The workplace is driven by technological tools to achieve more productivity these days. Organizations that seek results seek to meet targets within a specific timeframe. Doing this is important because they expect to get value for their efforts in maintaining their staff strength.
There are many metrics used to measure productivity in order. Measuring these metrics ensures the team puts in the expected efforts to achieve specific goals. There are several advantages to measuring the team’s productivity. Some of them include giving their best to every task and avoiding waste of time on unnecessary tasks.
There are consequences if an organization fails to track the productivity of its staff. One of these is complacency. Another is reduced much room for improvement since the state of individual and corporate productivity is unknown.
Technological Tools to Improve Workplace Productivity
There are a plethora of technological tools that will help improve productivity at the workplace. We have put some of them together in this section:
Time Tracking e.g. Timesheets
Different technologies have been developed to keep track of time. You can use them to calculate the total time utilization of each staff. It is important to note that the total number of hours spent does not necessarily imply the greatest productivity. Tools such as the digital log-in with fingerprints have helped to make progress. There is also “Timesheets,” a website or an app that you can install on a mobile device.
A person can clock in, clock out, and also go on break. It is very helpful because the moment a person logs in, it informs the admin immediately through an automated email. Pictures of the staff logging in can also be taken while logging in. This helps to track time automatically as well as the authenticity of the location, clothes worn, and facial expressions. Metrics of all logins are then summarized daily, weekly, and on a monthly basis.
To do Lists e.g Trello
Lack of organization in prioritizing tasks could lead to randomness in carrying out job functions. However, with a to-do list, you can schedule tasks by individuals. Asides from the admin, everyone else can view the tasks for each staff member. After completing a task, it moves to a new tab called “done or completed.”
When you break down tasks in this manner of priority, you motivate each staff to work. Since everyone can see the progress of their colleagues, they feel a sense of responsibility to deliver promptly.
Team Collaboration e.g Slack, Bitrix24
Emails are important for work-based communication. Regardless, there is the small issue of whether it is ethical for staff to keep official emails on their mobile devices. Also, there is the question of whether workers should take home official work that they didn’t complete during office hours.
Most email services have features to support the receipt of official mails on mobile devices. The challenge is that they don’t significantly support team collaboration, especially on other office activities. Some of these activities include quick reminders, memos, emergency meetings, or informal schedules.
Tools for team collaboration can easily be installed. Also, you can send messages in the form of text, images, or documents directly to a person’s inbox. You can also share the messages via a general or private channel as created by the admin and other users.
The encryption in the use of these platforms is also necessary in order to keep the confidentiality of every conversation.
Brainstorming e.g Stormboard
The user experience (UX) in the use of tools to support or replicate a physical experience is a fantastic approach. It is even more important when a team has to brainstorm a variety of ideas.
Brainstorming has to do with coming up with new ideas by different team members. This usually ends up in making a vote on which idea is perfect or meets the requirements. Brainstorming tools make this happen by supporting the expression of each individual’s opinion. This can be seen by all when making a vote on which of the ideas to accept or implement.
Calendars e.g Google Calendar, Calendly
One way to keep track of what the future holds is to record every single office activity. Executives are usually involved in a plethora of activities. While the brain is capable of storing millions of information, a good old diary for keeping important meetings is important.
Online diaries in the form of calendars can now help professionals become more productive. Now, you can get reminders of upcoming meetings or events direct to your mobile device. This way, you no longer forget important meetings and office activities.
Wrapping Up
There are many technological tools to help maximize productivity. I have mentioned a few in this post and I hope they would help add value to your organization.
Written by: Emmanuel Otori (Co-founder at Abuja Data School)