You’ve heard the saying “there’s an app for that.” It’s a cute and clever marketing gimmick, but more than that–it’s true. Whatever you or your employees need to do to perform at a higher level and get daily tasks done, there is a tech tool or app that can help you. Digital workplaces can take advantage of free and paid tech tools to streamline productivity and connectivity at work.
It may seem counterintuitive to invest in these tools, especially if you have a large HR department that can handle everything that comes up. But it really does pay to invest in tools that employees can use themselves. For example, online payroll systems allow employees to capture hours, report travel expenses, and perform other payroll-related tasks themselves. Online payroll systems provide an easy method of implementing direct deposit, letting your employees access their funds immediately and save time and money on mailing out checks.
Tools to Add
Recruitment: Leverage social channels to recruit the best. There’s more to it than advertising your openings on LinkedIn, although you can still do so and can even use an “apply through LinkedIn” button that leverages candidates’ LinkedIn information. Social tools let you float information to passive job seekers, who may not have intended to look for a job until you tempted them.
Workplace education tools: Instead of having a trainer on staff to train new employees and refresh veterans’ knowledge of the programs you use, consider e-learning initiatives. These tools allow you to design a course that employees can work through independently. Use quizzes or discussions to test knowledge retention and foster debate.
Payroll: Giving employees oversight into payroll forms, hours reporting, expense reports and payment method makes sense. Online payroll tools prevent payment hiccups from missed time sheets, and also capture everyone’s information in one system. Employees can easily check past pay periods or find out when their reimbursement check is coming.
FAQs and Best Practices: While you hired your workers because of their skills, they might not be expert at everything in their job description. Whether it’s advanced Excel functions or adding printers, employees sometimes need reminders. Incorporating a knowledge management structure allows employees to find answers locally, instead of having to Google everything. Consider asking employees to write what they know to teach others or having IT personnel fill out the best practices information for the most common questions asked.
Scheduling and Task Tools: Scheduling is fairly standard office practice, but digital scheduling allows you to quickly gain oversight into what’s happening and to plan for upcoming events. Task or to-do apps help individuals and teams accomplish more by streamlining workflow. Savvy teams can use these tools to divvy up responsibility, track accountability, brainstorm next steps and remind themselves of what needs to happen.
Networking: Networking is essential to develop partnerships, recruit new hires, schmooze clients and maintain an edge. Digital business cards give employees an edge up on this business practice. Card scanning services allow workers to upload business cards and view their network digitally.
Implementing these tools may take some time; employees need time to acclimate. However, once you add online options, don’t be surprised if you see the pace of productivity, collaborating and learning accelerate.
