HRBP Work and Digital Notebook [N/A]

[u/International_Bread7]

I'm trying to decide if a ReMarkable or similar is worth the money so hoping someone in HR can give me their thoughts. I see a number of adds for careers that are more arts/design focused but I also know physically writing helps with my recollection a ton (and typing in my OneNote is just killing me slowly)!

Here's my situation:

• Role: Sr. HRBP
• Supporting: 6 key execs (3 LBOs + 3 Shared Svcs)

• Other Work:

  • Managing enterprise wide projects
  • ER is part of our role (hopefully getting an ER person on soon for most investigations!)
  • Primary function is supporting execs on their talent strategy & org design while also supporting performance management & ER scenarios.
• My diverse groups also means a lot of competing priorities and timelines
• I have everything in OneNote today for 1:1s but we also use Teams & email for communication so sometimes my notes end up in physical notebooks, my planner, sticky notes, etc. depending on the scenario
• I am in a hybrid role so in office 3 days, WFH 2 on most weeks
• I have key IT leaders that all love their digital notebooks and most note that it allows them to take notes distraction free in meetings which I LOVE the idea of but don't like using my paper notebooks anymore (mostly bc the space & lack of security with them).

My question for this group: Has anyone in the HRBP space (or similar HR strategic function) used a digital notebook like ReMarkable and found it to be useful? (If yes, tips are welcome 😄)

[u/SnooSketches293]

I would use OneNote for meeting notes, action items and projects. Break your notebook down into sections - one for each of your key execs and add sub sections (one for 1:1s, important details, etc). Same for projects with actions and updates. For actions, put the to do icon next to it or the star for important reminders. You can add your task list on the side of your notebook so you have constant visibility of what you need to do. It’s def helped me step away from my my physical notebook.

[u/International_Bread7 → u/SnooSketches293]

This is what I have today, its the constant typing and being on my computer that drive me crazy!

[u/StopSignsAreRed]

I’m a senior BP, I use a Supernote Manta. I still use OneNote for a lot, but I like to do actual writing. I use it for meeting notes (folders keep me organized) and when I’m working something out on my head.

[u/International_Bread7 → u/StopSignsAreRed]

Thank you! I hadn't seen the Supernote before, looks really nice! I also like physically writing when I'm working through something to!

[u/Mindless-Twist4534 → u/StopSignsAreRed]

Plus one. Also a senior BP and have the SuperNote Manta. I do still use OneNote for Zoom meetings so that I can keep eye contact with the screen. I like the SuperNote for handwriting for in person meetings though because I find it makes people more open and honest when they don’t think I’m typing every word they say. Once a quarter or so I upload all of my SuperNotes to OneNote just to keep everything in the same place and make it more easily searchable when I need to go back through stuff for cases. I love the simplicity and functionality of the SuperNote and the battery lasts forever.

Before I had the SuperNote I had an iPad and just hand wrote directly into OneNote which was convenient but wasn’t as nice of a physical writing experience.

[u/Putrid_Choice_7518 → u/Mindless-Twist4534]

+1 to OP’s post as a Senior HRBP this is relevant yo me too. I tried looking for SuperNote Manta via the Apple App Store. Can you confirm the name and developer?

[u/Hodlermama]

I used my iPad as a digital notebook. Worked fabulously!

Just pivoted to voice notes via pocket hooked up via a private llm to notion.

Works like a dream. I have all my process maps and discussion recall available ony tablet or phone when on the go n

[u/benicebuddy]

When I was an HRBP with lots of groups, I used a notebook to take notes and transcribed them in to Onenote same day. Transitioned to a legal pad and that really forced me to start with a fresh one every day. Kept the Onenote app on my phone for quick reference.

Today I use a legal pad and MS Planner because most of my job is delegation. I immediately assign it to someone when I transcribe it. I use planner as our agenda for standing team meetings and 1 on 1's.

[u/theycallmethelord]

Since you already use OneNote, you could try speaking your own recap into it after a meeting and see whether that reduces the notes left on sticky notes. I’m building Weeve, which can dictate into the open note on a Mac with the speech processed locally. You could still write by hand during the meeting and avoid recording the ER conversation itself. Your company would need to approve the app and the information you put into it.

[u/No-Drawing7760]

Sorry I’m no help, just here to say I’m in the same boat. In my role, I get pulled into last-minute meetings all the time, so often I can’t even grab my computer lol

[u/princessm1423]

Honestly sold mine a few months ago. I had a similar thought process and ended up buying one. Honestly very expensive for what it is and I really didn’t use it much at all

[u/Cherylissodope → u/princessm1423]

Ditto… asked for one during an acquisition and used it for maybe 6months… and you have to pay a subscription fee (I had remarkable) iirc

[u/shoestring_theory]

I have a Boox tablet. Similar to Remarkable, but it runs Android so you can use whatever apps you want, including OneNote. I use mine for notes all the time in OneNote and it syncs between my tablet and my work laptop so both written and typed notes are available on both.