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5 Productivity Hacks for Small Businesses

Small businesses have to stay as productive as possible so they can meet their goals and compete against larger companies. Even if you think your business has the tools that it needs to make employees more productive, you can probably find some room for improvement.

Start with these 5 productivity hacks for small businesses so you can make your company even more competitive.

Use Apps to Make Collaborating Easier

If your employees rely on email to collaborate with each other, then they’re wasting a lot of time that they could devote to finishing other tasks. You can make collaborating easier by using apps that are uniquely designed to help people work together.

Some of the top collaboration tools to consider include:

The tool that you choose will depend on the kind of work that your company does. Review your options so you can choose a cloud-based application that fits your needs. This is a simple productivity hack that will have you working better in no time at all.

Automate Repetitive Tasks

Many of your employees repeat the same tasks every day. Make them more efficient by automating repetitive tasks. That way, they don’t have to waste time on work that computers can do for them.

In fact, there are a lot of automation tools to consider.

Try AutoHotKey to make shortcut hotkeys to automate desktop tasks like opening emails, editing documents, and completing forms. Workflow can automate tasks on iOS devices. Tasker can automatically open apps, send notifications, and perform other tasks on Android devices.

Related: Your Go-to Guide for Total Technology Control

Adopt the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique helps people concentrate by breaking the day into short sections. Each Pomodoro sessions lasts 25 minutes. After each session, you get a 5-minute break. After every fourth session, you get a longer break.

Even if you hate what you’re working on, you can focus on it when you know that you get a short break within 25 minutes.

If you’re new to the Pomodoro Technique, use an app like Marinara Timer, Focus Booster, or PomoDone. Some Pomodoro apps can connect to other applications, like Evernote or Trello, to boost productivity even more.

Let Employees Follow Flexible Schedules

Several studies show that employees become more flexible when they can follow flexible schedules. If possible, don’t force your people to work rigid hours. If you let them some control over their schedules, then they could become up to 25% more productive.

Letting employees work from home boosts productivity even more. One study shows that employees who work from home are 43% more productive than their colleagues working in the office. How’s that for an easy productivity hack?

Related: How Does the Cloud Work, and How Does It Benefit Your Business?

Use Site Blockers to Stay Focused

Many of your employees probably need internet access to do their jobs. Unfortunately, the internet offers unlimited time-wasters that can distract people from their work. You think that you’re only going to spend 5 minutes checking your Facebook messages. The next thing you know, half an hour has gone by and you haven’t accomplished anything.

Some of the most effective site-blocking apps and browser extensions include:

These tools rely on you (or your employee) to choose which sites to block. If you have more than 25 employees, you may want to have an IT professional block popular sites that waste a lot of time.

Staying productive gets much easier when you have the right tools on your side. Explore these options so you can choose productivity hacks that will work well for your business.

How GB Tech Helps You Stay Productive

As your go-to technology advisor, we’re here to help you choose the best tools and tech for your business. If you’re looking for new ways to optimize and improve your small business, reach out to us. Of course, we’ve got more productivity hacks up our sleeve, too.

We’ve got experts that can help you save time through IT services and a lasting partnership.

Hungry for more? Be sure to check out How to Create the Perfect BDR Plan.