Just about everyone wishes they could get more done during their time spent at work. Of course, not many people willingly want to extend their workday to tackle the never-ending to-do list. So if working late or working on the weekends aren’t acceptable alternatives, then your only other option is to find ways to be more productive during the work day. Some people have spent thousands of dollars on productivity seminars and intricate systems to help them achieve more; however, not every business has that luxury. For those who need to make do without spending a lot of money, some relatively inexpensive and easy productivity hacks can help your Boston Business and your employees get more done.

1. Use Technology More Wisely

With an abundance of social media, news sites, and entertainment distractions, technology can easily become your biggest time waster. While your phone, computer, and other technology tools should be helping your company be more productive, it is easy for things to go the other way. However, you can use tech in several ways to get more done outside of the standard to-do list app or sticky note software.

Automate what you can

Just about any role in your business has certain tasks that people can automate using technology. It may be relying on a CRM solution to help with marketing processes and customer acquisition; or it could be as simple as setting up rules in an email client to organize specific messages. The key is to identify these tasks and seek out ways to automate them.

Get the right apps

Hundreds of productivity apps are available on the marketplace, and just about each one has been the flavor of the month at some time. Instead of following the newest productivity trend, find applications that work for your business. The numerous app reviews on the web can help you determine which are the best ones for your business. Just make sure that:

• They work within your systems;
• They are not opening up any vulnerabilities;
• They are well maintained by their developer.

Of course, any apps you install should solve a distinct problem. For example, if employees spend too much time trying to remember passwords, then consider rolling out a password safe. If you need to track time management, look to tools such as Toggl or Yast.

Block distracting websites

Some people in your company may find it hard to control themselves when it comes to checking up on social media or other websites. You can block these sites, but then you run the risk of cutting off legitimate information and communication tools. A better way might be to install an application that allows workers to block distracting websites when they are trying to focus on a specific task. By setting the block for a period of time, it helps keep employees focused without completely banning legitimate technology.

2. Use Your Time Wisely

Proper time management isn’t limited to laser focus until everything on your to-do list is complete. It means that you take time for scheduled breaks and time to unplug. Time management strategies like the Pomodoro Method and Workstation Popcorn encourage breaks so you have time to refocus yourself.

Using your time wisely also means you are not wasting time — and that means you have to be careful about the meetings you schedule. Make sure that anytime you are pulling people away from actual work, your meeting has an agenda, is required to make a decision, and sticks to relevant information. You can cover most everything else through email or other communication tools.

3. Stop Checking Email So Often

According to a 2015 – 2019 Email Statistics Report from the Radicati Group, people received an average of 88 business emails per day in 2015. That is quite a bit of information to sort out, and when you consider that on average 12 are spam and plenty more are marketing emails you may have opted into, there is a lot of room for wasted time. The problem gets worse when people stop what they are doing every time a new email alert chimes. Not only are they dealing with the incoming message, but they have also stopped what they are doing.

The easiest way to rectify this is to check email two to three times a day and turn off the alerts. If someone needs your attention, they will call or message you another way. You can enhance that productivity by automating your email organization as mentioned earlier.

Implementing Productivity Hacks

The key to productivity, however, is not simply looking up some hacks. It is finding ones that you and your business can stick to. You can roll out many of the aforementioned tools and processes in your organization with the right planning and an effective implementation strategy. If you need help with this part, you can turn to a partner who has helped other Boston businesses successfully implement productivity hacks to ensure your organization benefits.