One of the most challenging parts of a manager’s job is maintaining productivity among team members. As one might guess, low productivity negatively impacts companies in a number of ways including decreased revenue, employee engagement, and overall work quality. The good news, however, is that technology can be used to simplify tasks and help employees work more efficiently. Here are just a few ways in which managers can use technology to increase productivity.
Bring Teammates Together with Communication Software
It’s no secret that communication is a key component for team productivity, yet many businesses experience major losses every year as a result of miscommunication. Luckily, there are a number of technological solutions that can improve communication among employees. Team messengers, video conferencing apps, and everything in between can dramatically improve internal communication which results in greater productivity. A few examples of communication software include Chanty, Slack, Flock, Zoom, Tribe, and Tetra.
Utilize Cloud-Based Project or Task Management Software
If you have ever had a project delayed while you searched for a necessary document or lost pertinent information when your computer crashed then you understand the frustration of these unforeseen circumstances. They can slow down the team and negatively affect productivity. That’s why it can be helpful to keep all of your projects and documents in sync and easily accessible with project management tools such as Wrike, Asana, or Basecamp. This makes it easy to keep track of files, documents, and deadlines in a way that allows everyone on the team to access the materials.
Use a Time Tracking Tool
One of the biggest contributors to decreased productivity is poor time management. Time tracking tools such as Toggl and TimeBoy can increase work performance and productivity by showing employees how to make the most of their time in order to be more efficient. These easy-to-use tools allow employees and managers to track tasks and find out how much time is actually spent on each project.
Incorporate Automation Tools
Your employees can save a tremendous amount of time by using automation tools. These tools are helpful in everything from bill pay and email responses to contact update lists. Look for areas where you can incorporate automation tools for faster and more streamlined results.
Utilize a Calendar App
Managers have a lot of information to keep up with including deadlines, meetings, phone calls, and due dates. You can work more efficiently when you know exactly what to expect for your day ahead. Calendar apps are extremely helpful in keeping all of this information organized and easily accessible. You can also set reminders once you have entered work into your calendar so you can ensure you always remain on top of your tasks.
Organize Your Digital Workspace
A great deal of time can be lost looking through various mediums for documents and files. Think about the chaos of searching through a laptop, web browser, and work tool stack to find what you are looking for. It’s time to get your digital workspace cleaned up and organized with an organizational tool such as Toby, Magnet, or Station. These tools are designed to let you seamlessly switch between your apps to find what you need in no time.
Incorporate Some Fun through Virtual Team Building
Research has proven that integrating fun into the workplace is an effective way to increase productivity. Virtual team building is a great way to bring some fun into the office while also bringing your team closer together. When employees are having fun, they are more engaged and this will lead to greater productivity. There are a number of apps and experiences that can enhance your team’s engagement. One such example is called Tiny Campfire. This virtual campfire experience begins when each person on the team receives a small package with materials such as s’more ingredients and a tealight candle. The event includes ghost stories, ice breakers, and competitions along with plenty of good fun and memorie. Another great example is called Tea vs Coffee which allows your team to enjoy a virtual tasting of assorted teas and coffees.