skilled team or explore new career opportunities, we can help.

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Smart and specific – your perfect CV covering letter

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The perfect CV cover letter is just that – a letter. Adding a couple of paragraphs to the email you’re sending won’t hack it. According to CV Library 57% of UK employees think that a CV cover letter is essential. So what else do you need to know?

In this industry, smartness matters

People in the Print and Packaging industries care about how things are presented. So make sure your letter looks great – plenty of white space with smart formatting. There are lots of examples online, so choose a good one and copy it. Unfortunately, you don’t have much control over the Word settings that the recipient is using, so it’s a good idea to make a PDF of your letter once it’s ready.

Personalise it

Find out who you’re sending it to. Get their name and job title, and add these to the address. And when you’ve got their name, give them a quick Google, or look on LinkedIn, and see whether they’re the type who list their qualifications after their name. If they are, you get a gold star for adding them in your letter. There’s nothing like a bit of flattery to get you off on the right foot.

Say something about who you are

The point about the covering letter is to say things that aren’t obvious from the CV. Think about what kind of culture the company has and why your personality makes you a good fit.

Look at the company’s mission statement and values. If you share similar values and goals mention it in your letter. Give specific examples of what you have done that demonstrate that you will fit in with the company. Don’t just mention work related activities. Give examples of out of work activities that demonstrate a more rounded personality.

Be specific about the job

OK, so you’re actually hoping to get half a dozen applications out this weekend. Never write a standard letter that you reuse. As well as a specific name, you need to be really on the button about exactly which bit of the business you’re applying to. And pump it up a bit. So avoid “the packaging business has always been a key interest of mine” (yawn) but go for “I am passionate about packaging and the exciting developments in Packaging Ltd.’s innovative use of brand protection products.”

And say when you’re available but make it tactful. So if you’re currently between jobs, you’re “available to make an early start”.

Be positive

We often go looking for a new job because we’re fed up with the old one. This is a negative frame of mind that can easily come out in the way you express yourself. So, avoid any criticism of your current job and employer and concentrate on the positive step forward that the new job represents. You’re ready to take on greater responsibilities, move to a different part of the industry that you find fascinating.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1 

 

Digital Printing vs. Traditional Printing: Which Is Right for Your Business?

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In today’s fast-paced printing industry, businesses face the crucial decision of choosing between digital and traditional printing methods. Each has its advantages and limitations, making it essential to assess factors like cost, quality, turnaround time, and sustainability. This article explores the key differences between digital and traditional printing to help you determine the best solution for your business needs.

1. Understanding Digital Printing

Digital printing is a modern technique that transfers digital images directly onto various surfaces without the need for printing plates. This method is widely used for short runs, personalized prints, and rapid production needs. Key benefits include:

  • Speed and Efficiency: Ideal for quick turnarounds, as it requires minimal setup.
  • Cost-Effectiveness for Small Runs: Eliminates the need for costly plates, making it suitable for low-volume printing.
  • Personalization and Variable Data Printing: Enables businesses to customize each print with unique text or images, such as in direct mail campaigns.
  • Eco-Friendliness: Uses less waste and fewer chemicals compared to traditional methods.

2. Understanding Traditional Printing

Traditional printing encompasses methods like offset lithography, flexography, and screen printing, which rely on plates or screens to transfer ink onto paper or other materials. This approach is often chosen for high-volume production and specific print finishes. Key advantages include:

  • Superior Print Quality: Produces sharper, more consistent images with vibrant colors.
  • Cost-Effectiveness for Large Runs: Although the setup cost is high, bulk printing reduces the per-unit price.
  • Versatility in Substrates: Works well with a wide range of materials, including metal, plastic, and fabric.
  • Longer-Lasting Prints: Offset and screen printing produce durable prints resistant to fading.

3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Digital and Traditional Printing

Cost and Budget

  • Digital printing is cost-effective for small print runs, eliminating the need for plates and reducing setup costs.
  • Traditional printing becomes more economical for large-volume projects due to lower per-unit costs after initial setup.

