10 Ways to Foster a Positive Hybrid Work Environment

Introduction 

Cultivating a positive work environment is the foundation to any successful business. If you have ever heard the quote “Happy Wife, Happy Life”, it’s pretty much the same idea except work version, like “Happy Employee, Good Productivit-ee?” or some variation of that. When people feel encouraged, accepted and happy, they become more motivated and perform better. A simple yet extremely effective formula to achieve in a workplace. Setting your team up for success, especially in hybrid settings, which let’s be honest, is the reality we live in these days, comes down to the emotional, intellectual, and physical ways you support them. Even the simplest things can create a good and enjoyable work environment, leaving employees feeling like more than just working dogs, but actual valued members of the company. 

Here are 10 tips to creating a positive work environment for your company:

1) Prioritize onboarding and training

There’s no such thing as starting too soon! Creating a positive work environment starts from the beginning when employees are first hired. Especially for those starting their new jobs remotely, onboarding can feel daunting, and if done poorly, can impact retention. Therefore, it is extremely important for managers to create opportunities for new employees to interact and be involved within the company culture. Strategies such as introducing an internal mentor/mentee system can help both junior and senior level employees get to know each other and find common interests. Additionally, implementing team socials, after hiring new employees, whether it be online or in-person, can allow for employees to interact with each other in a stress-free and casual environment which will ultimately lead to creating a positive team dynamic. 

2) Provide a suitable and comfortable work environment

Positive team dynamic is one thing, however, a good physical work environment is a whole other thing. Having a comfortable and adaptable work environment creates a positive work experience with many physical and cognitive benefits. A good work environment goes beyond providing regular breaks, a break room with vending machines, and an annual employee appreciation breakfast. Employees also need adequate support, training, resources and space to perform their job. Mood is also influenced by overall workplace conditions such as safety features, adequate lighting and comfortable temperatures throughout the building. For companies that have employees working from home remotely, it is even more crucial for companies to provide as much support as possible in creating an ideal workspace for their employees.

3) Trust your team members

An essential part of any successful team is transparency and honesty. This requires mutual trust and respect between employees and employers. In action terms, this means that when you delegate, really let go and let the individual own the task you gave them. You can also communicate trust by asking team members to make decisions on their own for their part of the project. At the end of the day, people act the way they are treated, so the best rule to stick by is to treat other people the way you want to be treated. As simple as that. 

Another effective way to generate trust is to see the people you are working from time to time in-person or even on zoom for a virtual coffee date. Having everyone turn their camera on can help everyone feel more connected and part of a team, and helps with clients as well.

To set yourself a part when working from home, upgrade your studio setup so you can look and sound your best in front of all your co workers and clients, allowing for better connection, which can lead to substantial business growth and employee confidence. We are experts at studio setup upgrades and can walk you through exactly what you need based on what you already have, and how to set it up properly (100% virtually) using our Digital Studio Setup package, contact us here to learn more!

4) Listen to EVERYONE'S ideas

Everyone on your team has great ideas, that’s one of the reasons you hired them! Take advantage of that individuality and diversity among your employees and listen to the ideas they bring to the table. Whether it be the newest hire or the longest employee, each brings different experiences and perspectives to the project that they are focussed on. Trust them and allow them to express themselves freely without judgment! Give the good ideas a try; you never know what might happen – other than the fact that the team becomes more invested in their work and the project outcome, for starters.

5) Conduct regular check-ins

It’s no surprise that people who enjoy what they are doing are more likely to do better work. Encourage that by checking in regularly with your employees whether it be work related, or even casual conversation. Having scheduled check-ins on a weekly or monthly basis allows for team members to feel included and involved in the work environment, it also gives managers a chance to review the work that has been done and provide feedback. In terms of remote workers, it’s no question that people get burnt out from time to time when they are sleeping, eating and working all under the same roof. Employees need to know they are being supported beyond the confines of regular 1:1 chats, especially if they’re used to being able to walk over to your desk and ask a quick question. 

