5 Hacks to Boost Productivity at Workplace

Check out these few simple tips to increase productivity in workplace.

1.      Create to-do lists:
Prioritizing is greatly beneficial especially when there are a lot of tasks at hand. Time allocation will not only keep you on track thus preventing procrastination, but also provided needed motivation to get through a long to-do list.

2.      Take breaks in between:
Productivity is not measured by the number of hours you are glued to your desk. Instead, getting out of your work environment can reduce mental fatigue and refresh creativity. For maximum enjoyment, refrain from setting a strict time limit when taking breaks as they are more effective when taken as you see fit.

3.      Minimize potential distractions:
In this day and age where our society is becoming increasingly hyper-connected, distractions are everywhere. While taking short breaks from work could help you regain focus, moderation is key. As distractions are some of the biggest productivity killers, implementing measures to help you control these unnecessary disturbances is crucial.

4.      Set ambitious yet within-reach goals:
Whether it is personal or professional goals, you are more like to perform productively for the sake of personal challenge. Goal setting provides self-discipline as well as a sense of accomplishment when these goals are met.

5.      Reward yourself for motivation:
Incentives can come in various forms whether it is time off from work or a purchase that has been on your to-buy list. Rewards can drive motivation as it offers more strive to power through daily mundane tasks. 

Why you are older in Korea!

In Korea, attention paid to relative ages is much more accentuated than Western culture as it dictates the nature of interactions between two people. In a culture where the language reflects the relationship between the speaker and the subject, it is nothing out of the ordinary to be asked about your age in the first few seconds of meeting one another. One thing to note is that Koreans determine age by the East Asian age reckoning system. A concept and practice originated in China, the system was traditionally adopted by various cultures in East Asia. While, Korea is one of the remaining nations that still practice this custom.

With the East Asian age reckoning system, one year is added to a person’s age at the beginning of each calendar year. This puts newborns at 1 year old. Hence, no matter what day of the year you were born on, you are essentially the same age as everyone else born in that same calendar year. Depending on the time of the year, a person’s age could differ from the conventional age counting system by as much as 2 years. For instance, in Korea, if a baby happens to be born on December 31^st, he/she will be turning two years old on New Year’s Day, when in fact the infant would just be turning two days old based on their biological age from birth. Nonetheless, there are exceptions to the use of this counting system. As a matter of fact, the Western system is designated for all legal procedures and regulations regarding age limit. So to save yourself the trouble of calculating your Korean age next time you are visiting Korea, it is always acceptable to tell someone your birth year as an alternative! 

Tokyo 2020: a tech-filled event

Japan, a nation known for its technological innovations, is setting out to host the most futuristic Olympics we have ever seen in 2020. From robots directing visitors around the stadiums to self-driving cars criss-crossing the streets of Tokyo, the country hopes to launch ambitious tech ventures that will help boost local economy and leave lasting impressions.

One of the most automated nations in the world, Japan aims to continue its reputation by launching an instant translation app for visitors during the 2020 Olympics. Designed by Panasonic, the application is programmed so that when one speaks into the mobile device, there audio will be translated into a different language.  Although there are already an abundance of translation applications on the market, this specific proposal boasts instantaneously translations and is intended for use on a more complex level. It is anticipated to provide great assistance even in medical emergency situations. Moreover, the electronic giant hopes to add to the software a function for visitors to scan Japanese signboards and translates them on the spot. The software will be available for download on mobile devices as well as on computers and phones at tourist dense spots like train stations and tourist attractions.

Already setting the tone with Japanese prime minister’s jaw-dropping entrance at Rio’s ending ceremony, it is highly anticipated what Tokyo has in store for the 2020 Olympic games. 

Confucius

A prominent figure in China, Confucius’s legacy extends beyond East Asia. Born on September 28^th, 551 BC, Confucius was most commonly known as Kongzi among those around him. Aimed to make education widely available, he devoted his life to mastering and teaching the purpose of social improvement. As a firm believer of self-cultivation, he pioneered teaching as a form of character building, rather than mere knowledge acquisition. Confucianism upholds itself with practical aspects of life, specifically social interactions. From personal manners to family relations, his method of teachings revolves around self-improvement and is built on the basis of moral and ethical grounds. Despite not making significant impact on Chinese culture during his time, Confucius’ teachings were made into an elaborate set of rules by his disciples and grandson, Zisi after his death. Continuing his philosophical school, ideals of Confucianism continued to spread and eventually reached the royal courts of China. To this day, he is widely considered as one of the most influential teachers in Chinese history. 

