How Can Technology Improve Productivity

Illustration of a computer, tablet, and desk lamp with the text 'How Does Technology Increase Productivity?

Summary:

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    Empower employees with AI, automation, and collaboration tools.

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    Use tech power to speed up business processes.

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    Take significant actions to overcome challenges.

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    Apply the right apps to improve efficiency.

Do you ever feel like productivity is a puzzle you can't solve? We often try to figure out what works to improve our potency but get overwhelmed by other things. As a result, productivity fades.

Technology can help you put the pieces together. The right technology can revamp one's way of working, thinking, and achieving. It is not about doing more; it is about doing more of what matters.

To learn more about how technology and productivity can raise your business, we'll cover -

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Technology Increases Productivity: Some Fascinating Statistics

We've all heard that technology can make our lives easier. But how can technology improve productivity? Here are some fascinating recent statistics showing how far we've come.

These statistics prove that technology is not a convenience. It has become the reason for success in the modern world.

  • The Americans experience enhancing employee output with technology.
Graph with an upward arrow showing 'U.S. Workforce Productivity Growth Over Time.

U.S. workforce productivity has grown, expanding roughly 2% every quarter. They use new technologies like AI to speed up their operations.

For example, gym owner Vic Viktorov boosted revenue at his business by 30% in 2024. He deployed an AI model loaded with company documents and sales materials. It allowed him to write marketing plans and social media posts in minutes rather than hours.

  • Collaboration tools boost performance.

Companies that use seven or more collaboration tools increase productivity. As many as 80% claim these collaboration tools have made an enormous difference. These tools don't let you chat or share files. They change how teams get work done.

  • AI is a Game-Changer

An example of a new technology that can increase productivity is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is making waves in the world of work, and the numbers tell an exciting story. By 2035, AI will increase labor productivity in developed countries by up to 40%.

That's not a slight improvement; that's a game-changer! Take Sweden, for instance. They expect a productivity rise of 37%.

  • Work trend is shaping towards remote and hybrid work models due to remote collaboration software.

The remote and hybrid work model is the most significant example of the use of technology in the workplace. These work models are shaping the future of work.

According to a survey, 27% of employees work in remote or hybrid work models. For the most part, this has to do with the rapid development of software for remote collaboration. Now, working from anywhere is both feasible and productive.

Further Read
How to Calculate Productivity in Business

6 ways technology improves productivity

When you define productivity, it can be outlined as the increase in output within less time. Digital tools take it to another level. It eases many tasks that you can't imagine ever before.

Seamless communication and collaboration

These tools speed up communication, reduce time waste, improve decision-making, and store information. Instead of papers, documents, or even long emails, drop a short text, quick chats, or direct calls. Tools like Slack, Zoom, Google Docs, or Trello make work easier.

These tools let you share documents, ideas, and project files. Whether you work from home or in the office doesn't bother other team members.

Workplace Automation

Task automation solutions handle routine, time-consuming tasks for you. Think about how much time you spend copying and pasting information. Setting up meetings and sending the same email take too many hours.

For automation, Zapier can automate workflows between apps. Gmail's Smart Replies save you from typing out repetitive emails.

Tech-Driven Productivity Strategies

Infographic on enhancing workplace productivity with technology, highlighting six key benefits.

We plan many things to improve productivity in our daily workflow. These can include blocking distractions, avoiding multitasking, reducing unnecessary meetings, and more. Using digital tools for productivity can help us achieve effective results.

The Pomodoro technique is one of the most potent ways of focusing work. For this reason, the Pomodoro app can be the best partner. Apploye can help you avoid multitasking and track all your project and task hours.

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Want to apply the Pomodoro technique for time management? Check here.

Enhancing Employee Output with Technology

Companies provide the tools to make tasks easy. This helps reduce stress in areas that take employees away from meaningful work. Think how AI-driven analytics platforms help teams make data-driven decisions in hours, not days. Small changes can minimize fatigue. It promotes comfort to help make long workdays feel shorter.

In customer service, AI chatbots handle routine questions. So, human agents can focus on solving more complex problems.

Project and Task Management

Managing projects without technology can be messy, confusing, and stressful. The project management app makes it easy and fast. It helps teams break down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks.

Remote work? No problem! You can see what needs to be done, who's responsible, and when it's due, all in real-time.

Everyone knows what to focus on next, without needing constant reminders. When everything is organized, people feel less overwhelmed.