6) Create opportunities for learning

Employees thrive on being stimulated and challenged from time to time and this wouldn’t be possible if there weren’t opportunities to learn new things. Providing either online or hands-on learning experiences increases work productivity and overall brain stimulation, which let’s be honest we all need at times. A company can save millions in lost productivity by making sure that employees have access to the information they need to do their jobs.

7) Show your appreciation

This ties in with having trust in your team members. People are often fuelled and motivated through receiving gratitude and appreciation from others. Employers need to make their workers feel like they matter in a way that gives their work a sense of purpose. Meaningful and honest appreciation can be done through creating a simple “shout out” group chat through the company's communication platform to acknowledge the hard work that employees have been putting into a certain project or task. This way, your employees can understand what they’re doing well, and do more of it. When people feel like they’re doing good work, they want to rise to the occasion even more. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. 

8) Protect employees physical and mental health

This is a two parter. Both working at home and working in the office can make people feel fatigued and burnt out at times, providing regularly scheduled breaks and opportunities for relaxation can go a long way. Companies can promote a more positive and relaxed workspace by encouraging employees to take periodic breaks, allowing them to customize their workspace, and organizing a staff outing, picnic or retreat. Additionally, if in-person activities are not a possibility, then sharing various resources with employees so they can utilize their breaks by participating in eye, breathing and stretching exercises to feel refreshed.

Companies should also work to create a culture that encourages employees to talk openly about how they feel, both with their coworkers and managers. Employee Assistance Programmes are a great way to address problems before they begin and create a work environment where employees are happy and healthy. Talking about mental health can also go a long way towards helping employees feel supported and happy at work. Poor mental health can often lead to sick leave, which negatively impacts your business and team. Don’t keep mental health in the closet. 

9) Promote diversity

An essential ingredient to a positive workplace is diversity. Not only does a diverse workforce make it easier to attract your industry’s best and brightest, but it also increases productivity and profits. Employees are naturally more comfortable, which opens the door for creative thinking and innovative ideas. Plus, when employees are happier with their work environment, they’re less likely to spend their time looking for another job. 

10) Be spontaneous and have fun!

Everyone wants to have fun at work — even though everyone defines “fun” a little differently. Fun happens when people feel well-connected with a team where there’s mutual respect, open communication, acceptance of who people are and everyone’s collaborating and working toward the same goal. When teams are working well together, it makes it easier to be spontaneous and have some fun – whether it’s a last-minute Happy Hour on Friday after a project launch, or a brief pause in the afternoon to tell stories and have a few laughs over topics that have nothing to do about work. Sometimes we all need a break from the seriousness of business.

Conclusion

Building high-performing teams hinges on the culture you cultivate, the hybrid work environment you create, and the relationships you build. Company work culture plays such a huge role in their employees lives, so it is crucial to any team that they create and maintain the best work environment they possibly can. And remember, whether you’re a team leader or team member, everyone plays a role in contributing to your work environment.

Written by: Rena Wu

We want to know your thoughts on how your companies have positively impacted your lifestyle, or maybe how they haven’t? Share with us in the comments below!

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Thanks for reading this blog! We hope it was helpful. We are a full service media production studio, and specialize in audio / video production and marketing. If you need help with anything media related we are here and happy to help!

27 Music Production Tips for Beginners

Music production does not have to be an art set aside for those with large studios and expensive equipment. You're already halfway there if you’re passionate about recording and mixing music! Whether you’re between soundproofed walls or just in the comfort of your own home, mastering tracks is now more accessible than ever, and these 27 tips below can help you get started.

1) Expand your horizons

While you may categorize your music within various genres, looking to sounds outside your sphere can be immensely beneficial. Branching out musically will give your tracks a distinctive edge that can resonate with listeners outside your niche, widening your reach. Dave Grohl, current Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer, discussed how traditional disco drumbeats inspired the rhythm section for Nirvana's 1991 smash-hit, Smells Like Teen Spirit. Although it may take some digging across genres and generations to find sounds that strike you, the inspiration and knowledge gained from doing so are vital for creating new music.

