Office Productivity Trends and Tactics

December 2, 2010 by Andrew Reads (1,021,127)

Measuring office productivity is not an easy task. Simply defined, productivity is the relationship between the tasks and equipment needed to produce a product or service, and the value of the final result. In a retail setting, for example, it can be the amount of work needed to sell a product versus the successful sale of those products. Sell and item and make a profit, and your productivity efforts are successful.

In an office setting, the people located in different departments throughout a company may be working on several individual projects that together have a single goal to make the company a profit and successful. But, it is difficult and even impossible to relate the reports churned out by an accounting department, or front office activities of a receptionist, to a specific productivity measure. Each individuals activities matter to the whole, but tracking and improving the productivity of each worker can be a challenge.

Technology can be used, however, to boost individual productivity whether it is using the latest software and collaborative tools, or relying on state-of-the-art shared print technology to produce relevant material for internal and external usage while at the same time saving costs in ink and paper.

In this special report, NotebookReview.com examines the tools and technologies that can help improve office productivity and result in better performance, improved customer relations and a more competitive corporate strategy. Coverage is anchored in NotebookReview, but spans across the TechnologyGuide sites and different product areas.

– Tim Scannell, Editorial Director

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Office Productivity Articles

Taking a mobile approach to in-office productivity

Worker productivity is on the rise, but only by a slim margin. Even as the nation struggles with a tough economy, productivity increased by about 6.1% in Q1 2010, as compared with the same period last year, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Improvements in personal and business technology, as well as the emergence of tools that promote a more productive work environment, have helped immensely especially as companies look to employ remote worker tactics to non-remote employees.

Cloud-based solutions extend productivity possibilities

Companies are looking into cloud-based software solutions, not only to improve productivity and cut costs, but to improve collaboration and idea sharing among remote and non-remote office workers.

When paired with communications-centric devices, such as a desktop computer, laptop, netbook, iPad, or even a compact smartphone, cloud-based apps make it is easy for workers to communicate, collaborate and be a lot more productive.

Making an impact with printer productivity options

Printer technology has changed significantly over the past few years, with solutions ranging from small and highly mobile systems to more advanced and capable multi-function (MFP) print stations. MFPs have evolved to become a favored tool for small businesses since they can usually provide printing, scanning, copying and faxing functions.

The latest crop of high-performance MFPs also feature high-resolution output, extended paper capacities, such built-in functions as electronic sorting and stacking, and in many cases wireless and network-ready capabilities.

Wireless connectivity as a productivity asset

More companies are looking at wireless connectivity as an indispensable option to keep office workers connected and in touch throughout a building or campus. In fact, in the next five years, the number of Wi-Fi enabled devices is expected to increase from more than 500 million in 2009 to almost 2 billion in 2014.

There are, however, lots of things to consider when cutting the cord including deployment, management and security issues. Companies can’t afford to overlook addressing device management, provisioning, availability, security and compliance when planning for wireless.