7 Technology Tips to Improve Your Productivity

After a hectic morning in the office, you look down and notice it’s already noon—where has the time gone?

Sometimes, it can be tough to be productive at work, as our attention is constantly pulled in so many different directions.

Luckily, there are quite a few ways to increase productivity—if you use technology to your advantage. With plenty of tips, tricks, and apps at our disposal, tech can help us manage our time and streamline complex tasks.

Do you ever wish you knew at least one technology tip that could guarantee you accomplished more each day?

If you’re looking to increase your output, keep reading for seven top tips to increase productivity using technology.

1. Our First Technology Tip—Use Apps to Block Social Media

If scrolling social media is slowing you down when you’re trying to be productive, you’re not alone. We spend, on average, two hours and 24 minutes each day on social media, time which could be put to better use.

However, when you’re working on your computer, it’s tough to resist the temptation of social media, as it’s only a click away. If you’re having trouble focusing on a tough task and Facebook is to blame, you may want to try an app that temporarily blocks you from accessing certain sites, like socials.

There are plenty of free or low-cost apps, including OffTime and SelfControl. You can use them to block sites for a set period, allowing you to give complete focus to the task at hand.

Or, if it’s your phone that’s causing distractions, don’t be afraid to go old-school for a while and either turn it off or place it in a drawer to help you focus. Out of sight, out of mind.

2. Multitask By Splitting Your Screen

When you’re working on complex tasks, such as data entry or project management, it can be frustrating to constantly toggle back and forth between browser windows.

While some people prefer to use two screen monitors to make things easier, this isn’t always possible, due to space or costs.

Instead, help yourself multitask faster by using split-screen view. This effectively creates the same effect as using two monitors, allowing you to easily view two different screens at the same time.

Here’s how to set up Split Screen View for your Mac.

3. Try Team Management Software to Streamline Communication

If you work as part of a team, you know how much time during the day is lost to phone calls and constant back and forth emails.

Yes, team communication is an important part of the day, but is there any way to streamline it and save time? Yes—if this is an issue for your team, it can be hopeful to try team management software.

Software and apps like Slack, Asana, and Trello are fantastic for teams. You can use them for private or group messaging, much faster than sending an email.

You can also assign tasks, delegate new projects, and see comments and discussion history for each project, a convenient way to get more done each day.

4. Upgrade to High-Speed Internet

If you haven’t already, one of the best ways to get more done is to upgrade your internet. With so many high-speed internet options out there, such as 5G, there’s no reason to be waiting for downloads or waiting for a video to buffer as you’re trying to watch it.

If you have a fast internet connection already but it’s not performing well, you could benefit from a wifi extender. These devices are easy to install and help your wifi expand its reach throughout your home.

5. Use the Cloud to Access Files from Anywhere

One of our top computer tips is to make sure you and your company are saving everything to a cloud-based server, rather than directly to your hard drive.

Cloud storage saves time because it’s fast and you can access files from anywhere in the world or from any device, as long as you’re logged in.

If you’ve ever waited for a colleague to email you the latest version of a file, you know how much time this can waste. Instead, use the cloud and staff can access all the files they need, without waiting.

6. Video Conferencing Makes Meetings Easier

Save time throughout your day by scheduling video meetings instead of meeting in-person. This will save both you and the other party time, as you won’t need to travel to the office or coffee shop.

Video conferencing offers more engagement than just a phone call and is a terrific alternative to meeting in real life. It can also be a great learning tool for online training or workshops.

Plus, it offers a personal touch when connecting with new clients or holding team meetings.

7. Use Scheduling Apps to Manage Your Time

We can be our own worst enemy when it comes to productivity. Getting distracted by chats with colleagues, personal tasks, or falling down the rabbit hole of YouTube can cause us to quickly lose focus.

To make things easier for yourself, try to use scheduling apps to block out your time. If you know you have a few tasks that you absolutely have to finish within a week, carve out time for them by scheduling a few hours each day to get them done.

When it’s time to get started, the app will send a notification and remind you of what you should be doing. When it’s time to start, create a workspace free of distractions and get to work.

There are many apps that do this well, but you may want to try Harvest, Pocket, or Timely.

Increase Your Productivity Today

Which technology tip will you use first to increase your productivity? Technology gives us almost infinite advantages in life, so take advantage of them by using some of the tips above to get more done each day.

Increasing productivity in the workplace can help you feel less stressed, will ensure you meet your important deadlines and will give you more free time to spend with friends and family. Get started today and see how embracing technology can improve your working life!

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