How Technology Can Supercharge Workplace Productivity

It’s important to make sure your employees are healthy and socially connected during COVID-19 as they work from home. Here’s how you can get started.

Workplace productivity will always be a hot topic—especially since every year brings new innovations and methods for doing more with less. From project management software to time-tracking tools, setting your team up with the right tech can do wonders for efficiency and collaboration. However, only if it’s used properly: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace productivity has been steadily declining ever since 2007—the same year 3G phones came out. Coincidence? 

 

Humans and technology will always have a tricky relationship, with tech often causing more distractions than not. With the right approach, however, it can make for a lucrative and rewarding partnership. Here are 5 ways you can use technology to boost productivity in your workplace. 

1. Automate Everything You Can

If a machine can do it for you, then let it. Automation is something that reaches into many different areas of the workforce. If you can use it for something, then do. It’s ideal for labor-intensive, repetitive tasks. Automation saves time and money, and can also prevent human errors. 

 

Even something as simple as a project management tool that sends out automatic notifications can save time in emailing and chasing employees for updates.

1. Use Tech to Talk 

According to SHRM, small companies with up to 100 employees lose approximately $420,000 per year due to inefficient communication among employees. Therefore, it’s worth investing in tools that minimize the risks, especially among remote workers.

 

Teleworking is on the rise, even more so in the wake of the global pandemic. This has only fueled the fire as employees and employers see that it’s not only possible—but in many cases, preferable. 

 

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Technology is now making it easier than ever to stay in touch with colleagues—whether they’re located in different areas within the organization, or on another continent. 

 

Chat apps, like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Typetalk make it easy to have real-time conversations and share quick updates via text. The use of video conferencing software like Skype, Google Meet, or Zoom are as close to being in the same room with someone as you can get. 

 

This means collaboration is easier than it’s ever been—while hosting meetings virtually saves valuable time and money. If you’re ever in doubt as to how much you can save, just use a meeting calculator and prepare to be shocked. Virtual meetings have the additional advantage of being recorded, which means no more minutes-taking or forgotten tasks. 

1. Schedule Tasks 

Parkinson’s Law is the old adage that work expands to fill the time allotted—which is a lighthearted way of saying the amount of time required to complete a job adjusts according to the time available. This means that if you have five hours to complete a one-hour job, it will probably take closer to five. 

 

Scheduling is a great way to stay on track. It’s also essential for those with busy schedules who need reminders. Choose a calendar app that integrates with other applications you use across all devices, while minimizing your stock of yellow sticky notes. Operate according to schedule and watch your productivity skyrocket.

1. Utilize Time Tracking Tools

If you’re tracking your time, then you’re accountable for it. It’s difficult to debate how long a job took to complete when presented with the proof. 

 

Ideally combined with your calendar, time tracking apps stop time from slipping through the cracks. Beyond simply having numbers to quantify at the end of each day, the knowledge of accountability alone should make you more conscious about how you spend your time. Alongside helping  schedule, you can retrospectively (re)view time use, how it’s being spent, and where you need to be more productive.

1. Encourage Self-Service

Employees enjoy having autonomy. Giving them control over certain elements of their work experience shows trust. It also saves time in admin. For example, instead of going to HR to get forms for healthcare benefits, employees can access total well-being technology that lets them print forms, set up appointments, speak to medical professionals, and manage their own health and coaching. This improves the day-to-day efficiency of all employees in the workplace.

 

With Core Health, employees can schedule appointments, access results, communicate with medical professionals and trained coaches via video chat, and work towards points-based goals to help keep motivation and engagement high—something that benefits employees and employers alike.

Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tech

1. Integrate Properly 

You can’t simply install tech and expect it to magically solve all your problems. To get the most out of your new investment, everyone should be using it. Unfortunately, people can be resistant to change. So, make it as easy as possible for employees to learn the ropes on new tech. Training workshops, good communication, and plenty of patience will come in handy here—as will the tech itself. Ideally, choose up-to-date tech that comes with technical support and has an intuitive interface. 

1. Make Sure It’s Right for the Job 

Just because the ‘hot new thing’ works for one business, doesn’t mean it will work for yours. Do plenty of research before investing in and implementing tech. 

1. Choose Intuitive Software

If it’s out of date, difficult to use, or just plain boring, then employees won’t use it. Opt for software that has a clean, straightforward interface. Choose software with plenty of different formats (video, audio, multiple choice) for employees to engage with. Make sure support is available should it be needed. Once employees have learned the ropes, the sky’s the limit in terms of engagement and productivity. 

 

As we’ve seen over the past decade, technology can both help and hinder efficiency in the workplace. The key to getting the most out of it is to choose something that aligns with your organization’s needs—and puts your employees first. 

If you want to be a leader and invest in your employees’ well-being with cutting edge tech, start today by contacting us.

 

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