Leads 2 Business Blog

Does Technology make us more or less productive in the workplace?

Technology today puts us in contact with a constant stream of new information. Whether you are reading promotional emails, scanning the latest news and trends or connecting on social media, you are ingesting massive amounts of content. You never know where the inspiration for your next big idea might come from and engaging on such a large scale might just provide you with the right spark.

The Big Question is, however, is technology more of a distraction than a tool for productivity? The answer basically comes down to how you use technology and how you incorporate new tools to combat the effects of constant distractions.

After scouring the Net for inspiration and answers, I have come up with the following ways that we can use today’s technology to make us more productive:

Research shows there is a direct relationship between office design and productivity. It also plays an important role in employee job satisfaction and organisational performance. A well-designed office can also enhance knowledge shared among employees, which, in turn, boosts productivity.

Productivity thrives in an environment where employees are motivated to succeed. It is important to value people’s insights and involve them in setting goals for the organisation. It will not only motivate them to be more productive but also create a culture of innovation that will help your company adapt and grow as products, technology and markets evolve over time.

While technology is often viewed as a distraction, it’s one of the most important ways to enhance office productivity. One study done found that office productivity has increased by a whopping 84% over the last four decades, all thanks to advancements in digital technology. And it goes without saying that when it comes to internet speed, the faster the better!

Taking regular, short breaks throughout the day is also beneficial to productivity. A study by the University of Illinois found that even a brief interruption is enough to get back on track when you lose focus during a long or difficult task. Letting your mind wander is also a great way to stay productive, as your brain is relaxed and can focus solving tricky problems. Short breaks allow you to take a step back and evaluate your work, and ultimately leading to better performance and less burnout over the long term.

So, yes, it would appear that technology can be a distraction that can diminish productivity if not properly managed by the individual. However, technology has made the modern workplace more streamlined, efficient and accessible than ever before. The trick is, as with any double-edged sword, is to use it to your advantage and make it work for you, so that you don’t end up getting cut.

Information sourced from the following websites:

Does Technology Actually Make You More Productive?

http://www.businessrevieweurope.eu/technology/1146/3-ways-IoT-will-transform-your-office
http://www.axiomprojects.com.au/news/post/5-factors-that-influence-office-productivity/

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