Increase Your WFH Productivity With These Samsung Galaxy Deals

Enjoy bundled gifts worth up to $1,6951 with these Samsung Galaxy deals.

Working from home can be challenging, but having the right tools on hand can help you stay productive and win the day.

Be mobile and able

You’ll need a device that’s powerful enough to create your in-office productivity. The Galaxy S20 series – Samsung’s latest flagship – and its Microsoft Office tools are what you need to help you stay engaged and work efficiently:

  • Being able to access all of your data is key. With cloud storage, you can access all your important files from home, without worrying which device you are working from. The Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription2 gives you 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage and access to premium Office apps such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.
  • Sync your PC and phone – Samsung’s Link To Windows3 feature easily mirrors your phone screen to your PC. That way, you can keep track of tasks on your phone and PC simultaneously on one device, helping you to streamline your work process.

Get a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription + Samsung 24” FHD Monitor (worth $296 in total)1 with purchase of the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G.

Get a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription + Wireless Charger Stand (worth $226 in total)1 with purchase of the Galaxy S20+ | S20

Samsung Online Store Exclusive: Get a Samsung 27” Essential Curved Monitor (U.P. $288) at $1881 with purchase of Galaxy S20+ | S20

Better notes start with the right tools

Become WFH pros with some of these Galaxy Note10 features:

  • When you’re working remotely, staying focused may be challenging, especially after endless hours of virtual meetings. One simple hack is to take handwritten notes instead of typing them to avoid getting distracted by what’s happening on your PC screen. Plus, writing notes by hand can boost your memory power. The Galaxy S Pen on the Note10 will seamlessly convert your handwriting to text4, and when you’re done, you can share your notes via a Microsoft Word doc or an Outlook email.
  • Ever had a great idea that you just can’t remember? We could all benefit from having a quick way to capture our thoughts whenever inspiration strikes. Jot down your ideas on the Galaxy Note10 screen without even opening an app.
  • Why stop at simple notes? Use the Galaxy Note10 with Samsung Notes and easily create rich multimedia content with photos and audio tracks.

Get a 12-month Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription + Wireless Charger Stand (worth $226 in total)1 with purchase of the Galaxy Note10 series.  

 Samsung Online Store Exclusive: Get a Samsung 27” Essential Curved Monitor (U.P. $288) at $1881 with purchase of the Galaxy Note10 series. 

 Set WFH boundaries

To avoid burnout, draw strict boundaries that ensure much-needed breaks and “me time”. Schedule time onto your calendar to take a well-deserved break to catch up on all your favourite shows.  The Galaxy Tab S5e is the perfect companion for your in-home entertainment experience.

At only 5.5mm thin and weighing 400grams, the Galaxy Tab S5e is Samsung’s slimmest tablet yet5. With its quick-charging 7,040mAh (typical)6 battery, you can enjoy up to 15 hours7 of video play on a 10.5-inch8 Super AMOLED display that delivers stunning colours and optimal screen brightness. Featuring an AKG Quad Speaker system sound and Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound, enjoy rich, true-to-life sounds that will keep you fully immersed in what’s on screen.

Purchase the Galaxy Tab S5e and get a free 12-month Viu Premium Subscription and Book Cover in black (worth $194 in total)1.

Prefer something more versatile? Meet the category-defying Galaxy Fold. The Galaxy Fold is both a smartphone and a tablet, offering you the best of both worlds, whether for work or for play.

We love how you can even easily mirror9  the Galaxy Fold screen to the TV to watch all your favourite dramas with your loved ones.

Get the Galaxy Fold and enjoy a Samsung 43” QLED Q60T 4K Smart TV and 12-month Viu Premium Subscription (worth $1,695)1.

Stay Strong While You Stay In

Working from home can blur the lines between work and rest. If you find it difficult to disengage after a day at work, one of the best ways to boost your energy is to get active. The Samsung Health app tracks your daily progression on activity level, workout intensity, sleep quality, calorie and water intake and recommends new fitness programmes according to your fitness interest. Track your workouts with the Galaxy Watch Active2. The Samsung smartwatch tracks all your activity in one place, so that you can take charge of your fitness and establish a fitness routine to keep yourself in shape.

