Working efficiently is a must for technology professionals. With only so many working hours in the day, you’ll need to maximize your time to get everything checked off your to-do list. By implementing the right technology, you can create shortcuts to get more done in less time. Here are seven tips to help you boost your efficiency in the workplace.
1. Use Cloud Technology to Share Files
You and your team need access to the right digital files to get work done. If your files are only stored on one device, you’ll waste time trying to track them down, rather than getting work done. Instead, try using cloud technology to make your files readily available whenever you need them.
With cloud technology, your files are stored on a remote server that you can access via the internet, rather than on a specific device. Google Drive and Dropbox are two popular examples of cloud technology that are often used in the workplace. With these tools, your entire team can share the files you need without lengthy back-and-forth emails.
2. Create Screenshots and Videos For Tutorials
When you work in tech, you’ll frequently need to show your coworkers how to use new digital tools. It’s usually faster to illustrate these concepts with a screenshot, GIF, or video, rather than a lengthy explanation. Your team members can also save these files to reference later as they’re working. This reduces the need to ask clarifying questions, which can slow both parties down.
You can use a screenshot app to provide step-by-step instructions for any concept you want to share. For more complex concepts, you can also use a screen recorder to capture videos and GIFs of technology in action. In addition to tutorials, these instructional files are also an effective way to demonstrate your ideas during a presentation.
3. Communicate In Group Chats
Communicating via email can be very inefficient, particularly for large teams working in a fast-paced environment. It’s easy for emails to get lost in your inbox, and it’s difficult to keep the entire team looped in on an email chain. Instead of communicating via email, try using a group chat app like Slack or Microsoft Teams to keep your messages more organized.
Group chat apps make it easier for your entire team to share ideas quickly and easily. You can also create one-on-one chats or subgroups for specific topics. These apps are generally easier to use on mobile devices than email, which makes them much more convenient for remote teams.
4. Implement Automation
Rote, repetitive tasks are one of the biggest productivity killers in any workplace. They’re necessary to keep the business running, but focusing on them can prevent you from completing more complex tasks. Try using technology to automate repetitive tasks and save time.
One of the most common examples of this in the workplace is creating automated workflows. Tools like Zapier and Zoho help teams automate many of the repetitive tasks they do every day. For example, you can automatically create to-do lists, send notifications, backing up files, and more.
Generative AI is another popular way to use automation in the workplace. For example, generative AI chatbots can help you write emails more quickly and ensure they are grammatically correct. You can also use generative AI as a starting point when creating graphics or even writing basic code.
5. Keep Meetings Limited
While meetings are often necessary to keep your team on track, they can significantly interfere with productivity if they aren’t used effectively. Some estimates say that up to half of all work meetings are a waste of time! For example, if you schedule a meeting in the middle of the day, it can serve as a distraction from more intensive tasks that require undivided attention. Additionally, meetings can get off-topic quickly, resulting in even more wasted time.
Before scheduling a meeting, stop to consider whether it’s really necessary. In many cases, a Slack conversation or email could be just as effective. If you do need to schedule a meeting, create an agenda beforehand to keep the conversation on track.
6. Use Task Management Tools
Staying organized is another major productivity challenge in a fast-paced tech environment. If you need to confirm assignments manually every time you start a new project, you’re losing valuable time that could be spent working. One way to avoid this is by using task management tools like Asana, ClickUp, Trello, or Monday.com for your assignments.
These tools allow you to break up large projects into sub-tasks and assign these tasks to your team. As workers finish their tasks, they can assign them back to their supervisors for easy review. This approach also helps prevent confusion among your team, as everyone knows exactly what they need to work on.
7. Track Your Time
In order to plan your workday effectively, you need to understand how long each task will take you to complete. Use time-tracking tools as you work to get a better idea of your productivity. By tracking your time consistently, you can determine an average amount of time that each task takes to complete.
With this information, you can plan your schedule and set deadlines more effectively. This will help you make the best use of your time without overworking yourself. Tracking your time can also help motivate you to stay on task throughout the workday.
Final Thoughts
These productivity techniques can help you make the most of each workday. Working efficiently will help you complete tasks and reach your goals faster, which helps make the workday more enjoyable. An efficient approach can also help make the workday less stressful, even when you have a busy schedule.