Productivity hacks for healthcare PR & marketing pros

The healthcare communications space poses its fair share of challenges just as much as it presents solutions and opportunities. This passion can also take a lot from us -- causing us to perhaps take on multitasking, extend ourselves a little too far and take in a lot of coffee in the process. This is why it is important to have a few tricks up your sleeve to help handle the day-to-day obstacles and find a healthy balance.

Keep your phone on “do not disturb”

Shut off all unnecessary distractions from notifications. Even if you are on your phone quite a bit, you’re not being distracted by the continuous pop up notifications. Most phones have a setting where you can select contacts who can get through even when your phone is on silent -- just be sure to keep the list short.

Set up email rules

You can limit the time you spend wading through your inbox by creating rules to send some emails to certain folders automatically (one of those folders being "Trash."). This can help you sort out the hundreds of emails received a day and prioritize the ones that matter.

Get a calendar link

Adding a calendar link to your email signature to save a lot of the back-and-forth communications about availability and meeting schedule. It allows people to just click a link and book you at a time that works for both parties!

White noise machine

If you’re working from home, a white noise machine allows you to keep out all the day to day noise and distractions from family or the outside world. They not only help you focus on the task at hand, but soothes nerves as well.

Don't be afraid to say no

Be aware of your own limitations and priorities. Phrase your no objectively to minimize any hurt feelings. "My schedule won't allow for that" or "I don't have the resources to make that happen" are two phrases that tend to work well. Stand your ground!

Hide

If you’re working remotely, change your online status to “do not disturb”. This allows people to think twice about whether or not they should send over the message. People interrupting you for “just a minute” is a huge productivity suck. If you’re in person, book a conference room or find a couch in a common area so you’re harder to find.

Outsource and delegate

Even if you *can* do something well, that doesn't mean you should. Learn how to outsource in your personal and professional life. You have a limited amount of time; spend it on the activities that are the most important. Save yourself some sanity and energy.