Save $20 and get a free Wireless Battery Pack worth $981 when you purchase the Galaxy Watch Active2.

 

All promotions are valid at Samsung Online Store, selected Consumer Electronics and IT online stores and Online Retailers from 9 May to 7 June 2020, unless otherwise stated.

T&Cs apply. For more details, visit here.

1 While stocks last, terms and conditions apply. Please check at Samsung Online Store for details.
2 Subscription charges may apply.
3 Availability may vary depending on country or carrier. Compatibility and availability of functions and features may vary depending on app. To connect your phone to your PC, activate “Link to Windows”, and use the “Your Phone” application on your PC. “Your Phone” application is preloaded on PC with Windows 10, October 2018 Update or later, and is downloadable for Windows 10, April 2018 Update or later versions.
4 Actual text export function may require some processing to turn writing into text. Text export feature availability may vary by language.
5 As compared to other Samsung tablets of comparable size.
6 Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition, based on Samsung internal test results under controlled testing parameters . Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 6,840mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network, usage, settings, battery condition and other surrounding factors and conditions.
7 Based on Samsung internal test results under controlled testing parameters on a fully-charged battery. Dependent on network, usage, mode settings, battery condition, and other surrounding factors and conditions.
8 Measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners.
9 Subject to device compatibility.

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Why Working From Home Mashes Dark And Light Sides

Ever wondered what it was like to work from home (WFH)? Wish granted! In line with the social distancing measures posed by the Government, most of the Singaporeans are now working from home. It allows you to earn Singaporean dollars despite being in your pajamas. However, what most people do not know is that this perk come with a price.

Your ability to glide through the setbacks of the home office depends on your personality. For instance, people who are disciplined or conscientious can easily work through the domestic tides. While, people who are procrastinators or crammers may have a hard time fighting the distractions at home. On that note, here are the light and dark sides of WFH.

LIGHT SIDE

It goes without saying that WFH enables you to become your own boss. Without a manager in sight, your deeply rooted passion will motivate you to be creative and productive. You make your own schedule and rules. To illustrate this, a 2014 Stanford University study allowed call-center employees to WFH.

Graduate student James Liang and his Economics professor allowed Ctrip’s employees the opportunity to work from home in a period of 9 months. Ctrip is a travel website owned by Liang himself. The study found that the remote employees had higher productivity levels (13.5%) and lower chances of quitting (50%) compared to their counterparts. Moreover, these remote employees reported that they are happier with their job. Imagine the output that satisfied employees produce!

According to Liang and his professor, the positive results may be attributed to the quieter space that the employees created for themselves. You are free to paint the walls blue or to have classical music on the background as you freshen up your own working environment.

Apart from that, setting your own work hours enables you to do more of the things you want such as baking or teaching your children how to read. You may also initiate a video conference with your workmates whom you miss.

DARK SIDE

As with everything, there are two sides of a coin. A pervasive drawback of WFH is the vulnerability to distractions such as noisy family members, accessible electronic devices, and abundant chores. Chores do not seem to end for some reason!

There is a considerable lack of separation between work and home during the initial stages of having a home office. Based on personal experience, there were days when I worked beyond my designated hours. The absence of a management enforcing strict working time may add to the pressure of grinding endlessly. Case and point, I work on weekends too.

Higher utility costs is inevitable if you barely leave your house. Lastly, you may experience negative states as you were plucked from the “interpersonal office environment”. I am referring to feelings of isolation, depression, and loneliness. This can be prevented if you stay in touch with your co-workers.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The current situation opens our eyes to the wonders and the unpleasantness of working from home. Comparisons aside, accepting the reality and working with your at-home environment will enable you to embrace the work-from-home structure.