Bunny Island

Positioned in the Inland Sea of Japan, the small island of Okunoshima is occupied by heaps of freely roaming wild rabbits. Perhaps better known as “Bunny Island”, it has become a major tourist destination. In recent years, an increasing number of visitors have made the trip to feed and snap photos of the fluffy residents. However, the island intertwined with a dark past has not always been so tourist friendly.

A rather stark contrast to the current bunny enclave, the island previously served as a production site for Japan’s chemical weapons during WWII.  Between 1929-1945, the Japanese army produced over 6000 tons of poisonous gas and a colony of rabbits were brought to the island in order to test the effects of the poison.  It remains unsure whether all the rabbits were killed off during the experiments but there is no proof that today’s inhabitants on the “Bunny Island” are descendants of the unfortunate test subjects. Other rumors include visitors intentionally setting bunnies loose on the island to simply add tourist appeal.

Now, Okunoshima is a popular attraction with its own resort and camping grounds. Since there have not been any official decontamination efforts from the government, groundwater and some of the soil is still toxic from chemical munitions plants and is deemed unsafe for human consumption. Thus, visitors are encouraged to feed the rabbits with carrots and cabbages as natural food sources are scarce. Open bottles of water can also be seen left out around the island for the rabbits to consume. Although the source of these furry creatures remains a mystery, the population continues to thrive with the help of humans and a lack of natural predators on the island.

Rags to Riches

In a world where innovation is the key driver to progress, Forever 21’s fast-fashion business model excels exceptionally. Arriving in Los Angeles penniless in 1981, Do Won “Don” Chang and his wife struggled to balance three part-time jobs to make ends meet. It all began in 1984, when the duo opened up their first store, Fashion 21 in Los Angeles, California. Mimicking the fast and affordable street fashion of Seoul, the South Korean immigrant couple made remarkable accomplishments within just one year. With sales soaring over $700,000 in less than 12 months, they began opening a new store every six months. As of 2016, the privately held fashion empire has generated a revenue of $4.6 billion and boasts more than 700 stores across the world.

Straying from traditional models of fashion retailers, Forever 21 thrives on a fast fashion business model by relying on a constant influx of merchandise. In fact, the idea of moving merchandise quickly from the designer’s table to the sales floor has brought them immense success, even outperforming its non-fast fashion counterparts.  Coupled with relatively low price points, these fresh off the runaway items reign supreme among fashion forward yet budget conscious consumers. With a limited production season, merchandise is usually not replenished once it is sold out. Knowing this, shoppers purchase items as soon as they lay their eyes on it. This revolutionary business model thus creates huge demands while assuring quick turnover, resulting in huge profits for the retailer.

Even with the company’s tremendous growth, it has remained a family owned business with Don serving as CEO, his wife serving as merchandising officer and their two daughters monitoring the marketing elements of the company. “Forever 21 gives hope to people who come here with almost nothing,” said Don, wishing that his humbling rags to riches experience will serve as an example for newcomers in the United States to not give up and pursue their dreams.

Apps to Replace Professional Translators?

Nowadays, applications can turn your words into a foreign language; simply by talking into your mobile device. Despite sophisticated advances in technology, it remains unsure whether machines will revolutionize the industry or if good old fashioned translators are here to stay.  

When humans try to infer meaning, we are accustomed to interpreting based on a multitude of contextual clues simultaneously. Conversely, it is impossible for a machine to fine tune translations when it cannot explicate volume, pitch, or more importantly, situation.  By relying on technology to navigate through the intricacies of human languages, you can expect no more than the gist of a foreign tongue. As a result, machine produced translations feel either awkwardly unnatural or are just outright wrong.

Widely recognized as a valuable tool, intelligent personal navigators like Siri proves that further advancements in user interface could potentially bring an end to translation agencies altogether. Immediately, these claims remain to be premature as many of these inventions are still in experimental stages. With computer software bound to result in blunders by simply translating word for word, there is likely a sustained demand for human translators. Rather than eradicating the industry, machines are instead more likely to increase efficiency.

The Etiquette of Doing Business Abroad

Along with rapidly increasing globalization, international business has become a popular topic in recent years. More than simply implementing proven domestic business models in a foreign market, local cultures and customs should always be taken into consideration when managing international operations. While some countries share highly similar etiquette, some are a world apart from what is acceptable in the American business environment. To avoid making cultural faux pas when doing business in foreign countries, please read these recommended tips:

China:

·        Business cards are viewed as if it were a physical extension of that person. It is important to exchange the card with both hands and examine it for a short duration before putting it away.

·        When offered a gift, decline initially before finally accepting, to not appear greedy.

India:

·        Opposite genders should not make physical contact when meeting or leaving.