2) Make your own sounds

Are the presets on your software sounding old and out-of-touch with your current sonic atmosphere? Record your own sounds specific to the world you're creating with your music. Having unique sounds can help you stand out in your genre and open limitless possibilities for making new music in the future. Consider using found sounds, which are sounds you don't create by singing or playing on an instrument but rather those that already exist, such as the blowing wind or birdsong.

3) Learn music theory basics

Music theory is a hotly debated topic in the world of production. While there's no doubt about the power of being able to "feel out" what sounds good with no regard for musical scales or modes, they can certainly give you an edge in the studio. Learning basic concepts can help you understand why certain sounds go together, diversifying the musical toolkit you draw upon when creating your mixes. With countless courses available online about music theory for beginners, it’s now easier than ever to get started.

4) Find your "why"

Although making a prosperous career out of music production involves a stable salary, your time in the studio shouldn't be money motivated. Ask yourself what kind of music you want to create and why you want to make it. Try to pick up new skills every time you're in the studio and pass them on to fellow producers to create a community that lifts each other up. It will show in your music if you're only making songs to fulfill a contract. On the other hand, genuinely wanting to create music because you enjoy it will ultimately result in more captivating music that communicates your love for the craft.

5) Try new approaches

Falling into the trap of chasing a "signature sound" often makes songs sound repetitive and tired. Don't be afraid to switch things up and try different chord progressions or time signatures to keep your music interesting. For instance, on Soundgarden’s 1991 album, Badmotorfinger, every song features an alternate tuning for the band’s guitars, with the song Mind Riot even having every guitar string tuned to E. While you may feel like you're taking a big jump by trying something new, every track you make is filtered through your creative lens. No matter what you produce, listeners can pick up on specific elements that make a song your own as they’re the sounds you’re instinctively drawn to. It's infinitely better to get experimental than to make the same track twice.

6) Don't be defined by genres

Genre labels may be helpful when digging through a bin at a record store, but they shouldn't dictate how you make music. Countless bands have even succeeded in mixing genres, bestowing upon them their signature sound. From Rage Against the Machine combining rap and metal to the Red Hot Chili Peppers marrying punk and funk, the lines dividing music categories are becoming increasingly blurred, so take that as an opportunity to get more experimental with your music.

7) Work with others

As you're just getting started in the music industry, know-how from seasoned professionals is invaluable. Whether you're brainstorming ideas you wouldn't have thought of alone or learning how to turn mere concepts into real audio, having an extra creative in the studio is extremely helpful. Not only will the quality of your music benefit, but you'll also learn tips that will increase your mixing efficiency. Not yet part of a production community? Don't be afraid to reach out on social media to build connections.

8) Reel it back

When putting together your final product, keep the best tracks on your final record and only the best sounds in your tracks. If you're a guitar player, for example, it can be tempting to have a record full of 12-minute songs full of solos through different pedals. Still, it's also important to recognize that your listeners' attention spans aren't infinite, and you need to make the most out of the time you have on your record to showcase your best work. This can be difficult to do at first as your repertoire is limited, but as you build your catalogue, it gets easier to decipher what tracks are worth releasing to the public.

9) Set up correctly

Buying recording equipment is only half the battle; ensuring it’s put together and placed optimally is a whole other deal. Make sure you consult the manual to ensure the hardware is in order, then play around with the acoustics of your studio to find the sweet spot where your speakers and mics should go. The specific advice when setting up speakers is to position them as far away from the walls as possible while maintaining equal distance between them and where you'll be listening. Think of creating an equilateral triangle between yourself and your speakers to ensure an optimal listening experience.

10) resist repetition

It can be tempting to listen to your old tracks right before a studio session, but doing so may send you down a hole of self-doubt. Many artists start to revel in nostalgia and subconsciously imitate their old songs, making their music sound repetitive. While there's nothing wrong with having a consistent sound as an artist, you don't want your tracks to sound tired and overdone.