Turnaround Time

  • Digital printing offers faster production, making it ideal for short deadlines and on-demand printing.
  • Traditional printing requires more setup time but delivers efficient bulk production once plates are prepared.

Print Quality and Customization

  • Digital printing allows for on-the-fly customization and variable data printing but may have slightly lower resolution and color accuracy compared to traditional printing.
  • Traditional printing excels in high-definition print quality and precise color matching, particularly for branding materials.

Environmental Impact

  • Digital printing generates less waste, as there is no need for plates or excess ink.
  • Traditional printing, especially offset, uses more chemicals and materials but can be more sustainable if produced in high volumes.

4. Which Printing Method is Right for Your Business?

  • Choose Digital Printing If: You require short print runs, personalized materials, or rapid turnaround times.
  • Choose Traditional Printing If: You need large-volume production, superior print quality, and cost efficiency in bulk printing.

Conclusion

Both digital and traditional printing have their place in the industry, and the best choice depends on your business’s specific needs. By evaluating your project volume, budget, and desired print quality, you can select the most effective printing method to maximize efficiency and results.

Take the Next Step with Athena Executive Search

Choosing the right printing method is crucial for your business success, but having the right talent is just as important. At Athena Executive Search, we specialize in connecting top professionals with leading companies in the packaging and print industry. Whether you’re looking for expert talent or seeking career opportunities, we can help.

Subscribe here to stay informed about industry trends, recruitment insights, and exclusive opportunities tailored for the packaging and print sector.

 

Top tips to win the war for talent in the print and packaging sectors

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We are all aware of the current recruitment challenges facing our industry. It’s not surprising that many organisations are feeling the pressure. Here are our insights as to how you can win the war for talent in the print and packaging sectors.

Take a good look inside

Evaluate current employee satisfaction. One way in which you can achieve an authentic snapshot of current staff sentiment is by creating a simple in-house survey. Share your company’s direction and focus. Engage your team; find out what they think. Successful organisations examine how they can improve the experience of talented teams. Often the most effective improvements centre around employees feeling valued, acknowledged and a central element of the organisation’s future.

Recruit smarter, not harder

Nowadays, referring to the “war for talent” highlights global challenges in recruiting talented staff. With digital technologies evolving at light speed, there is a burgeoning need to attract the best candidates available to help you keep up or – better still -stay ahead. The first key to success is recruiting smarter, not harder. Consider the critical difference between merely looking for replacements and recruiting the right talent to grow your business.

Do what you do best

The global talent deficit, coupled with increasing demands for your time, means you need to play to your strengths. Trawling through piles of CVs is almost certainly not the best use of your skills. Identifying an engaging recruitment strategy particular to your organisation’s short and long term needs, however, is a great investment. Take an active role in the recruitment process. Encourage robust discussions on recruitment criteria, both within your senior management teams and with your chosen recruitment firm. Make sure everyone is on the same page and understands exactly what your organisation is looking for – and why.

Planning and communication are key

Once you have your recruitment strategy in place, turn your attention to planning. For example, it makes no sense recruiting over notoriously slow periods such as Christmas. Taking the time to plan when you are going to recruit can make all the difference. Communicate with your candidates. Be transparent; let them know when they can expect to hear from you after an interview. Don’t leave them guessing. Put yourself in their shoes. Talented candidates are looking for an organisation they can connect with.

Transparency is the new currency

You are being appraised too. Offer a glimpse of the values and culture that exists beyond the job description. Breathe life into the role. Engage candidates with your honesty. Let candidates know what it’s like to work for your company. With so much competition between organisations, candidates are reassured by a clear perception as to who you really are. Your transparency encourages candidates to communicate with greater transparency too. This offers a rare insight beyond whether the candidate can do the job, allowing you to gauge their development potential.

Now that’s recruiting for talent.

