In order to be successful, a business has to find its workflow.
A business must work successfully and smoothly to maintain structure during tumultuous times. Whether your team is working on a really important project or has an upcoming deadline, if you have a strong workflow, there is nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, if you don’t have the right procedures in place, that can be something that might negatively impact your company.
An effective workflow is only possible by shifting focus onto efficiency and work towards avoiding inefficiency. Inefficiency can cost your company time, money and even employees, so it’s important to know where a company’s problem areas are. Below are some tips for improving your company’s workflow.
1. Embrace Automation
Technological investments have the ability to save your company time and money. Recent technological improvements have helped increase productivity and one of these improvements has been in automation.
Today, companies all over the world are using automation to improve their efficiency.
Efficiency and automation go hand in hand. Some ways of using automation include a self -service portal for a better customer and employee experience and a streamlined process for both employees and customers.
Automation does not just necessarily equate to robots. It can also take the form of a computer program that helps automate functions normally performed by hand. It also includes data processing and analysis. This allows you to analyze data faster and make more accurate decisions based on that data.
Automation improves efficiency through improved accuracy. Human error is something that previously seemed unavoidable in business, but automation is working towards eliminating that. Improved accuracy improves efficiency which improves the workflow
2. Allow Remote Work
Telecommuting is another way in which technology has changed the way we work. Years ago, an employee wouldn’t dream of working from home, but today it is the goal of many. Therefore, employers should explore it and even embrace it.
One of the most consistently brought up negative aspects of telecommuting is that employers feel they can’t track their employees’ efficiency or ensure they are working. One study shows that employer’s fears are often unfounded, concluding that employees that work from home are 13 percent more productive than their office counterparts.
Letting employees telecommute has the added benefit of making your business more attractive to millennials, many of whom desire telecommuting jobs. This also allows employees to save time they would otherwise use commuting.
Remote work also offers a compromise for employee and employer for when they or their children are sick. They can be productive while watching their kids or getting better themselves. If there is no option to telecommute, that employee would be sitting at home.
3. Communication is Key
While automation and technology are important in business efficiency, employees must understand the rules of the office and the process of work if their going to contribute to improve the office workflow.
Companies who put an emphasis on communication usually have a higher success rate when it comes to collaboration. When employees are encouraged to talk to each other, they’re more likely to talk about what they’re working on and to bounce ideas off each other.
4. Train Efficient Employees
When you think of training at a job, you might just think of the first couple of days. However, training should be frequent in order to ensure employees understand the workflow and processes within the company.
Consistent training will help employees be up to speed with any new policies or technologies being introduced as will allow both them and the company to stay on top of industry trends.
5. Maintain Organization
Organization is important in all business and office settings. This does not just mean a clean workspace, but also a clean flow of information and keeping goals in mind.
If an employee doesn’t have a goal, they may not be as efficient. When they have a goal to work towards, they have a reason to be efficient and something to aim for. Try to make an employee’s assignment clear and let them know what is expected and what the end result should be.
Remove Worry and Stress
In some cases, inefficiency is unavoidable. The best thing to do is to ensure — through technology, organization and communication — that your employees have as much worry and stress off their minds as possible. That is the best way to improve workflow.
About the Author
Nathan Sykes
Nathan Sykes is a technology and business blogger from Pittsburgh, PA. When he’s not thinking about IoT, AI, and cybersecurity, he can be found cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins with a beer in hand. To read more by Nathan, check out his blog, Finding an Outlet.