Technology

9 Technologies To Increase Low Productivity In The Workplace

Workplace Productivity

Technology can dramatically increase productivity in a lot of ways. But, with so many tools available to us these days, which ones should you consider taking advantage of to increase productivity in the workplace?

Well, you can use communication software to bring teammates from across the world closer together. Or, you can use cloud-based project management software to stay organized and automate your workflow

You might even consider self-service platforms to empower your teams to get things done faster and more efficiently. That said, here are 9 technologies to increase low productivity in the workplace. 

1. Communication software

Effective communication is essential for team productivity. Unfortunately, a lot of companies don’t find it necessary to invest in software designed for improving team communication. 

This ultimately results in huge losses for business owners. If you want to avoid that in your own business and boost productivity at the same time, communications software is something you should seriously consider. 

Luckily, these days you can find an advanced technological solution for a business of any size, from group chats and team messengers to video conferencing platforms and electronic signatures, and everything in between.

Examples of popular communication software

  • Slack: A business platform for improved team communication and collaboration with lots of integrations
  • Chanty: An AI-powered chat-focused tool for small teams
  • Zoom: A reliable video conferencing tool with recording and screen sharing features.
  • Nifty: A hybrid collaboration software to manage all your projects, tasks, and communication – all in one place. 
  • Flock: A team messenger that links up team communication and project collaboration.

These are just a few examples of the types of communication software you can use to boost productivity in the workplace. 

Of course, there are many others, such as webinar software for internal or external company use or using a networked voice and data solution to allow employees to access their email, voicemail, faxes, etc. from one inbox. This means you won’t have to worry about anyone missing important calls and other crucial data.

2. File-sharing and collaboration

These days, many of the communication tools available online also come with file sharing and collaboration capabilities. 

Collaboration is essential to business, and it’s important to choose a tool that will allow your team to share documents easily.  This can be especially helpful for those who create online courses or have other projects that require significant collaboration.

Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. These include free applications, such as Google’s cloud-based products, as well as custom cloud solution services that offer more robust solutions for businesses that require higher security for sensitive data. 

With tools like these, employees don’t have to be working in adjacent cubicles in order to collaborate effectively. 

Examples of file sharing and collaboration platforms

  • Google Drive: A free file-sharing platform from Google
  • Dropbox: A simple, reliable file-syncing and storage service
  • Slack: A platform that offers enhanced collaboration features

3. Cloud-based services

If you have ever had your computer crash with all the files in the middle of an important project, or if you’ve had to delay a project while you searched for some crucial document, then you understand the need for cloud-based task management software. 

It’s a great way to improve team performance and boost overall productivity by having all your assets, projects, and milestones synced up and easily accessible in the cloud. This goes for businesses of all sizes across all industries.

Examples of popular cloud-based project management software

  • Asana: A popular tool that lets you refine team collaboration and productivity
  • Wrike: A powerful tool to efficiently manage and collaborate on projects
  • Basecamp: An intuitive platform with a full stack of collaborative features

Keep in mind that using cloud-based services will also help you cut down on your overhead costs. This type of service means you can downsize to a smaller office space since your employees can work off-site. Plus, they’re also a great way to keep your team connected even when they are off-site.

4. Scheduling system

A great way to increase productivity is to use a scheduling system that lets you interact with employees with regard to scheduling things. This way, there’s no need to worry about any appointments or events overlapping with other things you might have going on. 

Since anyone in your team can access the scheduling system, everyone will stay up to date and on track. An online appointment scheduling tool works for both small brick-and-mortar businesses as well as others. Calendar apps like the ones below are underutilized productivity tools

Examples of scheduling tools

  • Calendly: A popular scheduling tool for businesses
  • Doodle: A simple way to schedule meetings with team members
  • Hubspot Meetings: An easy way to schedule things for large teams

Reminders pair very well with good planning, and once you have your days, weeks, months, and even years entered into your calendar, you will find your team’s productivity with some solid rails to guide it.

5. Self-service platforms

These days, more and more businesses are starting to view self-service as a key enabler when it comes to improving employee productivity. This goes for all employees, regardless of where they’re working from. 

Self-service technology helps to speed up the delivery of IT support. Also, it better aligns the omnichannel service and support experience for employees. This is something they are used to receiving in their personal lives, and they have now come to expect the same in the workplace. 

