Lisa Magloff, Author at XSplit Blog

The Best Ways to Use Social Media As a Streamer

Building an audience as a streamer can be difficult, which is why it’s important to have a solid grasp of different social media platforms. Once you do, you can use them to elevate your streaming game while engaging with viewers and building your brand. You can even become a social media streamer and stream directly to Facebook rather than Twitch or YouTube. Let’s have a look at the different platforms and the ways they can help streamers.

While there were earlier social media platforms (MySpace anyone?), Facebook was the one that captured the zeitgeist of the times, allowing people to connect all over the world. Like a Pokemon, the platform has evolved several times since its inception, and we still haven’t seen its final form.

So why is Facebook a useful platform for social media streamers? The major advantage of this well-known channel is that you already have a built-in audience – your list of friends or followers. When your audience watches your stream, they can use the existing Facebook react buttons to directly interact with it. XSplit Broadcaster can also be integrated with Facebook making streaming on the social media platform easy to set up and manage. You can also publish your content directly to social media platforms with it. This makes quick work of delivering high-quality videos and getting them uploaded in no time. There’s also chat integration that will let you monitor your engagement while you stream.

A person with gaming headphones on looking at a camera with a large mic in front of them thinking about social media for a streamer. — Photo by Higor Hanschen on Unsplash

Instagram: Where image is key

Something of a Silicon Valley fairytale, the popular photo-sharing site launched in 2010 and was quickly acquired by Facebook two years later for $1 billion. Since then, it has become a hub for influencers, bloggers, and creative businesses with a good eye.

Instagram is now pushing more towards video content, with stories, and live broadcasts. These are perfect tools for growing a brand or a streaming channel. Allowing you to boost posts for extra engagement, start discussions and get immediate feedback from your audience. For a more in-depth look and case study on streaming on Instagram, check out our blog post on Streaming to Instagram from your PC.

Twitter is the platform of choice for thought leaders and those who want to keep their fingers on the trending pulse of the world. It allows people to engage in open conversation and link to ideas and topics rather than people. Twitter dipped its toes into live video streaming with spin-off app Periscope in 2015. But it never really took off and was officially discontinued in March 2021.

Despite this, Twitter is a very useful tool for growing your broadcast audience. Keeping them updated on your schedule and hooking potential new viewers with relevant hashtags. With XSplit, you can use the Stream Sharing function to announce your stream and share images or YouTube links on Twitter.

TikTok: The new kid on the block

TikTok filled the gap left by the popular video app Vine, allowing users to upload short videos with music, filters, and other features. While its popularity exploded out of comedy and dance videos. It’s also become an important tool for attracting viewers to your gaming streams.

Because of the video length of under a minute, many streamers use it to show highlights from their recent streams, in the hope of attracting new followers. You can also use it to build your own brand, preview events, or hold live Q&As when you’re not streaming. You can even stream to TikTok from your desktop following this guide.

Leveraging a mix of social media sites will allow you to increase your audience quicker than simply streaming your gameplay. It can also help you to shape your brand and other revenue streams like merchandising. To find out more, check out our blog on personal branding for tips on how to develop your brand.

Live Streaming Physical Art Creation

Live streaming is not just for gaming content. A huge number of people are widening their channel’s reach and generating extra income by creating content on everything from workout routines to make-up lessons. These days, artists are also getting in on the action. In this blog post, we will discuss how to live stream art.

A focus on cameras

While it’s possible to stream art creation with just a mobile phone, tripod, and a work surface, you will probably want a bit more than that to live stream art.

A webcam, such as the Logitech C920, is a good start, but many art streamers opt for a multi-camera approach. With one focusing on their face and another on the work surface. This enables a picture-in-picture layout to show both the artist and process. You can plug a DSLR or a mirrorless camera into a capture card for an additional camera. For this, you’ll also want an HDMI cable to plug into your camera for a clean output. The benefit of this is that you have more freedom to adjust the lenses with a DSLR, and with it, your picture.

Using a camera and capture card can also offer more options for improving audio quality by connecting your streaming setup to one or more microphones through a sound desk. However, if it’s just you live streaming art, one microphone would be more than enough! There are some great USB options out there like the Blue Yeti. You can then use a capture card to import directly into XSplit Broadcaster from different video sources. You’ll also be able to insert title cards or logos and other graphics overlays.

