We all know the feeling. You’re at work, trying to focus on a task but your mind keeps wandering to that ever-growing to-do list. Maybe you’re actually in the middle of a project and realize you don’t have all the supplies you need. Wasting time and money are two things that are all too common in the workplace. But what if there were more really easy ways to avoid these time and money pits? In this blog post, we’ll share some simple tips to help you work more efficiently and save both time and critical money in the office!
Keep meetings to a minimum:
Meetings are often cited as a major time waster in the workplace. If you can, try to avoid scheduling meetings unless absolutely necessary. If a meeting is unavoidable, make sure to keep it short and focused. Have an agenda and stick to it. This will help ensure that everyone’s time is used efficiently.
In order to do this, you may need to be more mindful of how you use your time during the day. If you find that you’re constantly in meetings or being interrupted by co-workers, try to schedule some “me time” into your day. This can simply be 30 minutes to an hour where you can close your door and focus on getting work done without interruption.
You should also try to avoid scheduling meetings outside of normal business hours. If a meeting is absolutely necessary, see if it can be held over the phone or via video conference so that people don’t have to take time out of their day to travel to and from the meeting.
Get organized:
A messy desk can lead to a lot of wasted time. Not being able to find what you need when you need it can cause delays and added stress. One of the truly easiest ways to avoid this is to get organized. This may mean investing in some organizing tools such as file folders, desk organizers, or a planner.
If you’re not sure actually where to start, try creating a system for how you organize your work. Some people prefer to organize by project, others by the client, and others by type of task. Find what works best for you and stick to it. This will make finding what you need a breeze and save you time in the long run.
Find the right digital adoption platform:
There are a number of digital adoption platforms (DAPs) on the market today. It can be difficult to determine which one is right for your organization. When evaluating DAPs, consider your needs and objectives.
Once you’ve selected a platform, make sure to train your employees on how to use it effectively. A good DAP will save your team time by streamlining processes and increasing efficiency. They can even give you a number to evaluate which can help put a monetary value on your return of investment. Remember to keep in mind that DAPs are constantly evolving, so it’s important to select one that offers regular updates and new features.
Consider remote work:
Remote work is becoming an increasingly popular option for employees. According to a study by FlexJobs in 2017 remote work grew by 115%.
There are a number of reasons why remote work can be beneficial for employees and employers alike. For employees, working remotely can mean increased flexibility, better work-life balance, and more job opportunities. For employers, it can mean decreased overhead costs (no need for office space or equipment), improved employee productivity, and less time spent recruiting and training new employees.
If your organization is not yet offering remote work options, consider starting a pilot program. This can help you determine if remote work is a good fit for your team and your business.
Create a process document:
One way to save time and money in the office is to create process documents. This can be a step-by-step guide on how to complete a task or project. Process documents can help improve efficiency by ensuring that everyone is on the same page and knows exactly what needs to be done. They can also help cut down on training time for new employees.
A process document is only useful if it’s up-to-date and accurate. Make sure to update it as needed and communicate any changes to your team. Ensure that everyone has access to the document so they can refer to it when needed.
Automate where possible:
In today’s digital world, there are a number of ways you can automate tasks in the office. From online invoicing to automated appointment scheduling, there are many ways to save time by using technology.
When evaluating which tasks to automate, consider how much time it would take to complete the task manually. If it would take a significant amount of time, it’s likely that automation would be a good option.
This is a big deal, as it can shave hours off of time-consuming and costly tasks. For example, if you have a set process for how you send invoices, automate that process!
Get your supplies in bulk:
This may seem like an obvious one but purchasing supplies in bulk can save you time and money. When you buy in bulk, you usually get a discount, which can add up over time.
Another benefit of buying in bulk is that you don’t have to run out to the store every time you need something. This can save time and hassle. Instead, you can order what you need online and have it delivered right to your door.
Negotiate overheads:
One way to save time and money in the office is to negotiate your overheads. This includes things like rent, utility bills, and internet costs. If you can’t negotiate a lower price, try to get a longer contract so that you can lock in the current rate. You can also ask for a discount if you pay your bill early or if you have a high credit score.
The bottom line is that there are many ways to save time and money in the office. By implementing some of these tips, you can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Remember that even small changes can make a big difference. So, start today and see how much you can save!