·        It is considered rude to plunge into negotiation immediately upon meeting. Always engage in small talk before beginning business discussions.

Japan:

·        Handshakes are often avoided in business environments. Instead, bow during an introduction.

·        Seating arrangements are taken very seriously in all settings. You should always be seated across from someone who is of similar ranks to you.
Korea:

·        Avoid hugging even if it is not your first encounter. The culture around hugging is more conservative in Korea and is usually reserved for couples or families.

·        When engaging in social drinking, the first glass must always be finished if possible. It signifies that you are a part of the group.

Chinese Tourist Mistakenly Ends Up in Refugee Camp

A simple mistake due to language barriers left a man stranded at a refugee center for almost two weeks. An unidentified 31 year old Chinese man, who spoke only Mandarin, had traveled to Europe by himself as a tourist only to have his wallet stolen. When he turned to local officials to report his stolen property, he unwittingly signed an asylum application. After being robbed in the town of Heidelberg, the man mistook the city hall as a police station, where he accidentally signed the application in the midst of confusion. A routine for asylum seekers, the man was sent to a processing center, then a refugee reception center 220 miles away in the town of Duelmen. Upon arrival, his passport was confiscated and he began his daily routine amongst thousands of other refugees in the shelter.  

Trapped in the bureaucratic blunder for almost two weeks, the man reportedly kept attempting to relay his story but no one could understand him. He eventually drew the attention of a Red Cross staff because of his neat attire and his repeated request for his passport back, all very uncommon for most refugees. Using a mobile translation app, local authorities were able to make basic communications with the man but it was not much help. It wasn’t until two weeks later that the truth was revealed when a local Chinese restaurant was enlisted to assist in translation. The man is said to have continued on his journey throughout Europe after resolving the misunderstanding.  

Since the incident, Chinese netizens have taken to online discussion forums to express their respect for the unidentified man. While some are impressed by his courage to travel independently unable to communicate, some questioned if he had intended for a short-cut immigration.

Journey from a box of cereal to a $25.5 billion company

 In 2007, Founders of Airbnb, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia had just moved to San Francisco from New York. Unemployed and struggling to make ends meet, the pair saw an opportunity for great business venture when a local conference attracted a great number of visitors. With a high demand for accommodations, their idea was to provide visitors an affordable stay along with homemade breakfast to set themselves apart from the traditional hospitality industry. After purchasing a couple of airbeds and launching their website, the first Airbnb guests were born. 

Although there were great responses inquiring to see when the site would be available for other destinations around the world, the founders had no way to fund their rental business. In 2008, that turning point came. In the midst of presidential election season, they capitalized on the opportunity to sell collectible political cereals to keep the company afloat and raise brand awareness. With the help of hot glue guns, customized boxes of "Obama O's" and "Captain McCain" were assembled and stuffed with Cheerios and Captain Crunch. Sold at $40 apiece, a total of $30,000 of startup funds were raised in no time and the accumulated debt was paid off. 

With an estimate of 37 million one-night stays annually and more than one million listings worldwide, it is safe to say that Airbnb, valued at $25.5 billion is the most valuable accommodations company in the world. All thanks to a box of cereal, the home-sharing giant has now surpassed all its competitors while making a significant impact on the hospitality industry. 

Technology to Translate "ee-awws" into Human Language

Unless you are Shrek, it is hard to fathom communicating with a Donkey in real life, or any animal for that matter. Yet, a self-proclaimed “donkey whisperer” in London has introduced a translation system that analyzes donkey sounds and associates them with particular emotions. This invention came about when Mark Ineson, owner of 17 donkeys developed an interest in the animal’s emotions and mannerisms. Partnering with technology firm, Design Works, the translation system offers one-of- a- kind donkey rides to children.

During the ride, passengers are required to wear a headset which allows them to hear the animals’ sound, supposedly translated into English. The technology behind the invention analyzes each unique sound, frequency and vibration of “ee-awws”. The translation system then produces a phrase that reflects the mind and mood of the animal.

Despite being a popular summer attraction, the “talking donkey” experience has drawn endless criticisms from animal rights groups. Many denounced that the showcase location in bustling central London, creates a stressful environment for the donkeys. The event, marketed as a form of entertainment, also promotes and encourages animal exploitation among the younger generations. Animal rights aside, it remains difficult to decipher whether the translations are accurate despite Ineson’s claims.

"Face"- Etiquette in Asian Culture

In the west, we tend to appreciate straightforwardness and honesty while the opposite often holds true in Asia. In countries like Japan and China, the concept of “face” guides the daily interactions. Of course, the “face” in question has nothing to do with human anatomy but rather, a highly respectful way of relating to those around you.