If you are serious about attracting and retaining the best talent in the Print and Packaging sectors Athena can help. Our 7 Step Recruiting System is designed to ensure that you can recruit and retain the top 15% of candidates in the Print and Packaging market, candidates who are motivated by much more than money. We work in partnership with our clients to fully understand their requirements and ensure that newly recruited staff are joining for the right reasons and looking to develop a long-term career.

Book in for a Client Discovery Call today by clicking on this link https://athena-executive.acuityscheduling.com/

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Why Your Print and Packaging Job Advertising Isn’t Working

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If you are struggling to fill your Print and Packaging roles, you need to take a good hard look at the possible reasons why.

There could be several factors which are holding the right candidates back from applying for your positions, or it could be a simple case of you not advertising with the right methods or in the right place.

Maybe you shouldn’t be advertising in the first place!

According to a recent survey by LinkedIn only 12% of candidates are actively looking for a new role with a further 13% casually looking. This leaves 75% of candidates not actively seeking a new role who would be unlikely to respond to a job advert. No wonder your advertising isn’t working! Consider asking around your network for recommendations and using a specialist Print and Packaging recruiter. Advertising may well be the wrong way to attract candidates and certainly the top 15% who will be very happy in their present roles.

Are You Advertising in the Right Way?

If you are going to advertise a role the most important part of finding the right candidates for your vacancies is formulating and placing the most appropriate adverts.

First, you should ensure that the advert you are circulating is perfect in every way. You’re not going to get the best people applying if your advert is full of spelling mistakes and doesn’t contain the correct information.

Your advert must have the correct job title, an accurate location, details on salary and any other benefits, a brief but informative job description, requirements (such as qualifications or experience needed for the post) and full details of where and how to apply (for instance, if you want a cover letter, ask for one).

Have You Placed It Appropriately?

Once you have the perfect advert, you need to position it in front of the perfect candidates – and that means making sure it is placed on the right job boards, websites and social media channels.

When advertising Print and Packaging jobs, for instance, you should make sure the details are circulated in specialist Print and Packaging publications / websites. Using the most popular general all-purpose ones is also a must.

Make sure to promote it via your own website and social media channels, too, and remember to include keywords to enhance your chances of reaching more people.

Is Your Application Process Too Complicated?

If you are asking every candidate to fill in a five-page competence-based application form and produce a thousand-word essay on their skills and experience, you may well be putting people off applying in the first place.

Keep your application process simple and relevant. And make sure you respond to everyone who meets your criteria promptly and appropriately – leaving candidates waiting around for weeks could mean you lose the chance to even interview them.

Are You Expecting Too Much?

Hanging around waiting for the perfect candidate who meets all your criteria to apply may just end in disappointment. You will probably have to compromise: the right person for the job may not have as much experience as you would like or possess all of the qualifications you are demanding.

And don’t expect hundreds of people to apply for every job – some more specialised roles will only see a handful of applications.

Is Your Brand Strong Enough?

One more rather harsh reason your job advertising isn’t doing as well as you’d hoped could be that your company’s reputation isn’t as good as you thought it was.

It’s a fact that people are reluctant to apply for a position with a firm they have heard bad things about.

Unfortunately, the only way you can change this is to become a better employer. Start by looking up employee reviews of your firm online, and then ask your current workers how you can improve. If you have a high turnover of Print and Packaging staff, this will be well worth the effort.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1

How to improve your work productivity

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Productivity is the place where smart planning meets concentrated effort. To some, this place is nirvana: a productivity paradise they have long heard of but do not expect to visit anytime soon. There’s too much to do. To others, productivity is a practical process available to all, provided that you’re prepared to chip in a bit of discipline and effort. We believe in the latter ethos. Productivity is a simple and straightforward process. We just need some coaxing to change our thinking as to how to eke out the best from ourselves at work.

Move!