Live stream art like this large physical installation of lights illuminating a hall with two people entering from one end bathed in orange and blue light. — Photo by Werner Du plessis on Unsplash

Some software options to live stream art

XSplit Broadcaster is an excellent choice for streaming software as it allows you to easily display physical art pieces such as sculptures or paintings. You can do this by either using a webcam or, alternatively, by using XSplit VCam with XSplit Connect: Webcam to use your iOS or Android phone as a camera.

Whatever option you chose, make sure that it will integrate with a selection of streaming platforms and has production tools. Then you can focus on creating your artwork rather than worrying about the tech.

Setting up alerts will give your audience the opportunity to engage with you. One way this can be done is through the Plugin Store in Broadcaster. Go to ‘Tools’ then ‘Plugin Store’ and click on ‘Sources’ to find plugins such as the ‘Twitch Alerts’ and ‘Facebook Live Alerts’. These overlays let you see who’s followed, subscribed, shared your stream, and more.

Choosing a streaming platform

There is a huge selection of streaming platforms to choose from, but some are better for artists than others. YouTube is not especially geared at artists but is very easy to use, and if you already have a channel on YouTube, this may be a good place to start. Twitch is popular for live streaming video games, but its art category is growing, which means more space for new creators. This platform also has very good options for live interaction and monetization.

Picarto is one platform that is optimized for broadcasting art. Although it does not attract the huge audiences of YouTube, it is a good choice for those with an established following or who want to attract a crowd specifically looking for art content.

Finally, if you want to stream over multiple platforms, XSplit Broadcaster has everything you need. Just go to the ‘Broadcast’ menu and add each of your outputs to get it set up in minutes.

Though it is likely to require the investment of some time, effort and money, considering live-streaming your physical art creation can provide valuable opportunities to express and share your artistic talent with a wider, more appreciative audience.

The Best Digital Calendar Apps to Manage Workflow

If you’re like most people, you probably rely on a calendar of some kind to tell you what’s happening in your life and when so you don’t miss anything. These days, there are a number of different types of digital calendars to choose from – everything from daily planners to project-related apps. But the very best calendar software can go beyond this to help you to improve your organization and productivity.

Best calendar apps for time management

While some people prefer to stick to paper, digital calendars offer a wide array of benefits. The best calendar app can vary with your needs, however. For example, Calendar is an intelligent app that learns your contacts, schedule, and tasks and can even provide analytics of your meetings to help you improve your time management skills.

Business Calendar, as the name suggests, is geared more towards those who use their calendar for work. It allows you to set a multi-day viewing mode, as well as offering hourly scheduling and the option to show a detailed agenda for single events. You can also use it to import from and export to other calendars.

Timepage is an intuitive calendar app that, in addition to the usual scheduling function, will send you notifications and reminders for what’s coming up next. It also features a “heat map” that indicates the days where you are most and least busy, allowing you to tell at a quick glance when might be a good day to schedule a new task.

A laptop is connected to a monitor with a glass on a desk using a metal straw say next to a phone looking for the best calendar app. — Photo by Fernando Hernandez on Unsplash

Use your calendar efficiently

A digital calendar can help you to keep track of events, but what about rethinking how you allocate your time in the first place? Are your entries evenly scattered throughout the whole week, or do you have them all set up in order? Arranging tasks or events efficiently can save you a lot of time and improve your focus. There are a number of approaches to this you could take.

Time blocking is a simple method where you divide your day into different activities and assign blocks of time to each task, perhaps by using color-coding to help you tell at a glance what you need to be working on.

In the Pomodoro technique, you break up tasks into 25- or 30-minute blocks. When you start a task, you set a timer for 25 minutes. When the timer goes off, you take a five-minute break and then go on to the next block. After completing four blocks, you take a longer break to recharge – perhaps going for a walk, reading a chapter of a book, etc.

Following the Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, means focusing more of your time and energy on the most important tasks. The name 80/20 is a nod to the Pareto philosophy that 20 percent of your work input actually yields 80 percent of the results.

A notebook being written in on a desk with an iPad, some small photos, a cup of coffee, glasses, some books and a laptop there as well, the best calendar app would help. — Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Guidelines for everyday strategies

As well as high-level strategies, there are some everyday tactics you can use to manage your calendar effectively. For example, make sure you don’t overfill your calendar – leave some free space in case something comes up, or in case you need a break. Another simple tip is to use only one calendar, but make sure that it integrates with other planning tools so that everything you need is in one place.