This abstract custom can be divided into losing face and saving face, sometimes also known as building face. Losing face is not limited to one person; instead, it is the etiquette to prevent those around you from losing face through embarrassment suffered on your behalf. Some examples include avoid pointing out someone’s mistakes openly in front of a crowd; avoid causing a scene in public; and to politely refuse a gift initially but always eventually accepting the token. Building face on the other hand suggests honorable traits such as giving credit to where it is due and shifting the spotlight away from yourself in appropriate settings.

Although saving and losing face are taken into account during all interactions in Asia, it is a great deal of importance and especially visible in business environments. For instance, it is important to refrain from physical contact in casual Western manner and to dress for the occasion to show respect when conducting businesses. Inappropriate handling of these situations could cause humiliation and potential lowering of status. The concept of face is a combination of reputation, dignity and honor that could even outweigh the importance of the original issue.

China's Futuristic Bus: Hit or Miss

In 2010, a Beijing based company unveiled the proposition of an elevated bus at the 19^th International high-tech expo in Beijing. With car ownership soaring in China, the company behind the invention hopes that this revolutionary vehicle will be the answer to easing traffic congestion and air pollution.  However, the test drive earlier this month proved this seemingly feasible design to be far from perfect.

Named the Transit Elevated Bus (TEB), the electricity-powered vehicle straddles the highway on embedded rails and allows vehicles to pass underneath its carriages. Since TEB runs on electricity, it is estimated to reduce annual fuel consumption by as much as 800 tons and carbon emissions by almost 2500 tons. Moreover, the project would be less costly to implement than a traditional subway system that would require underground construction. Capable of transporting up to 1400 commuters, this sci-fi vehicle lookalike is sure to be a promising solution to relieving traffic jams.

Although the project was highly anticipated, the prototype that debuted last week has onlookers thinking otherwise. Critics around the world were fast to point out various complications with this bus system.To name a few, TEB can only operate on straight roads. Vehicles that are over 7 feet would be too large to fit under, and there would be a serious challenge to prevent it from interfering with cars making turns and changing lanes. Despite it being an innovative answer to curb congestion and pollution, this ambitious proposal would need some major revisions before its launch. Perhaps, new cities to be built with this massive vehicle in mind would have better luck implementing it. 

From Syria to Rio

Less than two years ago, Yusra Mardini was swimming for her life across the Mediterranean Sea. Today, she is a member of the 2016 Olympic Refugee Team competing in Rio. Mardini had always been a competitive swimmer in Damascus, but training was often disrupted by bombings near the swimming center.  In 2014, she fled the Syrian war with her sister when things began to deteriorate at home. The siblings were traveling from Lebanon to Greece when the boat’s motor failed during the treacherous crossing. Instinctively, Mardini and her sister dived in and pushed the boat to Greek shores after swimming in frigid water for nearly 3 hours. Eventually, after 35 days of fleeing on land, they safely arrived in Berlin and have since been joined by the rest of their family.

Soon after, an interpreter at the Refugee camp connected Mardini with a local swim club. In hopes to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, her astonishing progress unexpectedly earned her a chance to qualify for the International Olympic Committee’s refugee team for the 2016 Olympics. On Saturday, the 18-year old competed and won her heat in the 100m butterfly, placing 41^st overall. Despite not being fast enough to qualify for semifinals, Mardini will have another chance to rise in ranks when she competes in her second individual event - the first heat for women's 100m freestyle. Although a medal in Rio is out of reach, the teenager hopes to use the spotlight she has received to inspire others and bring attention to other refugees in need. 

Translation Gadget to Collapse Language Barrier

Waverly Labs, a New York- based company has announced the launch of a new gadget that will allow two people who speak different languages to communicate with each other almost instantaneously. Set to be released in autumn of this year, the wearable device is designed to translate between Latin/romance languages (additional languages will be available soon after), promising a world without language barriers.

Utilizing the latest technologies in speech recognition and machine translation, the earpiece would allow wearers to understand each other despite speaking in completely different languages. Currently, the first generation device only translates the conversation between two people wearing the earpieces. However, the company has expressed hopes to introduce upgraded models that would support translation of everything surrounding the user in the future.

Although this might be the world’s first smart earpiece, real-time translation technology is in fact not unfamiliar to the industry. Currently, there is a Google Translate mobile application that allows real-time translation, and Skype, a video and call services application that provides translations between callers who are speaking different languages. A key feature that sets this new invention apart is that it functions completely offline, unlike its competitors who rely on internet connection. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how this groundbreaking gadget will fare among all the tech giants who are heading towards real-time translation.