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How To Be More Productive During Quarantine

With the beaming light from my phone and a distinct “ding”, I received a message from my friend. She was up until the wee hours to finish her Interior Design plates. She asked my professional advice regarding the root of her need to procrastinate.

Productivity is premium at this time. It is usually expressed as a ratio of input to output. You may illustrate it as the number of products produced per working hour. Given the cost of the working hours, productivity can also measure the efficiency of a business.

Productivity matters because there is so much that needs to get done in a day. In most business models, profitability is a function of productivity, price, and volume. Interestingly, productivity can be seen as subjective. You define how productive you are. Often, there is a gap between reality and perceived productivity. Combat this by following these tips.

1. SET BITE-SIZED TASKS
2. FOCUS THEN PAUSE
3. KNOW WHY YOU PROCRASTINATE
4. BE PRESENT
5. ALLOW YOURSELF TO FAIL

#1: SET BITE-SIZED TASKS

You do not have to finish everything in one consumption. For instance, I have taken the Google Digital Garage Digital Marketing course for three days. Initially, I have the choice to finish everything in one day or to follow the rhythm of my pacing. I chose the latter. It is healthier that way!

Create a schedule for tasks that need to be completed and break these down into tiny parts. Segmentation allows you to celebrate the completion of each task. This boosts your confidence and helps increase your motivation to continue on.

#2: FOCUS THEN PAUSE

Create a schedule following a specific time-slot to guide your work from home. Focus for periods spanning from 90 to 120 minutes. Then, pause and walk within your flat or nearby. This will help you refresh your mind.

You may also indulge yourself in distractions. It does not hurt to play a game for 10 to 20 minutes. Do the things you were told not to do at the workplace. You deserve this short break. Afterwards, go back to the task at hand.

#3: KNOW WHY YOU PROCRASTINATE

Going back to my friend, I analyzed her need to procrastinate. In her case, it is because she is a perfectionist. She feels the pressure of designing her plates right to get the approval of her supervisor. People envision outcomes so outstanding that their expectations become more intimidating than inspirational.

“Perfectionists aren’t people who do something perfectly. Perfectionists are people who fantasize about doing something perfectly.” – Mr. John Perry, a Philosophy Professor at Stanford University

For entrepreneurs who hold accountability for everything, procrastination is a problem. It usually happens when they have no experience or are not familiar with the topic at hand. Knowing why you procrastinate is the first step!

#4: BE PRESENT

Oh, mindfulness! I have completed 11 days of my mindfulness meditation journey. In my path, I realized that being present is a great way to be productive.

A mindful person knows how to differentiate what is “important” and what is “urgent”. Knowing these labels can help you prioritize certain tasks. Moreover, you will be able to lessen the time spent on unimportant tasks.

#5: ALLOW YOURSELF TO FAIL

Productivity does not equate to perfection! Allow yourself to abandon the plan for the day. Sometimes, things do not go the way you want it to. With the uncertainty knocking in our doors, it is helpful to focus on the progress and allow yourself to fail once in a while.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Technology can either help or distract you. Does it mean that you will quit using it entirely? Of course not! Allow your brain to move from one task to another whenever it pleases. After all, the circuit breaker period is teaching us the importance of slowing down and focusing on what is important.

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Helpful Tips On How To Work From Home

Working from home is not just an option, it is a way of life. Overhauling the way you work can either make or break your career and sanity. Follow these helpful tips to get you started:

TAXATION RULES

One of the first steps to straighten out your finances as a freelancer is to know what your filing status is. In the Singaporean tax code, there is a huge difference between employment and small business types. Knowing which one you fall under on will save you in the long run. The government judges your status based on whether you take some risk of doing business or you get a share of the profits.

For instance, you may think that you are subject to the self-employment tax as a sole proprietor of a company. However, the law may consider you as an employee if you only have one client who supervises you, dictates your regular hours, pays you per hour, and gives you benefits.