You can also use filters, such as categories, symbols, or color-coding to allow you to distinguish more easily between different types of tasks. When you create contacts, meetings, or to-do lists, attach them to your digital calendar so you can quickly refer to them when you need to. Finally, don’t forget to review your calendar frequently – clear outdated tasks, make sure events don’t overlap, and set realistic goals.

Managing your time well is a key to improving your workflow. Digital calendars are valuable tools that can help you with many aspects of time management. Whether you are staying old school with pen and paper or using a digital calendar, it pays to figure out the system that works for you.

How to Balance the Hybrid Office Workflow

The hybrid office is becoming more widespread than ever. With many workplaces now adopting a hybrid model, there are big questions for employees. Let’s discuss how to best manage time in order to make the most of working in both the home and the office and find a hybrid office balance.

Find a hybrid office balance with time management

One key to achieving a hybrid office balance is to think about when you really need to be in the office versus when it might be better to work from home. Of course, this will depend a lot on individual schedules and positions. But there are some guidelines you can use.

For example, you might group together all of your weekly tasks that require concentration. Then do these tasks in whichever environment is quieter and more productive for you. If possible, it can also be effective to group all of your meetings together on one or two days of the week. Then come into the office for these “meeting days”. This will give you a chance to connect with colleagues in person.

Some tasks, like training in new processes, onboarding new colleagues, and mentoring may be more effective if done in person. Others, such as writing reports or conducting research, may be easier to do from home. Once you have decided which tasks work better at home and which in the office, you can organize your schedule accordingly.

Four people sat in a conference room with a large screen at the end of it to help with a hybrid office balance. — Photo by Campaign Creators on Unsplash

Keep it inclusive with digital workflows

One-size-fits-all does not work well for a hybrid company where employees have the flexibility to work when and where they wish. So, many organizations and employees will need to rethink how they connect and engage with colleagues. Digital workflows are a key part of achieving this hybrid office balance.

Digital tools can be used to make many work tasks more inclusive, so both those at home and in the office can participate together on an even footing. The first step here is to use the meeting features on a tool like Zoom or Google Meet. You can use software like Google Docs or Office 365 to enable direct editing on long-distance shared work. Make sure to create a well-organized set of Slack or Teams channels so the team can communicate quickly and clearly from anywhere.

Digital meetings can sometimes feel static and uninteresting. To remedy zoom fatigue, use XSplit Presenter to make them more inclusive and engaging. Add your webcam on top of your presentation so everyone can see you as well as your materials. You can even add live annotations and guests to your presentations! You can also use a work management system, such as Asana or the Servicenow’s Now Platform, to capture key decisions and action items so they are easily accessible from anywhere.

Curated collaboration

Curated collaboration is all about designing your workflows so they suit a hybrid model. The goal is to create a system of working that helps people to collaborate no matter where they are working.

One way to look at this is similar to how a university operates. Everyone has different schedules but shares the same resources, such as classrooms, labs, etc. Groups are brought together in common spaces like lecture halls and cafeterias, and this thinking can be extended to the workplace.

One way to do this is to re-organize both physical and digital space. Physical offices can be transformed to include micro hubs, meeting points, or touchdown areas where those working from home can connect with those in the office. This can also be replicated at home, by setting aside dedicated times and platforms for different types of meetings, such as project meetings, brainstorming sessions, and socializing.

As hybrid workforces take hold, there’s a risk that we’ll all end up working two jobs – one at home and one at the office. To bring these together, it’s necessary to create both physical and digital solutions to ensure that work processes are as inclusive and efficient as possible.

What To Look For In An Affordable Gaming Keyboard In 2022

If you’re streaming games, your choice of keyboard can seem just as important as your PC specs. Keyboards not suited to gaming requirements can cause ghosting where your keystrokes don’t register. This can lead to frustration for players and those watching live streams. There is also a divide in people who like the ASMR qualities of a mechanical keyboard versus those who can’t stand it! However, a decent gaming keyboard doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s have a look at which features you should prioritize when buying an affordable gaming keyboard.

Mechanical switches vs membrane affordable gaming keyboard

A cheap gaming keyboard will likely use keycaps that press down into a thin membrane layer to activate the circuit underneath. This means you can only register one keystroke at a time. On the other hand, mechanical keys have individual switches, which offer better feedback and a distinct click, but also mean you can enter several keystrokes in advance.

