In today’s link roundup: tips for how to properly take a mental break; how small firms can drive innovation; retirement plans for your business; and how to deal with bad ideas without squelching creativity.
Coffee Break? Walk in the Park? Why Unwinding Is Hard — WSJ
Like a muscle, our brains appear to get fatigued after working for sustained periods of time, particularly if we have to concentrate intensely or deal with a repetitive task, says Michael Posner, an emeritus professor at the University of Oregon who studies attention.
Taking a break to stroll in a natural setting can boost performance on tasks calling for sustained focus, such as studying, research shows.
Researchers are zeroing in on some of the circumstances that bring about optimal mental refreshment. Taking in the sights and sounds of nature appears to be especially beneficial for our minds, researchers say.
3 Ways Small Firms Can Drive Innovation — WSJ
Businesses don’t necessarily need visionary leaders like recently retired Apple Inc. Chief Executive Steve Jobs or even deep pockets to be innovative, concludes an article in today’s Wall Street Journal.
Rather, management experts say companies big and small may be able to generate ideas by soliciting input from all levels of an organization and allowing employees to set aside time for creative projects.
Here are three more ways small firms may be able to drive innovation:
Five Retirement Plan Options for Your Business — Entrepreneur Mag
Owners of small and midsize businesses don’t save enough for retirement. A March 2010 report released by the SBA found that only 36 percent have an IRA, and only one-third of those contributed to it. Less than 20 percent participate in 401(k) plans.
Finding the right plan can be confusing, “especially if the business changes or grows,” says David Boucher, senior vice president of corporate benefit services at Longfellow Benefits, an insurance brokerage and consulting firm in Boston. But something is better than nothing. Use our chart below to get familiar with the options.
Should You Reward Bad Ideas? — Inc Magazine
Some ideas are crazy. Some are underdeveloped. Some will fail. How can you deal with them without squelching your employees’ creativity?
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