According to the Staples 2019 Canadian Workplace Survey, 43% of all office workers say that new technology and equipment is at the top of their workplace wish list. Technology makes it easier to stay informed, work while travelling and access needed information instantly. It also makes it easier for co-workers to share information and finish work tasks faster. Consider the following ways technology improves connectivity for both employees and management.

On-Demand Video Conferencing

Video conferencing makes it easy to connect with coworkers in different service locations, customers in remote locations and telecommuting employees. On-demand conferencing software like Skype, Zoom, HighFive and Slack make meetings effortless. They eliminate travel time and expenses and help boost productivity and save time. Some of the apps, such as Skype and Slack, are free for basic meetings, which is ideal for smaller companies and those on a strict budget. For larger organizations, HighFive and paid versions of Skype, Slack and Zoom are available with additional options such as custom domains, usage analytics and unlimited international dial-ins.

Time Tracking

Employees who work online or while travelling can keep track of time spent working to ensure payroll accuracy with collaboration platforms and time-tracking applications such as Slack and Yammer. This is also useful for project management tasks that require employees to keep track of goals and progress accurately.

Focusing Tools

According to Entrepreneur Magazine, the average worker gets interrupted every 11 minutes while on task, and it takes approximately 25 minutes to get back on task. Focusing tools help reduce workplace distractions and make it easier to avoid websites and other diversions that take workers away from their jobs. Website blockers such as SelfControl keep users from casually checking social media and other time-consumers. Pomodoro and FocusBooster timers also make it easier to manage time throughout the day.

SaaS-Based Project Management Software

Cloud-based SaaS project management gives every employee on a project ownership over their own goals and contributions. Everything about a project is stored online in the cloud for easy access and flexibility. Top apps such as Apprenda and Microsoft Project make it easy to communicate goals effectively and efficiently.

Advancements in the workplace help employees do their jobs. As a business owner, implementing technology changes can increase employee satisfaction, productivity and retention.