With the right self-service systems, you can help your organization deliver an improved employee experience so you can enjoy the benefits this brings – one of which is increased productivity in the workplace.

Examples of self-service technology

  • Access to self-help: This can be knowledge base software, FAQs, guides, how-to tutorials, quick fixes, and other knowledge articles.
  • Chatbots: Machine-learning-based virtual agents can be the first line of engagement-based support.
  • Chat: Employees can be provided with chat-based access to service desk analysts whenever required.
  • Automated delivery of service: For instance, you can provide end-users with the ability to download pre-approved HR forms, or patches and software.

Keep in mind that your employees are smart. You must trust them to do a lot more tasks on their own instead of having to ask other personnel for assistance. Ultimately, this will improve day-to-day efficiency for your entire organization.

6. Virtual private networks

Virtual private networks (VPNs) can help you increase business productivity by allowing your employees to work outside of the office. For example, say a parent has to stay home because of a sick child. With VPN, they can work from home, which helps to keep your productivity levels high without jeopardizing the security in your organization.

As more and more people are switching to working remotely, online security at work is receiving increased levels of attention. This type of technology is particularly important when there are several team members working in different parts of the world. 

Some may be at higher risk of security threats, and if they are scattered across the globe, it makes it difficult to ensure their security, particularly when they are using different devices, public Wi-Fi, etc. 

But, with a robust VPN service provider, and best practices for keeping both your business and employees’ information safe, you will be able to maintain high levels of productivity in your business. In fact, instead of wasting precious time fixing security issues, the time will be better spent on more productive tasks.

Examples of VPN service providers

  • Express VPN
  • NordVPN
  • ProtonVPN

7. Time-tracking tools

Time tracking apps will help you make every second count. Remember, you can’t improve what you don’t measure. So, in order to increase productivity in your workplace, you must take a closer look at the way time is being used. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How much time is being wasted during the workday?
  • What are the most distracting activities or tasks? 
  • Which are your most productive hours?
  • How substantial is each employee’s contribution to the workplace?

Time tracking tools will help you answer these and other questions so you can maximize your efforts at being more efficient in the workplace.

Examples of popular time tracking tools

  • Monday.com: Keep track of tasks based on timeline and status in a table view.
  • Toggl Track: Fun, personalized time tracking software for the entire workplace. 
  • ClickTime: A time tracking software that allows on-the-road employees to keep track of mileage, hours, and expenses – all in one place.
  • TimeCamp: Other than productivity, it keeps track of performance and profitability.

8. HRM technology

HRM technology can be used to improve workplace productivity in a lot of ways. For instance, HR can use a reward program to boost employee motivation. This, in turn, will increase productivity since studies have shown a direct correlation between the two.

There are also social technologies in the market which allow employees to praise their peers for their work or recognize any assistance they offered. HR tech leverages AI-based technology to increase productivity as well as enhance the recruitment process so they can match the right people to the right position. 

Furthermore, training technology can be used to help individuals and teams upgrade their skill sets, which, in turn, will correspondingly increase employee productivity in the workplace.

Examples of HRM technology to boost productivity

  • Mindmarker
  • Kahoot
  • Axonify

9. Tools to incorporate fun stuff

According to studies, integrating more fun activities into the workplace helps to reduce stress which ultimately increases productivity. Over the years, companies with “fun policies” have indicated higher job satisfaction and improved employee loyalty which will keep your employees away from searching for a new job

So, while you’re figuring out which technologies can help you increase low productivity in the workplace, make sure you include one to help you inject some fun stuff into your workplace. 

You can use tools like:

  • Cat Room: Researchers have found that watching cute cat videos can improve attention and really ramp up productivity.
  • Brain.fm: Auditory neuroscientists have proven that listening to just 10 minutes of Brain.fm music can boost attention and reduce mind wandering, which ultimately makes your team more productive.
  • Podbean:  With this platform, you can start a podcast for both your customers and your employees to better understand what the organization is involved with or working on as well as share thought leadership data.

You can find other tools online that will help you add a fun element to your workplace. Quizzes tend to perform particularly well, and you can either use quizzes that you find on sites like HumorThatWorks.com or ElmWorkSpace.com. Alternatively, you can create your own.

Summing up

As you’ve seen from this article, productivity technology can be anything from communication software to music apps designed to boost attention.  Use this article as your resource to help you incorporate these technologies to increase low productivity in the workplace.

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