For streaming, however, having a noisy mechanical keyboard may not be the best solution. Logitech has solved this issue with the G413, an affordable gaming keyboard that comes with Romer-G switches, or the Corsair K68 with Cherry MX Red Switches (which are considered the quieter ones along with brown, the Cherry MX Silent, and black). Both offer the benefits of mechanical switches while also being quiet to the touch.

Programmable keys and macros

Keyboards that allow you to map certain functions to keys can be a literal game-changer, allowing you to pull off complex commands at the press of a button. Razer has made it easy to program thanks to its Synapse 3 software.

For an affordable gaming keyboard with programmable buttons, check out the Razer Cynosa V2 or its cheaper sibling, the Razer Cynosa Lite. Both allow you to map the functions and macros you need and then save different gaming profiles. This means you can switch between them depending on the game you’re playing. Synapse 3 also allows you to coordinate the color of the keys with the functions you have given them.

An affordable gaming keyboard close up with it's RGB lights on showing multiple colours, you can see a monitor stand in the background and a backlight. — Photo by Mateo on Unsplash

The benefits of backlighting in an affordable gaming keyboard

Keyboards with RGB backlighting not only look very attractive, but they can also be very useful. Even an affordable gaming keyboard, such as the SteelSeries Apex 3 or the Aukey KM-G12, allows for full customization with various lighting zones. This means you can split your keyboard up into sections depending on what game you are playing.

Depending on your streaming setup or if you are doing more video work than streaming games, your audience might be able to see your keyboard, so it adds a bit more style. As an added bonus, it makes them much easier to see if you’re playing in the dark.

Keyboard integration in your stream

Having an affordable keyboard with a backlight is one thing, but having it react to the game you’re playing can take your stream to the next level. Corsair is a premium brand, so the Corsair K60 comes in at the high end of the affordable gaming keyboard spectrum. It comes with per-key backlighting, meaning each key has its own programmable light.

These lights can be used in conjunction with Corsair’s software for key remapping and macro programming. However, the RGB lighting can also be integrated into the game thanks to Corsair’s iCUE technology. This means that the lights will change color to react to the action within the game. Logitech offers a similar software called Lightsync, which is available on the affordable G213 Prodigy keyboard.

There are many affordable gaming keyboards out there with some or all of the features you may prioritize. If you opt for one with RGB lighting, for example, you can make it react to streaming events. This not only makes your streams look more visual and professional but can also help indicate events if you have taken your eye off the action.

Six Ways to Improve Your Workplace Communications

No matter how well your office manages workplace communication, there are always improvements that can make things run even more smoothly for everyone. There are many ways to improve communication for a more harmonious workplace and, as is ultimately the aim in management, increase productivity and satisfaction. Let’s have a look at some of the things you can do.

Improve workplace communications differently

Some organizations stick to rigid patterns of communication, but this lack of flexibility may not improve workplace communications. Some people prefer remote sessions, while others need the connection of in-person communication. By offering a number of different ways to communicate, you can make sure that all of your colleagues can opt for what best suits them. Of course, too much variety can lead to chaos, so it is best to stick to just three or four methods, choosing just one digital platform and perhaps a weekly team meeting, monthly one-to-ones, etc.

Including time to socialise

Setting aside time to meet colleagues without discussing work can help bring teams closer together and foster better overall communications. This could either be a regularly scheduled event, or something more spontaneous. For remote and hybrid offices, there are a number of apps, such as Mural, that allow you to create virtual water coolers. There are also sites like Gather, which provides free customizable virtual spaces.

Four people sat around a table, one taking notes, the others have coffee and a phone is in front of the person speaking, listening is key to improve workplace communications — Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Foster a culture of honesty to improve workplace communications

This does not mean oversharing, but rather being clear and honest about why work is organized a particular way, or why certain tasks need to be done. Lack of information about why a task is important can lead to frustration and negativity. Of course, it’s not always possible to make tasks more meaningful. Sometimes, you will need to admit that something just needs to be done. But this can also demonstrate commitment to meaningful, transparent communication.

Use the right tools for the job

The right tech can also be a big help in communicating clearly. XSplit Capture allows you to record a video or screenshot of your desktop, add annotation or voiceover, and then share it instantly – allowing you to communicate even complex ideas easily and clearly. XSplit Presenter also makes communication easier by giving you scope to greater interactivity to all of your presentations. Use the green screen and your computer camera or the virtual pointer to annotate your demonstration in real-time.