11) Know when to stOP

Being in the producer's chair opens your ears to every tiny mistake in your music. The true test of a producer is knowing when to stop editing and wrap up the song or mix you're working on. Whether stopping and sending it to the "finished" pile or just stepping back and scrapping it altogether, knowing when to stop working on a track will save you valuable studio time, allowing you to tend to your other projects.

12) Use what you've got

Buying all the newest gear to keep your music sounding up-to-date and fresh is tempting, but learning to use what you have can be highly gratifying and valuable in its own right. Instead of buying another app that you may only gain a surface-level understanding of before buying the next, aim to gain a deeper understanding of the software you already have. Learning to use all that your equipment offers can inspire you to take new turns with your mixes and produce interesting sounds with previously hidden features.

13) Revisit your first mixes

Frequently, the first ideas you think up are the best. After countless hours laboring over a single track, trying everything to get it perfect, the final product is usually found in the first mix. Typically, the first mixes are the most effective at capturing the original message or sound you wanted to convey, with other versions usually just containing filler.

14) Balance originality and presets

Holding yourself to the standard of creating music that's 100% original can put immense pressure on your shoulders, thereby fostering inactivity. While you should strive to create sounds that are unique to you, it's not cheating to use the preset functions offered by your software. By allowing yourself to tap into the provided sounds, you can focus on the bigger picture of overall sound without getting caught up in details like the equalization of individual sounds, which can hinder your productivity in a creative rut.

15) Record first, think later

The "all eyes on me" feeling can be pretty nerve-wracking when stepping in front of a microphone to record. Capture some laid-back magic in the studio before formally stepping into the booth by recording as soon as you enter. This way, you can document any jams or unscripted moments that occur when getting settled in that can blossom into something great down the line.

16) Set goals

Breaking into the music industry is no easy task. What can help, however, is setting goals and breaking them down into tasks you can complete daily. This way, you can track your progress in the studio and re-evaluate your plans to ensure they're still achievable and relevant.

17) Don't rush

There are countless interviews where artists share how they wrote the lyrics to one of their hit songs on a napkin in under 30 minutes. For some people, this can work, but understanding a track's full potential can take time and should not be rushed. Don't be afraid to take time experimenting with different sounds, re-arranging verses, or just packing a track away to deal with another time. It's better to take time on a track you're proud of than to release a song to meet a deadline.

18) Know your listeners

You shouldn't limit your music strictly to what you think your listeners will enjoy. Still, it can be helpful to imagine whom you want to be listening to your music. if you are making music to be played in specific venues such as restaurants or cafes, for example, you'll want to choose more ambient, passive sounds as opposed to tracks intended for targeted demographics. Another helpful cue when making music is to imagine the type of songs you wish you had heard growing up. You can then tap into your past and present influences to make music that a vast audience can enjoy.

19) Be consistent

Relying on motivation to get in the studio will only get you so far, but being consistent with a schedule Is when you're going to notice an improvement in your work. Documenting what you've done every time you get to work will help you see how far you've come in making your tracks. You can also note what you wish to complete before getting started to hold you accountable and ensure you're not wasting time in the studio.

20) Limit distractions

Getting inspired is one thing, but constantly getting off-track from your responsibilities is a waste of time. Narrow your focus on what you want to have completed every time you sit down to work. This way, you're less tempted to go off doing other unproductive tasks, leaving you unsure of what you got completed for the day. Countless apps are available that help limit distractions to ensure you are the most productive you can be.

21) Learn software techniques

You can be a skilled musician, but your tracks may not be worth listening to if you don't know how to use your production software to communicate that. Get familiar with all your production software has to offer, even functions you may not think apply to you. With a vast array of knowledge, you can successfully record your current tracks and possibly inspire new ones with ideas of how you can practice specific techniques.

22) Stay inspired

While you shouldn't wait for inspiration to strike to get started recording tracks, surrounding yourself with things that spark creativity is an easy way to stay inspired. You can check out what other music producers are working on, listen to new genres of music, or even look at things like films or video games to step out of the typical music bubble, all while still being introduced to new ideas you can apply to your work.  

