How to Propel Business Efficiency, Increase Profits and Staff Morale through Technology
Technology is critical to the growth of any business. As an entrepreneur, you have no choice but to embrace its growth for voluminous productivity. Because every business is unique, it’s vital to assess your business goals and structure to help you identify the right technology for your organization.
Similarly, take every step with your employees in mind because they’re the drivers of your overall mission and vision. Improving staff engagement and participation is the foundation of increasing production, sales, efficiency, and profits. This article gives an insight into the technology approach to elevating business operations.
1. Promoting Communication and Collaboration
Communication is functional to any positive interaction, and your business needs a sophisticated form for its growth. Good internal communication will keep the operations running smoothly and employees informed of their responsibilities and expectations. Technological tools such as Skype, Trello, and slack can boost communication systems in your organization and minimize loss of funds. You can also think of installing an intranet or portal for effective inside communication from upper management.
2. Encouraging Flexibility
According to statistics, 95% of telecommuting workers are comfortable and more productive, worked more days monthly, and are happier. This survey shows that flexible work conditions are no longer an option but a necessity for business growth. Virtual working conditions also allow your staff to accomplish urgent job requirements even when they’re off duty or far away from the office. It also cuts on overhead costs and shows your trust in the staff.
The growth of technology has made this relatively easy and enjoyable. Tools like Dropbox and Google Drive will give them ample storage space and access to their files from anywhere. Say goodbye to misplaced or lost files because Google Cloud’s backup system will ensure the files stored are safe.
Wikis- the self-access center, Basecamp, Jira, and Asana for generating, organizing, and delegating jobs will make communication ends still open while working remotely. The organization tools also allow for conversation and chats between tasks and enhance proper guidance and relaying of instructions. If your staffs need to pass files and brainstorm on work subjects, slack will bring them virtually close while working from different places.
3. Embracing Automation Technology
Technology has brought light and life to how businesses operate. Automatic response and data generation systems have replaced the days of lengthy manual operations. Statistics show that doing similar tasks over and over makes employees feel bored and lower their morale. That’s why you should automate tasks like setting appointments, inputting data, and answering emails and calls to let your employees focus on core business functions and growth. Automation also helps in limiting human errors, speeding shipping and sales processes, and lifting redundant tasks off employees’ shoulders. Some of the automation technologies include:
· sales funnel software
· Invoicing software
· Email marketing software
· Automated accounting
· Voice over Internet Protocols (VoIP) or internet calls
Unlike manual operations, these automated systems are much faster and convert more into increased productivity and benefits.
4. Encouraging Proper Training Methods
With the growth in technology, your staff can enhance their skills through certified online training and tutorial programs. You can also use the internet to train new employees and store training materials and resources for future reference. Effective training equips staff with skills for growth, opens them for more responsibilities and promotion.
However, the hard part of eLearning is getting your trainees to concentrate and take the online sessions seriously. If you face such a problem, use gamification to increase motivation and boost the rates of participation. They will find the training more fun and indulge fully. However, assess your company’s structure and employees to see if this method can be viable.
Employee Engagement
As an entrepreneur, you should take employee engagement very seriously and make your staff fully part of the organization. A fully engaged employee will work on the business's success more than wages and salaries — most employees cite lack of recognition as a cause for their disengagement and unhappiness at work. Salesforce chatter will help your employees feel respected, valued and become the cheerleaders of one another. For improved productivity, sales, and profits, think of praises and appreciation as boosters.
