It is the time of the year where we stop and think about the year that was and start planning the year ahead. 2016 is fast approaching, start with organising your workplace to help increase productivity. Here are some tips to create productive flow in your business for 2016.
1. Clean up your act
Take the time to de-clutter your workspace and encourage your staff to do the same. Make this an office ritual and you will never have a messy workspace. Depending on how busy your team is, Spring may not be the only season included in your office cleaning schedule. Don't forget about your business files and project documents. Organise both your online and offline filing cabinets, this will help increase security and reduce data loss.
2. Consider cloud computing and storage
Making the switch to the cloud is the way of the future with a predicted 4 out of 5 businesses to be using some form of the cloud by 2016. It aims to create seamless productivity anywhere, anytime and on any device. If you are a business with a love hate server relationship and have seen a decrease in productivity in your workplace, then cloud computing could be the solution.
If you think that moving to the cloud is not an option because the hardware purchased in the past was expensive. Think again, it can be sold to help fund your business move to the cloud. Selling your hardware to a credible hardware procurement company is a great option to get rid of hardware and not waste your past investment.Â
3. Get your staff learning
If you are using a cloud based service or are in the process of making the switch, then you will know that it can be quite complex, especially for new members. It is important to listen and respond to any issues your staff may have with new technology changes. Reading manuals and attending seminars can help, but something more hands on like an e-learning tool may help engage your staff more positively.
The use of e-learning tools in the workplace is on the rise, with approximately 73% of companies around the world choosing to upskill their employees with e-learning resources.
4. Keep connected with staff locally AND overseas
It is important to keep morale levels high in the workplace, ensuring staff perform at their best. After work drinks or Friday lunch outings are a great way to boost staff morale locally and in turn productivity levels, but what about overseas staff? Keep connected with regular contact over phone, email and face-to-face on Skype. Make sure all staff feel a part of the bigger picture.
5. A good old-fashioned list
Finally, a list is always a good idea, helping to focus your mind and prioritise tasks. These lists can be daily tasks or more long term goals, all you need is a pen and some paper. For the advanced list makers, there are helpful list making apps out there alongside cloud syncing note options, such as OneNote.
I am a cloud computing expert and Managing Director of Cloud Made Simple. My team and I aim to make cloud migration a simple and cost effective choice for Australian SMEs. A competitor at heart, I work hard to give my clients winning cloud solution packages for their business. While the field of technology and online services is ever changing, I have enjoyed learning an developing my skills in the technology solutions industry over the past 15 years.
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Lina Barfoot, Editor at SavvySME
I love a list, sometimes nice and old-fashioned is just the way to go! no better way to clear your head and prioritise your tasks.
Jef Lippiatt, Owner at Startup Chucktown
I think it is important to let everyone cast vision, granted their scope may be different than your own. Vision needs to be set from the top and exemplified all the way down. Vision must also be allowed and encouraged from the bottom up to let team members have a feeling of autonomy. Let them cast vision for what they see their role doing in the new year, what they would like to accomplish professionally and personally. Help others see how they fit into the vision and help them pull that vision into their roles. Create informal (and formal if necessary) touch points to ensure no one is going off the rails.