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Year: 2010

Rethink your e-mail addiction

E-mail, that revolutionary productivity tool, has a dark side. It can create divisions between co-workers, hurt productivity and destroy focus, say critics. Some even draw a comparison between e-mail and gambling. To counterbalance the negatives, companies have been imposing “no e-mail Fridays” or “no e-mail weekends.” Anyone can take measures to keep e-mail addiction from getting out of hand, though.

Smartphones as scanners

Newer smartphones have such good cameras they can double as barcode scanners. That means while shopping, you can use your phone to: 1. Compare prices on the spot. 2. Store your membership cards on your phone, rather than crowding your key ring.

Put learning to work

Boss send you to a seminar? Create an action list while you are there showing how you will put what you learn to work back at the office. Share it with your boss when you return as one way to prove the value of her investing in you.

Two powerful words

Don’t take it for granted that your team members know you appreciate their hard work. Simply saying “thank you” is the most cost-effective way to boost motivation.

Re-evaluating an extra 10 pounds

This should come as good news to anyone struggling to keep up with a demanding daily exercise schedule—and feeling guilty when schedule conflicts get in the way of gym time: A body of research suggests that there’s little risk to carrying a few extra pounds—and there may even be some benefit. Still, there’s a big difference between carrying a few extra pounds and being obese.