Importance of employee productivity for professional services companies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHere are six reasons why employee productivity is important for professional services companies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Maximizing billable hours<\/a>: <\/strong>Professional services companies that charge by the hour can earn more if they boost employee productivity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This approach lets teams complete more projects quickly without extra costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Delivering client satisfaction: <\/strong>When employees work productively, they deliver services efficiently, which keeps clients happy. Fast, high-quality service can improve reputation and build client loyalty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Achieving competitive advantage:<\/strong> In a crowded market, the productivity of a professional services team can make a company stand out. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A productive team often delivers better results quickly, gaining a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Maintaining profit margins: <\/strong>The costs of hiring and retaining the best talent in professional services are high. Maximizing productivity can keep profit margins healthy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Optimizing resource allocation:<\/strong> Professional services companies frequently face variable workloads. When productivity is high, they can allocate resources more effectively so no one is idle or overworked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improving employee morale and retention: <\/strong>A productive work environment streamlines workflows and motivates team members. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This sense of value can boost morale, which typically leads to lower turnover<\/a> rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWays to improve employee productivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll look at ten practical ways to increase employee productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Graph](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-13-1024x511.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Use time-tracking apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTime tracking<\/a> means recording and analyzing the amount of time employees spend on tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBut why is time tracking important for productivity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some key reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Improves time management: <\/strong>When employees track their work hours, they are more aware of allocating their time. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This awareness helps them pinpoint and reduce time spent on less important tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Boosts time management skills: <\/strong>Employees can fine-tune their scheduling skills with the data from time tracking. They can learn to prioritize tasks and manage their workload more effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cuts down on distractions: <\/strong>Being mindful of the ticking clock, employees tend to maintain focus on the task at hand. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Time tracking helps them minimize distractions and reduce unproductive activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can track time manually, but time-tracking apps automate the process, making it easier and more accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time-tracking apps are digital tools that help you measure employee productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time-tracking apps like Toggl Track<\/a> come with features like <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- One-click timer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Detailed reporting (summary, weekly, detailed reports)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Integrations with project management tools like Toggl Plan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Profitability and employee performance metrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Look how easy it is to start and stop the timer in Toggl Track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-9-1024x392.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlso, Toggl Track integrates seamlessly with Toggl Plan<\/a>, so you can easily track tasks and projects right from your project management tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-10-1024x547.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFurther reading: 11 Best Employee Time Tracking Software & Apps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Optimize resource allocation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCapacity planning<\/a> is about figuring out how much work your company can do so you can meet demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor professional services, it means matching what your employees are good at and when they can work with the schedule and needs of your projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Capacity planning helps you ensure all your team members have the right amount of work. Neither too much nor too little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does capacity planning influence productivity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Optimizes resource utilization<\/strong>: Capacity planning helps you balance workloads to avoid too little or too much work for each team member. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevents burnout with optimal resource allocation<\/strong>: By avoiding overbooking, capacity planning helps maintain employee well-being. Healthy employees tend to be productive employees. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enhances work quality<\/strong>: Employees who aren\u2019t overextended can do their best work and make fewer mistakes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Capacity planning tools like Toggl Plan can help you foster all these benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools offer features like visual timelines, workload heatmaps, and availability overviews. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toggl Plan\u2019s Availability Overview panel lets you see exactly how much work your employees have and if there\u2019s room for more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-14-1024x597.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s how the Availability Overview<\/a> feature improves employee productivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- It gives a simple and visual overview of your team members\u2019 booked and available hours <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It lets you quickly identify over or under-booked employees so you can balance workloads. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It removes the guesswork from your project scheduling.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n Further Reading:<\/span>\n \n \n \n
![\"Capacity](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/capacity-planning-tools-112x67.jpg\")