23) Have a vision

To have a successful music production experience, you should be clear about what you want to achieve and how you will achieve it. That's not to say that you should follow one concrete plan without room for evolution; rather, the opposite. An idea of how your work will turn out invites creativity as you can brainstorm various methods to get there and tweak your final product.

24) Create a Designated workspace

Having a specific area where you can walk in and know it's time to work can be highly beneficial as a music producer. Complete with all the necessary equipment, this space should be somewhere you can go when you either have a set idea ready to record or are just trying to get some concepts down for an upcoming track. By no means do you have to have a professional recording studio; what a home studio can do now is what someone 30 years ago would have needed a team of experts to do.

25) Enjoy the process

Music production is a true test of creativity, dedication, patience, and consistency. While it can be a grueling process with sleepless nights and creative blocks, make sure you're enjoying the time you spend producing music. You have the opportunity to contribute to the ever-changing music industry with tracks that express who you are both as an artist and individual. It's no easy feat, but it's rewarding to look back and see how your sonic atmosphere has developed into a reflection of you which is then communicated to your listeners

26) Accept feedback and critiques

Putting out tracks is scary; there's no doubt about it. As such, it can be hard to hear anything other than praise when letting others listen to your mixes. It is crucial, however, to remain open to critiques as they usually come from a place of care and others wanting to see you improve. Learning to accept when your music may be lacking can only help you grow as an artist and will enhance your music drastically.

27) Finish your tracks

Seeing a track through from start to finish is a valuable learning experience. In front of your eyes, you can see how a concept can go through various changes and overcome challenges yet still communicate an original idea or message. You also improve your workflow and build confidence by familiarizing yourself with finishing up a track and increasing your catalogue.

CONCLUSION

We hope these 27 tips clear some of the fog around music production, regardless of whether you're a beginner starting out or a pro looking for some extra information. Learning your software, staying consistent, and communicating your love for the craft are all essential when getting into producing music and setting yourself apart in the crowd. Happy producing!

Written by Midhat Mujaddid

Will you be trying any of these music production tips? Do you know a producer who you could share them with? We'd love to hear in the comments below!

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If you’re wanting to learn more about music production and business, we are developing a course called Producer Launch that will take you from beginner, all the way to knowing how to become a successful producer for a living!

Sign up here to be notified when it launches for an exclusive 50% off!

9 Extremely Effective Social Media Tools for Bloggers

Social media has skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade. As a result, various social media tools are available to help bloggers reach a wider audience and promote their content more effectively.

If you're serious about promoting your blog, you must be active on social media, and there's simply no getting around it. You know that social media is a powerful tool to reach new audiences and grow your blog.  

But with so many social media platforms, it's challenging to get started and know how to make the most of them.

Why Do Bloggers Need Social Media Tools?

There are a few key reasons you should use social media tools for your blog. First, they help you save time by automating or simplifying tasks related to sharing and promoting your writing. 

Second, social media tools can help you optimise your social media activity to get the most out of your efforts. And third, they can help you track your progress and measure your success over time.

Now that we've covered why you should use social media tools for blogging, let's look at the tools out there. There are a number of great social media tools available to bloggers, but some of the most popular ones include Hootsuite, Buffer, and CoSchedule.

These tools can help you automate your social media sharing, track your progress, and measure your success. So if you're looking to get the most out of your social media efforts, be sure to check out one of these great tools. Let's look at the top 10 social media tools that can help bloggers expand their audience and reach.

Top 9 Social Media Tools for Bloggers

To save you time, we've put together this list of social media marketing tools every blogger should use. These tools will help you get the most out of your social media marketing efforts, from scheduling posts to analyzing your social media activity.

Let's get right into the list!

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a must-have tool for any serious social media user. It allows you to manage all your social media accounts in one place, schedule posts in advance, track who's talking about you, and measure your success over time.

Some of the best features of Hootsuite:

• Schedule posts in advance

• Track who's talking about you

• Measure your success over time

Pricing: Starts at $65 per month

SocialMention

SocialMention is a great way to track your brand's online presence. It allows you to see what people say about you across the web, including on social media, blogs, and news sites.

