As a small- or medium-sized business owner, you are likely searching for new technologies to create a workforce that is more efficient, more innovative, and more productive. Along with the growing trend of remote workers, there is also an increased demand for data that is on-demand, which means data that is always accessible and from any location—this type of arrangement results in higher levels of productivity.
However, alone, on-demand data cannot provide superior productivity levels for business. Other factors must be considered, too. Identifying tech solutions to help unlock higher levels of productivity from timesheet app options to ongoing scheduling and management, and more is critical. Keep reading to learn about some of the top tech options to improve overall productivity.
Connect Remote Workforces
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 4.7 million people were already working from home. After the pandemic began, 88% of organizations worldwide made remote work mandatory or optional, increasing the total remote workforce significantly.
With so many companies providing the option for workers to conduct their daily tasks remotely, an effective way to communicate, connect, and collaborate is needed. Today, new technology solutions, such as Zoom and apps like Slack and Asana, help connect these individuals, regardless of where they are working from.
Enable Business-Specific Collaboration Tools
Seamless collaboration is paramount to business success. While this is true, employees do not have to be in adjoining offices or cubicles to achieve it. With so many free applications available, such as the cloud-based suite offered by Google, it is now possible to ensure all team members can easily collaborate and feel confident their information and data are secure.
Along with the free cloud options, there are also custom solutions that provide more robust solutions with improved security for your sensitive data. With Unified Communications or UC, for example, you can access several types of communication, which means you can choose what the most effective will be – video chat, conference session, instant message, phone call, etc. You can also take advantage of customer relationship management systems, which lets your sales team save time by keeping up with a prospect’s status in a single, shared location. With these solutions in place, you can grow consistency in your customer relations, increasing profitability, and productivity.
Take Time to Get Organized
Countless hours are wasted looking through spreadsheets or information that is stored in larger data sets. Many of these may only be accessible through a desktop computer. By investing in a database system that lets your staff add and access data will pay for itself when it comes to inefficiencies.
For example, if you choose to implement some type of cloud-based time tracking software, it ensures your remote workers can track their total hours, mileage, and expenses, all in a single location. Also, tracking solutions like these help keep mundane but critical information accurate, up-to-date, and in a single location. This is beneficial for clients, employees, and managers and helps to ensure productivity across the board.
Make Sure You Remain Reachable
Be sure your remote workers have access to updated, modern devices that support solutions to help them stay connected. A single missed call may result in a missed business opportunity. Be sure to invest in phone systems that feature UC to access the essential features you need for quality communication, such as caller ID, find-me/follow-me, voicemail to email, and more. All these features are necessary to remain in touch with remote workers and to maintain the level of professionalism desired.
Improving and Maintaining Business Productivity
If you want to improve your business’s productivity effectively, then use the tips and information found here. These technology solutions will help ensure your business is successful, productive, and that remote workers remain connected. Being informed and knowing what to expect are the best ways to ensure that your business has the best chance of success possible and that productivity levels remain high across on-site and remote workers.
Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer and entrepreneur based in the US who specialises in business technology, customer relationship management and lead management. She also writes about the latest social trends, specifically involving social media.