You almost certainly know that sitting for most of the day damages your health. Research has proved that sitting for 8-10 hours every day without moving around in between causes heart attacks. What does this have to do with productivity we hear you ask? Your energy levels are reduced because you’re not moving around. If your energy levels dip, your concentration levels take a hit. If your concentration is impaired, your decision making isn’t what it could be. Productivity isn’t about how many hours you sit at your desk. Productivity is what you achieve without ruining your health.

Disconnect

In America alone 12.2 billion hours are collectively spent scrolling social media sites. The approximate cost of these diversions in productivity terms is approximately $650 billion per year (that’s about $4,452 per person).

Constantly switching between the task at hand to quickly check your social media feeds impairs your focus levels. While this may not affect you initially, you’ll discover its crippling effects when circumstances demand you focus for an extended period. Monitor your scrolling time. You’ll be happier, have more energy and will notice the world around you again. TV watching is another culprit. As they say, no empire was ever built watching TV. Discipline yourself to one show per evening, and notice how your concentration levels improve.

Think about what you want to achieve and look at how you are realistically going to achieve it. The temptation to escape by watching TV is real, we know, but the advantages and rewards when you resist the urge and get on with going for that swim, walk or catching up with some reading are remarkable.

Plan

Before you leave the office for the day, plan your tasks for tomorrow. Writing a to do list of what you want to get done focuses your mind. When you leave the office you are confident of what needs to be done when you return. Overnight your mind has some time to itself (because you’re not slumped in front of the TV) and, after a while, you’ll start having good ideas. You might find yourself doing some background reading or brainstorming on your commute to work.

You were right all along

Forget multi-tasking. Research has confirmed what our frayed nerves have been trying to tell us: we cannot complete multiple tasks simultaneously. The old rule of “one thing at a time” is back and we’re all more productive because of it.

The key to productivity is working smarter, not harder. You know what you need to do. Far from being a grind, being productive increases positivity, wellbeing and guarantees success. Go for it!

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1

 

The latest HR technology trends

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HR is an industry which hasn’t exactly kept up with technology trends and this is probably down to the fact that is an industry based on communication and personal relationships. However, we are seeing a lot of interesting new developments in HR and these can be hugely beneficial for businesses for both recruitment and retention. These are some of the top HR tech trends to look out for this year.

Enhanced recruitment process

At the moment, most HR recruitment systems exist for the purpose of tracking candidate applications – however, this is set to change throughout this year. Recruitment systems are set to become a lot slicker, incorporating marketing and brand building, as well as the standard tracking – and this will help improve the overall recruitment and selection process.

Performance management tools 

An effective performance management process is essential for helping to grow talent and improve retention. Up until now, performance management tools have been fairly limited, however, this is starting to change. We will see an influx of cloud based performance management systems, which can help support the process and make performance management a lot more useful.

Digital learning 

In the print and packaging sectors, it is essential for employees to continuously learn and update their skills and with enhancements in digital learning, this is set to become a whole lot easier. Employees will be able to undertake lessons and gain certifications, all through their computers or phones. The on boarding process will even benefit from digital enhancements, and this will improve the entire journey for employees, as well as making manager’s lives a lot easier.

People analytics 

The Print and Packaging sectors are challenging and it can be difficult to retain talented staff, due to the options available for candidates. If you want to know more about what your employees want, people analytics is the way to achieve it. It can all start with simply online surveys, where you can find out more about what your employees want and this can help improve retention levels.

Most businesses could benefit from investing in some of the new HR tech trends, particularly large organisations who want to improve employee relations and retention levels. If your HR systems are stuck in the dark ages, it may be worth looking at alternative options.

Athena Executive Search specialise in recruiting senior leadership positions in the Print and Packaging sectors globally. Please get in touch if you are contemplating a career move or looking to recruit. For access to more articles on industry topics, recruitment and retention strategies, and our upcoming webinar series with industry thought leaders please subscribe here: https://athena50147.activehosted.com/f/1