Everyone wants their business to run like a well-oiled machine, but how do you get there? Productivity can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. The good news? There are some easy things you can do to boost your business productivity, and many of them are simpler than you might think.
1. Use a SharePoint Intranet
Have you ever felt like your team wastes too much time searching for documents or trying to communicate effectively? Productivity often hinges on having the right tools for communication and collaboration, and SharePoint Intranet can make a big difference.
SharePoint isn’t just a document-sharing platform; it’s an intranet that centralises your business communication and resources. Imagine all your business files in one place, easily accessible for your team whenever they need them. Plus, you can create specific communication hubs for different projects or departments, reducing confusion and keeping everyone on the same page.
No more endless searches through old email chains or worrying about finding the latest version of a document. SharePoint simplifies internal processes, meaning your employees spend less time searching and more time getting things done.
2. Automate Routine Tasks
Think about all those repetitive tasks that eat up your team’s time. Data entry, sending follow-up emails, scheduling meetings—these small but frequent jobs can easily be automated, giving your team more time to focus on the things that matter most.
There are plenty of tools that can take care of these mundane tasks for you. For example, Zapier lets you connect different apps and automate workflows between them, while IFTTT (If This Then That) helps link your daily tools together. By automating routine work, you free up your team’s time for creative and meaningful activities—the kind that actually move the business forward.
Plus, automation reduces the risk of human error, so things get done faster and more accurately. Why not give it a try and see the difference it makes?
3. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Do you ever feel like your team is working hard but not really moving forward? Lack of direction can drain productivity, which is why setting clear, achievable goals is so important.
Using the SMART goals framework is a great way to make sure your goals are effective. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This method ensures that every goal is clear and realistic, helping your employees know exactly what they’re aiming for and how to get there.
Breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks also gives your team a sense of progress as they check things off the list. It’s all about keeping motivation high and direction clear.
4. Foster a Flexible Work Environment
Would your team be more productive if they had more flexibility? The modern workplace is changing, and employees’ expectations are evolving too. One of the best ways to boost productivity is by offering a flexible work environment.
This could mean allowing remote work a couple of days a week or letting employees adjust their hours to fit their most productive times. By trusting your team and giving them flexibility, you end up with people who are more engaged, less stressed, and ready to put in their best work.
You don’t need to change everything overnight. Start by introducing small changes, like remote work on Fridays or implementing core hours when everyone should be available, while allowing flexibility outside those hours. The benefits? Increased productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
5. Encourage Regular Breaks
It might sound odd, but do you know that taking breaks can actually boost productivity? Working non-stop doesn’t mean you’re getting more done; in fact, it often leads to burnout and a decrease in focus. Encouraging your team to take short, frequent breaks—even just five minutes every hour—can lead to better concentration and creativity.
Why not try the Pomodoro Technique? This method involves working in short, focused bursts (usually 25 minutes) followed by a five-minute break. It’s a simple way to help your team maintain their energy throughout the day and avoid that dreaded afternoon slump.
Productivity is about making the time spent working as effective as possible—not just working longer hours. Regular breaks are a simple yet effective way to keep your team sharp and engaged.
6. Invest in Training and Skill Development
When was the last time you invested in your team’s growth? If you want a more productive team, it’s crucial to invest in their skills. Skill development keeps your team up-to-date with industry changes and helps them work more efficiently. Training could be anything from formal courses to online modules or even mentorship programs.
Employees who feel that they are learning and advancing tend to be more motivated and committed to their work. Plus, a well-trained team can handle challenges more effectively, which directly impacts productivity.
Think about implementing monthly training sessions or giving your employees access to platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn Learning. Keeping your team sharp and engaged will ensure they’re ready to tackle any challenges that come their way.
Small Changes, Big Results
Productivity isn’t about squeezing every last drop of energy out of your team—it’s about making smart changes that help everyone work better together. By using tools like SharePoint, automating routine tasks, setting clear goals, encouraging flexibility, promoting regular breaks, and investing in training, you’re creating the foundation for a more efficient and happier workplace.
Why not pick one or two of these strategies to start with and see how they fit into your business? Even small changes can have a big impact, transforming the way your team works and driving you closer to your goals.