Asian Taboos in Gift Giving

There is no doubt that gift-giving plays an essential role in facilitating business practices and enhancing relationships. As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, an increasing number of companies are doing businesses abroad in China. With that being said, it is important to recognize the process of gift selection in the East. Where gift giving is much more elaborate than the West, a heavier emphasis is put on symbolism rather than the actual gift itself. Since implications contained by gifts vary among culture, it is very feasible to give a gift with an unintended message.

Here is a list of common gifts considered to be taboo in Chinese culture:

Clock
Among all of the gift giving taboos, clocks and watches are considered to be the biggest faux pas of all. The act of giving a clock is "送鐘" in Mandarin Chinese, pronounced as "song zhong" which shares the same homophone as "送終 ", meaning to bid farewell to a dying person. Therefore, gifting a clock is best avoided, especially to an elder as it signifies the end, which the recipient could associate with death.

Knife
Not only unique to Chinese culture, it is a common superstition across the world that knives and other sharp objects alike imply cutting ties between the giver and the receiver. Offering a knife as a gift might lead the recipient to conclude that you want to make a clean break.

Shoes
In Cantonese, the pronunciation of shoes is "hai" which shares the same homophones as the sound of a sigh. Giving a pair of shoes could suggest sending the recipient misfortune and unhappiness. Another interpretation is that by offering shoes, you want the recipient to leave your life, thus ending the relationship between the two of you.

If it is inevitable that these gifts must be given, the taboo can be broken by enclosing a small dollar amount with the present so the recipient could promptly use the money as "payment" in exchange for the item. Strictly speaking, this exchange then becomes a transaction.

Russian Roulette at the Dinner Table

The infamous Japanese specialty “fugu” or puffer fish is so poisonous that a single mistake in preparation could be fatal. Famed for its lethal insides, the fish contains a high concentration of anhydrotetrodotoxin 4-epitetrodotoxin, so potent that a dose smaller than the head of a pin could kill 5 full grown men.  Up to 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide, the ovaries are considered to be the most lethal. However, consumption of other organs such as liver and roe are just as deadly- all of which are incinerated after processing in accordance with Japanese law.

Typically, this gelatinous delicacy is prepared raw as fugu sashimi. Delicate leaves of translucent flesh are served on a large patterned plate, arranged in the shape of a chrysanthemum- a flower symbolic of death in Japan. Other times, it is served cooked as fugu tempura or as a broth for noodle dishes and stews. Due to high risks, fugu chefs undergo years of rigorous training and examinations to obtain a preparation license. As a result, this near-death experience often comes with a hefty price tag. If there is even the slightest quantity of toxin present in a served dish, tingling of the lips would be the first indication of tetrodotoxin poisoning.  At a significant dosage, there would be a growing paralysis of the body, eventually leading to respiratory arrest, then death, all while the victim is fully conscious. Unfortunately, Tetrodotoxin has no known antidote.

With advances in fish farming, breeders are now mass raising non-poisonous puffer fish. However, the poison-filled version is as popular as ever among both chefs and diners. Naturally, fugu chefs are outraged by the emergence of this new market as they want to protect their vested interests. As for Japanese restaurant go-ers, the thought of their “very last meal” is perhaps part of its allure. 

“It’s not about shoes”

The Amazon owned online retailer recently logged its longest customer service call at 10 hours and 43 minutes, breaking its own internal record. In typical corporate culture, employees are often denounced for their inefficiency, but this particular employee expressed that his colleagues had gone as far as offering him food and water throughout the call to show their support. This customer-friendly company is none other than Zappos, a 17-year-old e-commerce giant.

Established in 1999, Zappos was founded on striving for purpose beyond profit. Understanding the highly competitive market, the company heavily invested in building a culture internally, and externally with customers. Rather than spending a fortune on traditional advertising, the company focused its efforts on satisfying its customers to generate organic publicity. In fact, employees are encouraged to go to extra lengths to please customers by staying on support calls for as long as needed and even offering free service upgrades whenever employees deem necessary. This unique customer-centric culture eventually became the number one driver in the company’s tremendous growth.

Earlier this year, the company began adopting Holocracy; a forefront management system where power is removed from the management hierarchy of the organization. By distributing authority across the board, CEO, Tony Hsieh believes that it will cultivate a collaborative mindset and instill a sense of self-organization and management in its employees. In conjunction with a campus featuring an open layout, Hsieh has seemingly defined the perfect link between a productive work environment and a workforce built on close knit friendships. Never mind maintaining a work-life balance, Zappos has once again proven itself to be the leader of avant-garde business management.