AI and tech tools to help your efficiency and productivity in the workplace

As the weather gets warmer and various colleagues head off on annual leave over the summer months, it can be hard for each member of your workforce to stay focused at work - including yourself!

If that sounds familiar, then you’re definitely not alone. Recent research by Korn Ferry revealed that 46% of professionals said ‘the quality of their work slumps in the summer’.

However, with the help of AI and innovative tech tools, you can maximise your own, and your teams’, productivity levels.

Save time. Boost productivity.

1. Workflow automation tools

Workflow automation tools can streamline and automate repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for more strategic thinking and broader value-adding work.

With tools like Zapier, IFTTT and Microsoft Power Automate, you can automate time-consuming tasks such as data entry, email filtering, social media posting, and much more.

2. ChatGPT (and other AI tools)

If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been? And if you haven’t used it yet, then you could be saving lots of time.

This generative AI tool is capable of answering questions and providing information on a wider range of topics - fast. 

Whether compiling research, writing an email or creating code, ChatGPT can make your life a lot easier (but always remember to check its outputs!).

For all those hiring managers reading this, or people responsible for finding new team members, it can also streamline your workloads. From automated screening and sourcing, to predictive analytics, AI in recruitment can revolutionise processes.

3. Email management tools

Email can be a productivity killer, but with the help of AI-powered email management tools like Boomerang and SaneBox, you can filter out irrelevant emails and prioritise your inbox.

These tools can help you declutter your inbox, schedule emails to be sent later, and even remind you to follow up on important messages.

4. Communication tools

Collaboration between team members is key to increased productivity in the workplace. Communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams can streamline communication, making it easier to stay on track.

You can use these tools to hold virtual meetings, share files, and even collaborate in real-time on the same document.

5. Time tracking tools

Time tracking tools like Toggl, RescueTime, and Clockify can help you stay focused and on-task.

By tracking your time, you can identify areas where you may be wasting time, adjust your schedule accordingly, and optimise your productivity.

6. Project management tools

Summer is a time when many companies kick off new projects or work on important initiatives. Project management tools like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com can help you stay organised, delegate tasks, and track progress.

These tools provide a centralised platform where you can collaborate with your team, set deadlines, and keep everyone accountable.

7. AI-powered data analytics

Analysing large sets of data can be a daunting and time-consuming task. AI-powered data analytics tools like Tableau, Google Analytics, and Microsoft Power BI can help you make sense of complex data and identify key insights.

These tools can generate visualisations, dashboards, and reports, allowing you to make data-driven decisions faster and more efficiently.

8. Speech-to-text tools

Sometimes, taking notes during meetings or brainstorming sessions can slow down productivity. Speech-to-text tools such as Otter.ai and Google Docs Voice Typing can transcribe spoken words into written text in real-time.

This can help you capture important information without the need for manual note-taking, saving you time and allowing you to fully participate in discussions.

9. Personalised news aggregators

Staying up-to-date with industry news and trends is crucial for professional growth. Personalised news aggregators like Flipboard, Feedly, and Pocket can curate news articles and blog posts based on your interests.

By customising your news feed, you can easily access relevant information, save time by not having to search for updates, and stay informed on the go.

By incorporating these AI and tech tools into your workflow, you can optimise your efficiency and free up time to enjoy the summer season while still achieving your professional goals.

Whether it’s automating tasks, managing email, communicating efficiently, tracking your time, or all of them, you can save time and make the most of your summer.

Embrace the possibilities that technology offers and make the most of your work days during this sunny time of the year!