How to Improve Workplace Productivity
Learn how to improve workplace productivity, save time, and maintain your sanity with CloudApp's productivity tips and tool recommendations.
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It’s crucial for people of both small and large businesses to work as efficiently as possible, improve time management, and continue to grow the business further. CloudApp's Screen Recording Software is available for Mac, Windows, iOS and Chrome. Downloading the software is quick and easy. Simply download the app from GetCloudApp above, access it from the Apple Store for Mac and iOS, for PC from the Microsoft Windows Store, or go to the Chrome Webstore and add the extension to Chrome. Here are some productivity tips to consider:
Downloading the CloudApp snipping tool is quick and easy. Simply download the app from GetCloudApp, access it from the Mac Store or if you have a PC, from the Microsoft Windows Store. To get started, you should first register for an account, download the app, then install it on your machine and start snipping.
1. Create a to-do list each day
Lists help give you a plan for what needs to be accomplished and increases your productivity in the workplace. You could also have one for the week or even the month from which you pull daily tasks. There are also helpful apps and tools so you can access and check off items from anywhere.
2. Start with a tough task
If you have 15 things on your to-do list for the day, consider starting with a hard task. While it might seem unpleasant, it’s often easier than trying to tackle it later in the day once you’re tired. When doing this, your day is already successful and productive once that hard task is complete.
Even if you don’t get other things on your list done, you still know you were productive and finished something Important.
3. Don’t be afraid to say no
Depending on your line of work, you may have numerous opportunities and projects come across your desk, but trying to take on too much at once can be counterproductive. Don’t be afraid to say no now and then, as saying yes can drain time and energy.
4. Follow the 80/20 rule
The rule is that 80 percent of the results come from 20 percent of the effort. Is there something taking up a great deal of your time that isn’t yielding much of a return? Consider cutting it out to spend more time growing your business.
5. Automate when possible (and don't be afraid to outsource)
Are repetitive tasks taking up a great deal of your time? Consider automating these tasks to improve efficiency within your company. Appointment scheduling, reminder emails, and marketing management are often good candidates for automation.
If tasks are taking up your quality time that can’t be automated, consider outsourcing them, so you have time to handle your more critical items. Time is your most valuable resource, and a virtual assistant can help free up some of that. The most productive people make every second count in continuing to work towards achieving their goals.
6. Give yourself a break
Short breaks throughout the day can improve focus and productivity at work. Breaks could include eating a healthy snack, meditating, taking a quick walk, etc.
7. Pomodoro Technique
This includes setting a time for 25 minutes, working, taking a 5-minute break when the timer goes off, adding a check mark to a piece of paper, and repeating the process. Once you have about 4 check marks, shift your break times to 15-20 minutes. This allows you to focus on a task and improve productivity but also takes the human attention span into account.
8. Get enough rest and avoid distractions
While it might be tempting to stay up later or wake up earlier to get more done, the lack of sleep will catch up with you. It can increase your stress and negatively impact your health. As you become more exhausted, your productivity will continue to drop. This may include kids, TV, social media, etc. Brains can’t multitask, so each time you become slightly distracted, your attention is shifted, and it takes time to regain focus on the task you’re working on.
Taking advantage of technology is extremely beneficial for productivity
CloudApp allows individuals and businesses to share information visually and instantly. You no longer have to explain your idea over the phone or via email. Send images, videos, gifs, etc. so your clients and co-workers understand the concept and no one’s time is being wasted.
Here are some apps that you could use to increase productivity and efficiency in your daily life:
1. Todoist - This is a great to-do list app to keep everything in one place and help you work more efficiently. If you create a task that says, "Have lunch with Bob at 12pm tomorrow #meetings", the app will set a reminder for you at 12pm and file this task in your "meetings" section.
2. Trello - This project management app helps make managing people much less stressful. You can create cards for every task and organize them into different sections. Bonus productivity tip: learn how to add images to your Trello cards in seconds!
3. Slack - Large corporations are using this communication app to streamline efficiency. Various channels can be created for projects, departments, and clients. Team members can jump in and out of conversations as needed. With the CloudApp integration for Slack, record anything on your desktop and instantly share the recording in Slack:
4. Toggl - This is a time tracker app you’ll want to use, so you know how long you’re spending on different tasks. You can also use it for the Pomodoro Technique to focus on a task then take a short break.
5. CloudApp - This visual communication tool can save your team up to 56 hours a week. Did you know it’s scientifically proven that humans process images 60,000x faster than plain text? Our screenshot software, video recorder, GIF creator app, and image annotation features can help you get your point across quicker.
CloudApp is affordable and extremely productive. Imagine never having to repeat yourself again. Each time you give a detailed answer to a customer or team member, you can record that answer with just one click.
That “click” automatically saves itself in URL form to your clipboard, and if you can keep your enthusiasm in check, you’ll find yourself with a handy-dandy GIF (or HD video). But instead of being limited to the usual cat popping out of a shoebox, it’s a helpful (and reusable) visual that your customers, clients or help desk will come to rely on for answers.
Here are some examples:
1. Skip that meeting - Rather than wasting your time and the time of your co-workers or clients, showcase your thoughts by recording a quick video of your screen and sending it.
2. Improve collaboration - Quickly send over a few options with clear instructions to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.
3. Share feedback immediately - CloudApp makes it easy to capture and share thoughts.
If you’re interested in trying it, the free forever plan is a great place to start. For additional features, subscribe to an upgraded plan for just $9+ a month.
How to Get CloudApp
Step 1: Install CloudApp, then select the ‘GIF’ or ‘Video’ option to start recording
Step 2: The GIF or Video is uploaded to CloudApp and a link is copied to your clipboard.
Step 3: Paste your link anywhere with Crtl + V and you’re link will magically unfurl -- or anyone who clicks on the link can view your GIF/video in a viewer page.
Oh and bonus points, CloudApp is BFFs with Slack, Trello, Hipchat, JIRA, Zendesk, and pretty much any system that floats your productivity boat.
If you want to get really proactive, you can even create training and educational material, product overviews, marketing videos and a million other types of content to preempt common issues and keep your team and customers happy and healthy (at least, mentally). You can even customize your drop viewer page to makes sure people see your logo, not ours.
To try it yourself, head over here and sign up for a free account.
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