Turn Your Smartphone into a Productivity Tool

The smartphone – it is the ultimate communication tool. With one swipe or tap it can provide a plethora of information and assist in keeping your business affairs running efficiently, increasing productivity – all-on-the-go.

In 2016, Samsung joined forces with Frost & Sullivan to survey 500 business leaders at various U.S. firms to find out how smartphones lead to better productivity in the workplace. According to their research, respondents gained an average of 58 minutes of work time each day and a productivity increase by an estimated 34 percent. Many factors are to be credited, but the productivity boost has to do with the use of apps. Companies are now finding custom in-house, custom third-party and app store applications drive productivity.

Listed below are common business activities that reap many benefits from smartphone features and apps.

  1. Communication/Collaboration

Communicating while on the go is one of the prime time-savers for business savvy executives. Using a messaging platform that allows interaction between team members messenger-style increases productivity and could speed up the decision-making process on time-sensitive projects. Suggested apps:

  • Skype
  • Slack
  • Asana
  • Podio
  1. Data Input

Consider using a voice input assistant instead of fingers to enter data. Using your voice can invoke GPS, make entries on a calendar or task list, dial a phone number, and many other tasks saving valuable time. Suggested apps:

  • Google Now
  • Siri
  • Cortana
  1. Email

According to Adobe Systems, the average worker spends more than 30 hours a week checking email. Yes, 6.3 hours a day – and it doesn’t include reading or replying to email. Here are a few email apps all offering different approaches to the task of managing an inbox.

  • Notion
  • Dispatch
  • Newton Mail
  1. Task Management

Apps that help capture ideas, delegate tasks and generate action steps that can be tracked are essential to the success of a project. Suggested apps:

  • Quire
  • Producteev
  • Todoist
  • do

 

  1. Time Management

Keeping track of events and meetings while on-the-go is essential to a productive work and personal life. For those that have several calendars out there – look for an app that can connect all calendars seamlessly. These apps will help boost your productivity at any time of the year. Suggested apps:

  • Fantastical
  • Calendars 5
  • Accompany
  • Outlook

Keep in mind, with all of its wonderful features, smartphones can cast a distractive spell over its users causing a decrease in productivity. Find balance instead of giving in to digital distraction and improve your well-being and productivity. Try out one of these apps:

  • Moment
  • Offtime
  • QualityTime

 

Are you looking for more ways to increase your business productivity? Read my article Five Productivity Tools to Improve Your Business or contact me for more information.