How to boost productivity at work – a few simple tips!
Whether you’re managing a small group or a large department, your ability to boost productivity can significantly impact your team’s success and the overall success of your organisation. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to boost productivity at work and offer a few proven tips for team leaders to enhance productivity and achieve better results. Let’s dive in and discover how to boost productivity at work.
As experts in digital collaboration, we are also sharing our favourite tools to help you achieve each tip. These are some of the most favoured collaboration tools used in the modern workplace to help companies achieve maximum productivity.
Our tips on how to boost productivity at work
Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Let’s start at the beginning! To understand what to improve on, we need to have a clear vision of what we’re trying to achieve. Team leaders should set clear, specific, and achievable goals for their teams. Ensure that your team understands these objectives and expectations, as this clarity will motivate them and provide a sense of purpose in their work. When everyone knows what’s expected, it’s easier to measure progress and success.
We would recommend a great new tool from Microsoft to achieve setting goals and working to a clear mission. Viva Goals is a brand new app offered as part of the new Microsoft Viva suite of products. Which together are aimed at increasing productivity through a bundle of apps within Teams.
Prioritise Tasks and Delegate Effectively
Time management is a critical skill for team leaders and if you want to know how to boost productivity at work, this is a good place to start. Help your team prioritise tasks by identifying high-priority items and focusing on them first. Delegate tasks according to team members’ strengths and skills. Effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also empowers your team, leading to increased productivity.
There are a few timesheet management tools available. The most popular being Monday.com and Clockify.me, which are both great off-the-shelf solutions. To get the most out of a timesheet tool, getting a custom tool developed is always another good option.
Provide Adequate Training and Resources
Invest in your team’s development by offering training and providing the necessary resources for their tasks. Well-trained team members are more confident and efficient, which ultimately boosts productivity. Encourage continuous learning and provide access to tools and technology that can streamline processes. Your staff should be pushed to better their skills right from the onboarding process and throughout their employment.
Again, a tool that first comes to mind when talking about training is Viva Learning, another app available within the Microsoft Viva suite of products. With this learning tool you can merge all your learning applications into one place.
Foster a Positive Work Environment
A positive work environment can do wonders for productivity. Create a culture of respect, trust, and open communication. Recognize and celebrate achievements, no matter how small. When team members feel valued and supported, they are more motivated to excel in their work.
The most important way to keep your workforce happy is through good workplace wellbeing. Keep tools that improve their work/life balance available to them and easy to use. Having tools like travel booking software and holiday booking software built into their everyday apps like SharePoint, make staff feel like they are encouraged to keep a good work/life balance.
Use Technology Wisely
Leverage technology to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. Project management tools, communication platforms, and automation software can help your team work more efficiently. However, it’s essential to choose the right tools and ensure that your team receives proper training to use them effectively.
One of our main recommendations when it comes to technology is to use the Microsoft 365 suite. You are probably already using some applications like Teams and Outlook, however a full Microsoft 365 consultancy can demonstrate how to unlock the full set of tools to increase productivity massively.
Encourage Breaks and Downtime
If you’re looking at how to boost productivity at work, it may seem counterintuitive to encourage breaks and downtime. Overworking can lead to burnout and decreased efficiency. Encourage your team to take regular breaks to recharge their energy and focus. It can lead to better overall performance.
Once again, the Microsoft Viva suite of apps can help you here. Viva Insights is a great way to track your wellbeing, break and downtime, whilst recording progress.
Implement Agile and Flexible Work Practices
In today’s dynamic work environment, flexibility is key. Consider implementing agile work practices, such as remote work options or flexible schedules. When team members have the freedom to work in a way that suits them best, they often become more productive and engaged. One worry for team leaders when allowing flexible working is that communication can suffer. Useful digital tools like an employee directory can keep your staff connected, even when they’re not physically together.
Don’t Forget About Your IT team!
An often forgotten department in most organisations is the IT team. Traditionally IT have been referenced as being outcasts within a company, which we feel is a very bad move. The whole world is becoming digitalised and the workplace is no exception. Modern businesses rely massively on their tech and in order to a company running like a well oiled machine, IT need to be able to manage that tech quickly and efficiently. Having tools like service desk management software and IT asset management will make sure your IT can act fast with incident requests and manage the companies assets.
How to boost productivity at work: Conclusion
Boosting productivity at work is a continuous effort that requires effective leadership and a supportive work environment. By implementing these proven tips, team leaders can foster a culture of productivity that leads to better results and greater job satisfaction among team members. Remember that productivity is not about working harder but working smarter. With clear goals, effective delegation, a positive work environment, and the right tools, you can achieve outstanding results and propel your team to success.
Incorporate these strategies into your leadership approach, and you’ll be well on your way to answering the question, “How to boost productivity at work?” Your team will thank you, and your organization will benefit from the increased efficiency and success that follow.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you increase productivity through digital tools