Employee Performance Tracking

Technology automates the tracking of employee performance. You can focus on efficiency rather than the hours worked. Apploye, Toggl, and Hubstaff enable employees to monitor their productivity.

They give you an overview of exactly how they spend their time. These tools provide ways to improve without feeling like the 'big brother' is watching.

Keeping up with the latest trends in technology will go a long way in helping your quest to boost productivity. Technology is evolving, and these evolutions have changed daily work routines. Let's review some of the most impactful technologies that will help you do more, keep in touch, and work smarter.

Artificial Intelligence and Automation.

AI is the secret weapon to chop down repetitive tasks. With the evolution of AI tools, complex and multistep processes can be done within seconds. It is a game-changing element to raise efficiency.

Remote Collaboration Tools

Remote work and hybrid work are becoming the norm, and it's exactly tools like these that keep teams connected. With these tools, people get more flexibility to work from anywhere. Companies can hire top talents and work in harmony.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT makes workspaces even smarter and more productive. IoT makes work easier by automating tasks, enhancing teamwork, and helping businesses make wiser decisions. For instance, IoT-powered whiteboards or projectors enable teams to work together in real-time.  These little things make a great difference in both productivity and well-being.

AR and VR

AR and VR are revolutionizing training and design. AR and VR are potent tools that quicken learning and designing by making them more interactive. These technologies help you learn skills test ideas and create better designs without wasting time or resources. Imagine doing surgery in a virtual operating room. You can redesign a product in 3D before it's even built.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has opened the door to using technological power in business. Without the expensive hardware, you can rent cloud services. It removes the limitations and helps you expand your business globally. Startups can grow their businesses worldwide by using cloud-based e-commerce platforms.

Further read:
How to Improve Employee Performance

Challenges of Technology That Impede Productivity and Their Solutions

While technology can improve productivity, it can backfire for you. Here are the challenges you may face when using technology. Also, we've provided the solutions to overcome them.

Constant Distractions

The biggest cons of technology are the alerts and notifications. They randomly come from different apps, emails, and sites. These notifications distract people from focusing on work.

Solution:
Silent your devices while working. Use 'Do Not Disturb' mode. Customize the collaboration tools notifications. Don't get so busy checking social media during break time.

Overload of Tools

The usage of a lot of apps causes disorientation and tool fatigue. Sometimes, we use more tools than needed.

Cycle diagram on optimizing tool usage for productivity with four key steps.

Solution:
Use platforms that can provide several functions in one place. For example, Apploye can help you track time and productivity. It also helps in monitoring employee activities and project and task management. Train people to use just fewer tools to bring maximum efficiency.

Steep Learning Curves

Most new software does take time to get used to and thus causes a dip in productivity.

Solution:
Invest in thorough onboarding and training regarding the usage of new tools. Make tutorials, webinars, or a tech support team for them. Select a more user-friendly app to reduce the learning curve.

Technical Issues

System crashes, software bugs, and slow internet connections damage the continuity of work. Sometimes, they cause time to waste and distraction.

Solution:
Keep your software and hardware updated regularly. Invest in good IT support that solves problems as soon as possible. Provide remote workers with a stipend for high-speed internet and sound equipment.

Data security Threats

Data breaches include hacking into the sensitive information of customers. Sometimes, scammers trick people into revealing personal data.

Solution:
Use strong security protocols such as two-factor authentication and encryption of data. Provide regular training on cybersecurity to keep employees up-to-date.

Burnout from Being "Always On"

The use of smartphones and collaboration tools can cause stress and burnout.

Solution:
Offer clear boundaries around working hours. Disconnect from the network after working hours. Talk about and build access to mental health resources. Allow regular breaks.

List of Digital Tools for Productivity

Categories
Apps’ Name
Project Management Applications
Asana, Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp
Communication & Collaboration Tools
Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace
Time Management Apps
Apploye, Clockify, RescueTime, Time Doctor
Automation Tools
Zapier, IFTTT (If This Then That), Microsoft Power Automate, Make (formerly Integromat)
File Sharing & Storage
Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box
Distraction Management Tools
Focus@Will, Freedom, Forest, Cold Turkey
Note-Taking Tools
Notion, Evernote, Roam Research, Microsoft OneNote
Expense Tracking Tools
QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Expensify, Xero

Conclusion

Technology provides better balance, less stress, and progress toward our goals. The future of productivity is embracing technology to balance it with work and life.

But, challenges can pull you down from productivity. By considering practical solutions and putting powerful tools to work, we can enjoy the benefits of technology.

Let's build a more productive and wiser world. Shall we?