Workplace Productivity.
Easy to use tools to increase workplace productivity for Small Business.
Workplace productivity is often placed in the too hard basket for the small business owner. However, there are some simple, practical tips, including the use of free or low cost online small business tools, which can make your small business more efficient, less stressful and more profitable.
Workplace Productivity – Tools for Small Business
Tools that can help increase workplace productivity include:
Skype
Skype is an online platform available that allows voice calls or video calls to one person or a group. It removes the need for people to be physically in the same space to have a meeting.
By using Skype, you eliminate travel time and can schedule meetings sooner by not having to wait until everyone can be at the same place at the same time.
Skype is an efficient small business tool that is available on your desktop or mobile. You can sign up on the website www.skype.com. The website offers online support or you can contact their support team with your query. Skype is free to use – it uses the Internet to connect.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud storage and sharing platform where your business files can be kept in one place. It allows for team collaboration where multiple staff members can view, edit and share files with each other. Dropbox also allows you to use a link to allow others access to your file.
This great small business tool is easy to set up on www.dropbox.com. You can also link your Dropbox account to as many devices as you like at no extra charge. They offer a 30 day free trial and there is also a paid version with reasonable monthly fees to choose from.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud storage and sharing platform very similar to Dropbox. This small business tool also keeps files safe and accessible.
Google Drive also works with other Google Apps which is appealing to many small business owners. You can sign up and learn more about this platform on www.google.com.au/drive.
Workplace Productivity and Culture
Why is workplace culture important and how does it affect productivity? As many of you know, workplace culture is important because it directly affects productivity and staff morale. Low morale means staff are not enthusiastic or proactive in their approach to work. So how do we ensure that we create or maintain a positive culture within our small businesses? The workplace productivity checklist below helps identify some key elements for a happy and efficient small business environment:
- Employees feeling appreciated & valued
Set clear goals and expectations with achievements acknowledged and prompt feedback from staff.
Offer professional development opportunities to boost motivation and ensure that your most valuable employees don’t look elsewhere for better employment opportunities.
- Shared vision
Communicate your vision and goals for the business with your employees. Employees feel empowered when they feel part of the bigger picture.
- Supportive & engaging management
Respect work/life balance in order to avoid employee resentment, fatigue and burnout.
Motivate staff with mundane or repetitive tasks by offering rewards, challenges, incentives and targets.
Allow employees to achieve goals in their own way. Micro-managing leads to employees not trusting themselves and feeling too scared to make a decision, which hinders workplace productivity.
- Embracing technology
There are small business tools available that increase productivity. By providing the right tools/equipment for your employees, you increase efficiencies.
Workplace Productivity and Outsourcing
There are some circumstances when a good solution is outsourcing a particular task. This can be another productivity driver for Small Business. This is when a business engages the services of external professionals to work on a specific project or task.
Outsourcing is particularly useful when a business is challenged by the time and resources needed to undertake a project. By using outside experts in a particular field, such as a virtual assistant, marketing consultant, human resources or employee training specialist, the Small Business owner can use their time more efficiently and effectively, allowing them to concentrate on their core responsibilities.
Next Steps
If you don’t already use these tools, we suggest you test some out. Many small business owners are giving these tools glowing reviews and they could help make your workplace more efficient, reduce stress and help make your workplace a happier place.
Best of luck!
Cinzia Travaglini
Small Chilli Marketing Consultant