Professionals agree that increased technological integration is benefiting companies by capitalizing on industry needs, employee engagement, and is generating increased productivity. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from putting proper software and hardware tools in place to help them face challenges and improve results.
Today’s technology-enhanced workforce can communicate instantly from anywhere in the world and access huge amounts of cloud-based data at any time. Businesses that leverage these innovations are able to execute, scale, and shift far better than before. Here are some of the ways that technology increases productivity in the workplace.
These nine methods are helping businesses fuel greater productivity in the workplace.
1. Tools for time tracking.
With technology, management is able to leverage online productivity and organizational tools so they can keep track of time, progress towards goals, and management of projects. By using these tools, it becomes apparent ahead of time if a project is behind schedule and businesses are able to course correct in order to speed things up. Technology also empowers employees to progress through their own personal system of goals and provides for the implementation of productivity trends through individuals, teams, and the broader organization. This method of analyzing and tracking employee performance can also be used to foment friendly competition.
2. Increased flexibility and connection with mobile workers.
Technology enables the workforce to perform at a high level under changing environments. Teams are able to work efficiently and effectively outside of the office and the normal limits of workplace settings. Mobile employees are able to send and receive important information, contact other team members, tackle problems, and do other necessary tasks that are involved with their job even when they are miles away. The increasing power of internet connectivity and speed, as well as innovations in cloud computing, enables mobile telecommuting employees to do all that needs to be done when they are out of the office. This flexibility changes the traditional 9-to-5 dynamic and increases employee productivity even when they are away. Employees are also able to work in what may be more comfortable environments.
3. Personalized marketing.
Rather than spending money on mass-contact ads and commercials and hoping that the right audience is found, technology enables you to specialize and focus your marketing efforts through the use of culled data, click-through ads, and influencer campaigns on social media like Facebook and Instagram. This approach to marketing allows businesses to land with the right audience with far less effort and expense.
4. Use of focusing tools.
One of the downsides of greater technological integration in business, especially regarding the use of the Internet, is that is easy for people to get distracted by other things. However, there is technology that can help with the technology-induced problem of employees browsing Reddit or social media when they are supposed to be working. Tools such as website blockers and timers – not to mention the increasingly common decision to lock the business into a closed local area network – help employees stay focused on getting the work done.
5. Tools for collaboration.
Every business professional knows how important collaboration and teamwork is for an efficient workplace. Today’s management teams can enable the consistent, constant, and fluid flow of information between employees. The effective leveraging of such technology empowers colleagues to connect with each other with the ultimate goal of doing the job.
6. Improved employee engagement.
It is well known that many employees are detached from their work. This is especially the case when workers are left in cubicles doing rote tasks without support. Technology spices up the boring traditional office routines by providing tools that improve collaboration, transparency, and flexibility – not to mention being fun to use. The community of business professionals is developing and using workflow models that provide immediate feedback that results in a workforce that is more engaged and productive.
7. Use of Chatbots to help with customer service.
For many businesses, customer service is extremely difficult to get right. Many customers have negative experiences dealing with long phone menus and frustrating hold times. But chatbots are giving customer service an upgrade and making it much easier for companies to provide great experiences for their clients. The new breed of chatbots in messenger apps can easily answer frequently asked questions, quickly order products, intelligently provide tech support, and make reservations.
8. Communication and transparency.
Transparency is extremely important on every level of business, regardless of industry, the size of the company, or plans for the future. Management teams need transparency so they can have insight and data on the status of assets, tools, and business processes. Transparency ensures that every employee knows the goals of the company, what their role is in the company, and what work they need to do to make sure that those goals are met. Business technology across software, hardware, and mobile devices ensure that every member of the workforce is able to better connect and communicate with their colleagues and with leadership. A policy of transparent communication ensures that all workers are supported and connected.
9. Easily getting expert help.
Companies no longer have to depend on internal resources for knowledge and assistance. Now they make good use of outsourcing and contracting tools to handle tasks that employees may not be well-versed in. The power of technology enables businesses to do their thing and get help from others to do their best.
With many new and automated ways to implement technology, today’s workforce is becoming more productive, conducting better business internationally, and interacting with customers in a way that creates a great experience. You can use technology and gadgets reviewed on InStash.com to your advantage by using these tips and designing a system for your company’s specific needs.