So, how exactly does technology lead to increased productivity in the workplace? In this article, we'll explore this topic in more detail.
Does technology improve employee engagement?
Nobody can work effectively if they’re forced to use outdated business software that doesn’t function well outside the office or have to look for documents stored in various places. Poor productivity can lead to long hours and burnout.
The Access Group in the UK recently commissioned a survey studying people who handle data as part of their job. The survey asked respondents to share their sentiments on AI in the workplace, how it has impacted their quality of work, and how they are spending their time.
56% of employees said that AI had reduced their workload and helped them concentrate on more important, creative, or strategic activities. This time gained back is helping organisations get more done and improve the working lives of their people.
How technology can positively impact productivity at work
Everything in one place
It doesn’t matter where people are working – having everything in one place helps to save time and reduce frustration while driving up productivity and performance.
By removing labour-intensive admin and making it easier for people to do their jobs well, they’re less likely to take their work home with them. Establishing healthy workplace boundaries and prioritising self-care has become increasingly important in professional and personal spaces. Work-life balance is now protected by various laws and regulations in Australia, including the 'right to disconnect' which passed through parliament in early 2024.
Recent technological advancements, such as automation and the rise of artificial intelligence, support recent legislation designed to encourage a healthy work-life balance for the Australian workforce and employers.
Access Evo was developed with this goal in mind. It is a unique artificial intelligence solution that empowers organisations to achieve more in the moment. Access Evo is a work assistant that helps employees to surface the important things they need quickly, including tasks and documents, in one place without logging into multiple systems or having to email colleagues endlessly for information. With everyone working on a system that is designed to accelerate the performance of daily tasks and admin, it enables everyone to get things done faster, without the reliance on power users or experts.
Read more about this topic in our article: How AI is transforming workforce management.
Improving your employee engagement
Whatever their role and wherever they are on the career ladder, everyone benefits from ongoing training and development.
Building skills and knowledge helps people do their jobs confidently, efficiently, and to a high standard, making work more rewarding for them. It also enables them to move to the next level if they want to or side-step into a different role, boosting both job satisfaction and employee engagement.
With a range of online learning tools and training resources available, people can fit training into their working day rather than adding to it and complement the informal learning opportunities they have in the office.
Making wellbeing a priority
Good employers understand how technology impacts employee well-being and use it to create a supportive environment. It is vital to equip managers with the necessary skills to understand mental health and provide resources for people to take control of their well-being.
By using technology to free people from excessive admin, managers also have more time to arrange one-on-ones, mentoring, and team meetings (both virtual and in-person).
It could also help people spot more worrying signs that someone is in distress by providing an outlet for people to raise concerns or vent their frustrations.
Communication and collaboration tools
Technology has revolutionised how we communicate in the workplace, making it faster and more efficient.
With readily available tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow for instant messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing, enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly regardless of where they are located
Whether you're a remote team or a multi-location business, communication and collaboration are essential. Ensure that communication barriers are minimised and that employees can easily share ideas, provide feedback, and solve problems in real time.
This enhanced collaboration fosters a more productive and cohesive work environment.
How to increase productivity in the workplace with technology
Technology is no longer just a tool for convenience; it is a vital component of workplace productivity. From the automation of repetitive tasks and collaboration tools to remote work capabilities, recent innovation enables businesses to operate more efficiently, make better decisions, and empower their employees.
A modern workforce wants to complete their tasks to a high standard, within a reasonable timeframe, and finish work on time, so they can spend their weekends and evenings with friends and family and enjoy their hobbies. This helps them feel refreshed and ready to work well the following day.
Adopting the right technology can enhance workplace cultures, focusing on wellbeing, efficiency, and continuous learning. These factors help drive productivity in a healthy way. The future of work is digital, and technology's impact on productivity can only continue to grow.