People sat around a desk looking at a presentation being given on a screen which can be key to improve workplace communications — Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash

Provide confidential feedback

Giving and receiving feedback can be a huge help in your work, whether you are a manager or not. It can also help uncover hidden issues that are affecting your work or business. The more information you have, the more you can respond to the needs of employees and colleagues.

You can use a tool like SurveyMonkey to collect employee reactions and comments on a regular basis. XSplit Presenter also makes it easy to incorporate tools like polleverywhere, which allows you to collect instant responses from participants.

Don’t just hear – listen

Listening is probably the most important communication skill. Research suggests that we only remember between 25% and 50% of what we hear. That means many of us are missing vital information.

Improve your listening skills by practicing ‘active listening’. This involves techniques that show the speaker they have your undivided attention. For example, demonstrate that you are listening by keeping your posture and facial expressions open and interested, provide feedback by asking questions and reviewing what has been said, don’t interrupt, and respond honestly and respectfully.

Improving workplace communication does not happen overnight; it takes concerted effort. By using a combination of technology tools and your own initiative, you will be able to create a more open and effective workplace – whether it happens to be remote, in-person, or hybrid.

Top Office Chair Upgrades for 2022

The wrong office chair can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also have a lasting impact on your health and well-being. Poor support can lead to back pain, pinched nerves, and lasting medical problems. Since many of us are working from home a lot more now, it makes sense to consider an office chair upgrade. Here, we look at a few of your options.

All prices are correct at time of writing.

Value for money office chair upgrades

The best office chairs can be adjusted to your own requirements, allowing you to move the different parts around to fit your body and environment. These chairs can be expensive, but they don’t have to be.

The IKEA Markus costs around £179. It has a mesh back for breathability and offers a comfortable upright sitting position, with a long back and integrated headrest. You can adjust the height and tilt, and the back can be reclined. However, you can’t adjust the armrest height, so if they are not in an ideal position for you, this could be a drawback.

A more adjustable option is the Branch Ergonomic Chair. This is a smart-looking chair with premium features and a price tag of around £300. You can adjust not only the height of the seat but also the tilt tension, lumbar support, seat pan depth, and armrests. The breathable mesh backrest and high-density foam on the seat pan deliver all-day comfort.

Office chair upgrades could include this red chair which is in front of a desk with a laptop connected to a monitor, a red filing cabinet is next to the desk and a large framed poster is on the wall. — Photo by Laura Davidson on Unsplash

The middle range

High-end furniture maker Herman Miller makes a seriously comfy office chair, the Celle, which features, “interconnecting loops that are engineered to form a ‘flex map’ that conforms to your unique shape.” The chair also includes adjustable seat depth, tilt tension, and recline. For a little extra investment, you can opt for add-ons such as adjustable armrests and lumbar support. Prices start at around £600.

If you are looking for a minimalist design, check out the HÅG Capisco Puls 8010. It resembles a cross between a regular office chair and a stool and is designed to help you stay more active and alert by helping you maintain a more natural sitting posture. Height and seat depth can be adjusted. Prices start at around £360.

Office Chair Upgrade could be one of the two chairs on screen here, next to desks with good lumbar support. — Photo by Laura Davidson on Unsplash

When money is no object

One of the best office chairs on the market is the Humanscale Freedom, which automatically adjusts to the user, saving you the hassle of fiddling with knobs and levers. The armrests, seat, backrest, and headrest can also be adjusted manually. These chairs start at around £800, with higher prices for the leather and brushed aluminum models.

Also produced by Herman Miller is the Aeron, one of the most iconic office chairs ever made. Updated in 2016, this chair not only has great aesthetics, it features an elastomeric suspension seat and backrest with different tension zones, so that, as you shift around in your seat, it moves with you. Armrests, tilt, and tension are all fully adjustable, and the chair comes in different sizes to suit different body types. The downside? Prices start at around £1000.

Choosing an office chair can be much harder than you might think but there is a wide selection available on the market right now to suit all budgets and requirements. Check out this post for more great tips on creating a more productive work set-up at home.

Easy Communication Tools to Make Your Life Easier at Work

Collaboration is the new normal in the workplace, with employees encouraged to work together to share ideas, increase productivity and accomplish common goals. However, there is more to collaboration than meetings and messaging. For far-flung teams, especially, it may make sense to use easy communication tools to organize work, share documents, give feedback and collaborate. Here are a few of the best apps available on the market today.