Some of the best features of SocialMention:

• Monitor your brand's online presence

• See what people are saying about you across the web

• Find out which influencers are talking about you

Pricing: Free

InVideo

Perfect social media marketing tool for marketers and bloggers into producing videos, InVideo helps you create wonderful marketing videos in just a few minutes. Users also get access to features like masks, stickers, and vector shapes to make their videos interesting. InVideo comes with an 8M+ iStock library, 3M+ standard media library, and 1M+ premium media library. Users are allowed to export more than 60 videos per month at 720p resolution.

InVideo serves as a sophisticated social media asset management tool. It provides all capabilities to create impressive videos for a vibrant social media presence. 

Pricing: The pricing model allows monthly and yearly subscriptions. The pricing model comprises of 2 plans, $15 for Business(Monthly) and $30 for Unlimited (Monthly) and $180 annually for Business and $360 for Unlimited.

Google Alerts

Google Alerts is a simple but handy tool that can help you keep track of the latest news and information about your topic of interest. You can use it to find out what's being said about your company or product online, get the latest news on a competitor, or stay up-to-date on current events related to your industry.

Some of the best features of Google Alerts:

• Get notifications whenever someone mentions your brand or blog online

• Track your online reputation

• Find out which influencers are talking about you

Buffer

Buffer is one of the most popular social media marketing tools. Like Hootsuite, it allows you to manage all your social media accounts in one place and schedule posts in advance.

Buffer also has unique features, like customising when and how your posts are published.

Some of the best features of Buffer:

• Schedule posts in advance

• Customise the time of day when your posts are published

• Buffer posts to multiple accounts at once

Pricing: Starts at $15 per month

Tweriod

Tweriod is a must-have tool for Twitter users. Tweriod is a tool that helps you figure out the best times to tweet. It analyzes your tweets and followers to determine the best time of day for you to tweet to get more exposure and engagement.

Some of the best features of Tweriod:

• Analyse your Twitter account to find the best times to tweet

• Find out when your tweets get the most engagement

• Schedule your tweets in advance

Pricing: Starts at $19 per month

BuzzSumo

BuzzSumo is a tool that allows you to see the most popular content on social media. It's an excellent way to find new content to share with your followers and help you identify influencers in your niche.

Some of the best features of BuzzSumo:

• See the most popular content on social media

• Find new content to share with your followers

• Identify influencers in your niche

Pricing: Starts at $99 per month

Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a social media tool that helps businesses grow their social media presence. It offers tools to help businesses schedule posts, analyse social media analytics, and manage social media accounts.

Sprout's tools help companies save time and money while growing their social media presence. 

Some of the best features of Sprout Social:

• Schedule posts in advance

• Generate reports and analytics

• Monitor your social media activity

Pricing: Starts at $99 per month

HubSpot's Social Inbox Tool

HubSpot's Social Inbox tool allows you to monitor and respond to social media comments from one central location. It's an excellent tool to keep track of all the conversations about your brand online, making it easy to respond quickly to any comments or questions.

Some of the best features of HubSpot's Social Inbox:

• Monitor and respond to social media comments from one central location

• Keep track of all the conversations happening about your brand online

• Respond quickly to any comments or questions

Pricing: Included with Marketing Hub, which starts at $45 per month.

Canva

Canva is an excellent tool for creating visuals for your social media posts. It's easy to use and has a wide range of templates, so you can create professional-looking images even if you're not a designer.

Some of the best features of Canva:

• Create professional-looking images

• Wide range of templates

• Easy to use

Pricing: Starts free. Upgrade to Canva Pro for $12.99 per month

These are just some of the social media marketing tools available. If you're serious about growing your brand online, it's worth exploring all the options and finding the best tools for you.

Conclusion

There are various social media marketing tools available, each with unique features. These tools can help you manage your social media accounts, track your online reputation, schedule posts in advance, and more.

Each social media marketing tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Test out a few different tools before settling on one, and make sure to read reviews to get a sense of what other users think. With the right tool, you can make social media marketing a breeze. Thanks for reading!