August 1, 2014
Summer workplace productivity – how can visual task management help?
*PLEASE NOTE – DropTask is now Ayoa – an all-in-one tool for idea generation and collaboration, that goes beyond traditional task management. Discover Ayoa and achieve your best work.*
Ah, the summer. The sun is shining, the air is warm and the days are longer. For many of us, these longer days will be spent in work dreaming of much anticipated holidays. Taking a break can be a great boost for both the worker and the workplace, with productivity often increasing after a well-deserved rest.
However, did you know that during the summer season, workplace productivity can actually decline?
A Captivate study found that summertime has a detrimental effect upon workplace productivity, with employees reporting a 20% drop in overall productivity. With worker’s minds drifting to thoughts of sandy beaches and sun loungers, almost half reported that they are more distracted during this period (45%). Not only that, but the projects that do get completed during the summer have a 13% increase in turnaround time. It would be logical to think that more flexible working hours during the summer may help boost productivity, however Captivate found that this actually exacerbates the problem. Of those employees whose companies offered increased hours Monday-Thursday in order for a shortened Friday, 52% reported a decrease in workplace productivity. It’s not all negative though – those employees whose employers allowed them to work from home reported a 26% rise in productivity levels. Perhaps they used DropTask?! I jest.
So what can be done to beat the summer workplace productivity slump? Well implemented project management for a start, and that’s where DropTask comes in. Here are a few of the ways that visual task management can boost your workplace productivity this summer.
Keeping track of colleague’s holidays
One of the hardest parts of working during the summer is keeping track of everyone’s holidays and time out of the office. With Google Calendar Integration, tasks can be viewed alongside your colleague’s holidays, making it easier to manage tasks as a team.
Home and office become one
With increased numbers of workers telecommuting during the summer, it’s easy to lose track of the tasks of those not in the office. DropTask enables you to see project updates in real time, giving you a clear idea of what all your workmates are doing, no matter where they are. Your tasks will be automatically synced across all your devices too, meaning you’ll never miss a beat. You can also chat to your collaborators and comment on your mutual projects, as well as sharing any handy files with each other.
Regain focus on the task at hand
Too busy thinking about what to pack in your suitcase or trying to work with colleagues whose minds are elsewhere? Having a visual to-do list like DropTask can provide a simple visual reminder of the tasks at hand, along with their current status, priority and effort level. Reminders when tasks are due will keep you on the ball, as well as visual notifications when any changes take place within a project.
Make the return to work less daunting
Sun block? Check. Holiday insurance? Check. Meeting pre-holiday deadlines at work? Check. By visualizing your workload everyday with DropTask, you can be sure to prioritize your workload in order to complete all necessary tasks before you take your break. Your colleagues will be able to see what you’ve completed and what you’re putting on hold until after you return – with just one glance.
Implement the smooth running of your holiday
If you’re too busy mentally planning your holiday whilst at your desk it’s obvious your productivity is going to take a dip. Clear your mind by using DropTask at home to create a holiday organization project and prevent a last minute rush to the passport office. Feeling ultra organized? Use DropTask as a suitcase check list to avoid forgetting anything vital.
Don’t let your productivity take a downturn in the workplace this summer, try utilizing DropTask instead. We promise those poolside cocktails will taste even sweeter knowing that your work commitments are dealt with, and the return to work will be a breeze.
To slash your stress levels this summer click here to try DropTask for yourself.