The original easy communication tools

Microsoft Office is the most-used office suite around and is likely already at the center of many workplaces. Using Microsoft 365 gives teams the ability to collaborate directly on the same set of documents. Workers can share and edit documents together, speeding up the workflow. What makes Microsoft 365 more attractive is that it’s cloud-hosted, meaning it can be used not just with Windows, but also Mac, Android, and iOS.

Asana is another veteran in the collaboration arena and has been used since 2008 by companies like Uber and Intel. It’s designed to make tracking and organizing projects easy, using Kanban-like project boards or lists. Asana allows users to create to-do lists, set reminders for upcoming deadlines, send requests and facilitate conversations and comments on work.

Communications and collaboration tool Trello is another app that’s easy to use. Similar to Asana, it lets users set up project boards, set up to-do lists, and delegate work. Trello also has the advantage of integrating a number of apps, such as Evernote, GitHub, Google Drive, and Slack, to make collaborating with your coworkers even easier.

A desk with a laptop connected to a monitor with a well organised set of tools that could be helped by easy communication tools.

Communication tools focused on collaboration

With more and more people working on mobile platforms, it makes sense to use easy communication tools that are optimized for mobile. Collaboration platform Podio is equipped with mobile apps that make it easy to use on the go. In common with many other business collaboration apps, Podio comes equipped with tools for sharing files, checking the status of ongoing projects, and sharing feedback, along with third-party services and apps, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, and Zendesk.

Flock offers a communication focus, somewhat similar to Slack. The app offers channels for group communications or one-to-one, as well as audio and video calls and screen sharing. In addition, it offers collaboration tools such as polls, note sharing, and the ability for users to assign tasks. There’s also integration with third-party apps like Google Drive and Twitter, with notifications appearing directly in channels.

You can also use XSplit Capture to record or screenshot your desktop and share it instantly during meetings. It even lets you add voiceover and annotations quickly and efficiently. You can then generate a unique link to share with the necessary people and find these captures again from your account, as they’re stored in the cloud!

Ones to watch

Basecamp has positioned itself as an all-in-one collaboration and communications platform. It offers a wide variety of standard features, like chat, message boards, to-do lists, and scheduling, and automated check-in. However, it also acts as a single place to store all documents, files, and folders, making it a useful all-in-one collaboration platform.

Drag-and-drop functionality and ease of use make Monday a very good workflow management and collaboration platform. It also integrates with Slack, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, and other apps, which means it can be used as a central nexus for collaboration on a range of projects.

There is a huge variety of online collaboration tools out there. No matter which one you chose, they’re all designed to make sharing ideas easier and to work faster and more efficiently – whether you are working remotely, hybrid or in-office.

How to Create a Productive Workspace at Home

What makes a productive workspace? Most people tend to yield better results when they are in an environment they can feel relaxed in. So, how can you organize the area you have to increase your potential? Perhaps surprisingly, it is not necessarily the latest trends and Insta-worthy set-ups that will win out. Instead, nailing the basics of light, noise and space can be far more important when it comes to creating a place to help maximize your output.

A productive workplace to call your own

Some of us work better in absolute silence, while others need some background noise to help them focus. Whatever the environment you work best in, it’s important to make sure you can move around easily. When you become tired or hit a productivity wall, taking a physical break to move around can help you gain a new perspective.

For those with the right space and budget, a standing desk can be a great solution. But, there are other things you can do to build opportunities for movement into your workspace. For example, try placing the photocopier or filing cabinet on the opposite side of the room.

Moving your entire workspace can also help. If you are primarily based in an office, adopting a hybrid working model by clocking in some hours from home can be beneficial for a productive workspace. Also, reshuffling your space can just make things feel fresh and help shake your brain up a little, and get you working!

A productive workspace that includes a laptop on a riser, a light some potted plants and a keyboard on a simple desk with a comfortable chair. — Photo by Nathan Riley on Unsplash

Minimizing distractions

Keeping a tidy desk can help enhance productivity and taking some time to organize your files, gadgets, and paperwork will pay big dividends later on. The same goes for your computer desktop and email. If it’s crowded with folders, pictures, and apps to the point where you cannot navigate easily to what you want, your work – and output – will suffer.