GOAL SETTING

As a freelancer, it will help to develop both long-term and short-term goals. The former helps you to create a direction, a purpose, and a will to push forward. Long-term goals enables you to improve your money management and increase your job satisfaction despite working from home. For example, in 3 years time you can expand your business to reach international clientele.

While, short-term goals give you achievable targets. These targets will help you pay the bills and track your cashflow.

DAILY SCHEDULE

From my experience of working from home, I noticed how important it is to keep everything organized. You must have time management skills and motivation to finish each task. For example, you may set defined working hours when you work from one company. Try to avoid phone calls or emails beyond your regular schedule.

It is easy to get trapped into working any time and any day when you are working from home. Devise a plan to balance out your work and personal time to maintain your sanity. Every morning, you may plan a couple of breaks such as half an hour for coffee drinking or fifteen minutes to go outside. In reality, you must pull out your body from the laptop and have brain breaks.

HEALTHY SOCIALIZATION

Working from home can be isolating for most people. When you are used to being in an office filled with lunch buddies, it can be a significant adjustment to leave everything behind. This is why you must meet others on a regular basis. Meet your clients face-to-face, socialize with a group of people who share the same hobby, or invite your office friends for dinner.

Working from home saves you from a lot of awkward and embarrassing social encounters. But, you still need to interact with others to keep your mental health in tact.

WEEKEND SANCTUARY

As you are working in the comfort of your own home, things can get mundane and exhausting. Your life can be a series of completing tasks without a weekend to look forward to. Be different!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Allot at least two days to enjoy yourself without having to think of work. Spend time with family and friends during your weekend sanctuary. Otherwise, you are comparable to the lifestyle of graveyard or red-eyed shift workers.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Newbie’s Survival Guide To Working From Home

There are two types of perspectives that one can have about freelancers. Some people perceive working from home as a coveted dream. They are attracted with the idea of having to work in their pajamas, of avoid the long commute, and of being able to interact with their family without sacrificing income. In contrast, there are other people who view this setup as an impossible environment to be in. It is understandable! Working from home comes with varying degrees of challenges.

However, you must not lose hope. You can successfully transition from a traditional office to a flexible environment with the right strategies. That being said, here are just some tips that you may employ to transition with ease.

CREATE A DAILY SCHEDULE

Much like a traditional workplace, you must follow a daily schedule to stay on track. Set your working hours and avoid personal phone calls or emails that can distract you from your professional time.

Let us face it! It is easy to get swayed by your children or neighbors to work any time of the day. While starting at 10 am sounds exciting, you must manage your time wisely to keep your sanity in tact. Not everyone is hardwired to be well-organized and self-sufficient. So, be honest with yourself before you take this huge leap.

ASSIGN A WORKING NEST

It goes without saying that you must set aside a specific place exclusively for work. Whether it is as tiny as a storage room or as wide as your master bedroom, assigning a working nest will help your mind shift from its restful state to its stimulated state. You need to condition your mind to work despite being in your comfort zone.

More so, you may use your home office as a means to apply for formal records. You see, some institutions require you to assign a special place of business or a place to meet clients.

RETREAT WHEN NEEDED

As mechanic as day to day seems, we are no robots! Burnout can hit you at any moment. This is why you must plan your holidays. Whether you want to book a food trip in Bangkok or a Yoga retreat in Bali, you deserve to unwind.

Say you do not have the budget to travel overseas. Opt to schedule activities that will allow self-improvement instead. You may be interested in painting, pottery, or petting animals. Something that interests you can open avenues of pleasure in the future. Take it as a means to reduce the stress of being a freelancer.

SET A LINE

Last but the not the least, you must set a line between your “work-work” and your “housework”. It can be tempting to clean a dirty sink or to do the laundry, but you must do these chores outside your work hours. If you cannot fight the urge to do housework; you may use your break time. Blurring the line between work and housework can often lead to avoiding the tasks that need to be done.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

It can be scary to take the leap of faith. However, that fear will only make you stronger! What do we say to fear? Not today!

Sources: 1 & 2

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