How can employees improve their productivity without simply working longer or harder?
This question was at the heart of three full-day workshops that Triple Eight Solutions had the pleasure of preparing and delivering specifically for Hamilton and Hamilton Medical.
The objective was to reflect comprehensively on personal working habits and identify practical ways to use time, energy, focus and modern technologies more effectively in everyday work.
The Four Pillars of Productivity
At the centre of the workshops was a holistic productivity model built around four key pillars:
- Willingness
- Ability
- Doing the right things
- Doing things right
Participants analysed their individual starting points and explored topics such as energy and self-management, clear goal setting, conscious prioritisation, and effective daily and weekly planning.
Productivity does not simply mean completing as many tasks as possible. It describes the relationship between the result achieved and the effort required.
There are many opportunities to become more productive across these four dimensions, both in the physical and digital working environment. However, it is neither possible nor useful to address everything at once.
Based on our experience from more than 50 workshops, participants do not want to change everything simultaneously. The T8S approach therefore focuses on presenting the most effective strategies, tools and practical tips across the four pillars. Participants can then decide where they want to improve, based on their own experiences, challenges, opportunities and motivation.
Microsoft 365 as a Personal Productivity System
Employees at Hamilton and Hamilton Medical work predominantly in a digital environment. An important part of the workshops was therefore to explore the latest possibilities for working more effectively with digital tools.
In addition to artificial intelligence, this included the smarter and more targeted use of Microsoft 365, often in combination with AI solutions such as Copilot.
Together, we explored how information, tasks and appointments can be brought together in a clear personal productivity system. Topics included:
- Putting tasks, rather than emails, at the centre of daily work
- Using Microsoft To Do and Planner more effectively
- Consolidating relevant information flows
- Reducing notifications in Outlook and Teams
- Processing emails in focused time blocks
- Simplifying recurring workflows with functions such as Quick Steps
- Integrating daily and weekly planning into Microsoft 365
The objective was not to become familiar with as many functions as possible. The key was to create a simple and reliable system from the available tools that supports each participant’s everyday work.
Using Artificial Intelligence in Practice
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the productive use of artificial intelligence.
Following an introduction to the fundamentals of AI and effective prompting, participants worked on practical applications and exercises. These included:
- Creating, improving and translating texts
- Structuring and summarising information
- Supporting research and deep-research tasks
- Using voice input and dictation functions
- Integrating AI into everyday activities via smartphones
- Understanding the initial possibilities offered by AI agents
The responsible and secure use of technology was also an important part of the discussion. AI should not overwhelm employees with additional tools. Instead, it should provide targeted support and reduce the workload for suitable tasks.
From the Workshop to Everyday Work
Theoretical knowledge alone does not change working habits. Practical exercises, personal reflection and the transfer of learning into everyday work were therefore integral parts of all three workshops.
Participants defined individual actions and selected the methods and tools best suited to their personal situations. After all, not every recommendation works equally well for everyone.
The workshops, delivered by Oliver Bertschinger, demonstrated that the demands of today’s working environment remain complex and, in many cases, are becoming even more challenging. It was a pleasure to explore practical approaches with the participants that can help them use their time more productively and focus more effectively on what truly matters.
The three workshops once again confirmed that sustainable productivity is created through the interaction of motivation, skills, clear priorities, effective working systems and the intelligent use of modern technologies.
Improving Productivity in Your Organisation and in Your Own Work
Triple Eight Solutions develops individually tailored productivity workshops for companies, executives and teams. We also provide personal coaching on these topics.
We combine proven productivity methods with Microsoft 365, artificial intelligence and a strong focus on practical implementation. Our programmes are senior-led, easy to understand and tailored to the specific needs of each organisation.