Another way to help eliminate distractions is to turn off your notifications and dedicate just a few minutes each hour to checking and answering messages. Tidying everything away at the end of the day also allows you to draw a mental line under your work. This can help you can really enjoy your time off. Because, you know, a big part of a productive workspace is you being productive! Without turning off you can burn out and lose even more productivity!

Getting the furniture right in your productive workspace

An uncomfortable work environment can impact not only productivity but also your health. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a top-of-the-line desk and chair. It’s more important that everything is adjusted properly for your body. The best work-from-home setup is one that allows you to type on a keyboard with your arms and hands roughly parallel to the floor with your feet flat and your legs fitting comfortably under the desk.

When it comes to choosing a chair, look for one that offers lumbar support with adjustable height armrests. You may also want to think about the fabric – mesh chairs tend to be less hot and sweaty. In addition to moving around and taking breaks, you can also improve your productivity by practicing proper posture. Rolling your shoulders back and sitting up straight and tall will minimize pain and distraction – and ultimately help you to maintain optimal productivity.

Creating a productive workspace is a combination of understanding how you work best and taking practical considerations into account. Design your space in line with both your physical comfort and personal working style and you won’t go wrong. Also, if you’re looking to get more time back our suite of apps can make your work life a little easier from creating better presentations to capturing and sending quick thoughts!

The Future of Working from Home

As work culture continues to shift from being tethered exclusively to a physical office, what will work from home look like? Will we continue to move more towards remote working, or will companies and employees shift back to the office? Just as importantly, how can we improve the work from home culture to make the future of work more efficient for everyone?

Hybrid is the way forward for working from home?

The number of people working from home is expected to remain high, especially in the tech and media fields. One recent survey of 2,000 UK companies found that post-pandemic, most are planning to allow employees greater flexibility on where and when they do their jobs. This may mean that hybrid workplaces, where employees spend part of their time in the office and part working remotely, are likely the way of the future. This creates flexibility not only for employees but also employers. They can downsize expensive rental spaces to accommodate the lower numbers of staff.

To adapt to hybrid working, employees and managers will need to adjust their work styles to get the most from both office and home. Options include scheduling all in-person meetings for certain days of the week. Or, reserving in-person meetings for brainstorming sessions, team building, and other creative activities that are best done face to face. This could also involve redesigning offices to create more collaborative meeting spaces. As well as, redesigning home offices to focus on work that requires quiet.

Someone holding their phone, sitting down, while using a laptop on their desk with a notepad on the table and glasses on top of that while working from home.

Improving engagement

In a physical office, personal relationships can open the door to advancement. Employees who work remotely will need to put extra effort into highlighting their engagement to develop these relationships and have access to new opportunities. Some ways to do this include: participating in virtual events, taking an active part in online meetings. Workers could also demonstrate engagement by organizing virtual activities and working virtually in groups.

Remote work has also changed performance management considerably. As organizations focus increasingly on what work gets done, rather than how it get done. Tools and apps that help manage and keep track of remote performance will be essential.

Some recent examples of remote employee management tools include platforms like Time Doctor and TransparentBusiness. Large organizations may soon find it necessary to create new positions, such as Director of Remote Work, to oversee collaboration and ensure efficiency. Another change in the future of work could be in moving to continuous feedback, rather than annual reviews. Employees and employers will both need to rethink how they set and keep track of goals and performance metrics.

A person sat on their kitchen table on a zoom call on their laptop while working from home. — Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

Making meetings count

In a remote or hybrid setting, video conferencing will become a vital tool not only for collaboration but for casual conversation as well. These could include informal but regular “water-cooler” chats, virtual book clubs, or even virtual team socials.

The increased use of video is humanizing working relationships by allowing colleagues into our homes, but it is also placing more emphasis on making each meeting count. When a remote meeting drags on, people are more inclined to tune out and drift off. To prevent this, meetings need to be professional and well-organized and feature live presentations.

Rather than replicating in-person meetings, complete with stuffy meeting rooms and stale donuts, remote meetings should embrace their unique setting. This could include preparing the shared space in advance, including breakout rooms, graphics, green-screen, video, notes, and slides.

This is an area where XSplit Presenter could be a game-changer. It allows you to create exciting presentations to keep your audience engaged. Because XSplit Presenter works with a huge variety of video call platforms, it is the perfect tool for adding personality and interactivity to remote presenting.

For many of us, the future of work is already here. No matter whether you are full-time remote, very occasionally remote, or in a hybrid office, make sure you are prepared to make the most of it.

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