\n Capacity Planning Tools: 9 Free and Paid Options for 2026<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n3. Use project scheduling tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nProject scheduling involves planning, organizing, and creating a timeline for the completion of various tasks in a project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When scheduling a project, you estimate how much time tasks should take<\/a> and who will work on each task. Sometimes it can be difficult to estimate how long a task will take if you aren\u2019t an expert yourself, so it\u2019s best to involve the team or experts in your planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\nProject scheduling is essential for improving employee engagement because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- It gives everyone a clear plan to follow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It helps keep the team focused and on track<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It makes sure you finish work on time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It prevents last-minute rushes by balancing workloads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Project scheduling tools make scheduling easier and more efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools help you create, track, and manage your project\u2019s schedule, set deadlines, assign tasks, and track progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
\n Further Reading:<\/span>\n \n \n \n ![\"11](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/project-scheduling-software-112x59.jpg\")
\n 11 Best Project Scheduling Software for 2023 [with Comparison]<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\nToggl Plan has many scheduling features that boost productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Toggl Plan\u2019s Project Timeline<\/a> feature outlines your project\u2019s plan on a timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-11-1024x640.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis clear view of your schedule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Shows the whole project in one place so you can see how everything fits together<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Makes it easy to adjust deadlines and tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helps you see what\u2019s coming next so you can prepare<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Toggl Plan also has Project Boards, where you can post and move around your project tasks. Boards are useful because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- They let you organize tasks to make sense for your project<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can see upcoming, in progress, and completed tasks at a glance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They let you visually organize employee work and see updates in real-time <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-12-1024x640.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4. Provide training on time management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTime management means organizing and dividing your time between different activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or, simply put, deciding what to do and when to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time management is critical to improve productivity because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- It helps employees focus on the right things at the right time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It cuts down on wasted time and helps get more done<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It reduces stress because employees aren’t rushing to meet deadlines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Time management strategies like focus time or the Pomodoro technique can improve employee productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus time is a time block you put aside for focused work without interruptions. It usually lasts for two or more hours, and the goal is to remove distractions and boost productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pomodoro technique is another time management strategy that involves working in focused 25-minute intervals separated by short 5-minute breaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time management tools<\/a> also help you improve productivity, keep track of your time, and plan your day. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThey can be simple to-do lists or complex software that helps you manage every minute of your workday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Calendars and planners to schedule your tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Apps that block distractions while you’re working<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alarms and reminders to keep you on track<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Maintain a healthy workload<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWorkload management means making sure employees have the right amount of work, not too much and not too little. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When done right, workload management can increase your team\u2019s productivity. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- It reduces employee overwhelm, which can cause stress and burnout<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It helps team members finish work on time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It lets employees focus better on a manageable set of tasks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Managing workloads on your own is difficult. But, with a workload management tool, the process is much easier and accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workload management software<\/a> helps you quickly see and adjust your team\u2019s tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese tools often include features for planning, tracking, and balancing who does what and when. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at three of Toggl Plan\u2019s most helpful features for managing workloads and increasing productivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The Team Timeline<\/strong>: On this timeline, you can see each team member\u2019s tasks. You can spot who has too much work and who might need more. Also, you can rearrange tasks to balance workloads. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Timesheet<\/a> approvals<\/strong>: You can review, reject, or approve employee timesheets in Toggl Track to ensure accurate time records. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-13-1024x640.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n- The Availability Panel<\/strong>: This feature helps you prevent overbooking. You can quickly see when team members are available or too busy so you can improve overall productivity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image-14.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Encourage regular breaks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTime off is when employees take a break from work. It\u2019s their personal time to rest, relax, or do anything outside of work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may be wondering how taking time off helps improve workforce productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time off lets employees recharge<\/a> and come back to work with more energy and focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\nEmployee time-off tracking software helps you track when and how much time off your employees take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By tracking time off, you make sure everyone takes their breaks and can plan for coverage while they\u2019re away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We at Toggl are aware of the importance of taking time off. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve made it super simple to track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toggl Plan offers a Time Off feature<\/a>, and here\u2019s what it can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Plan ahead:<\/strong> Employees can schedule their time off in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visibility:<\/strong> Time off is visible on the team\u2019s timeline, which helps you plan workloads and deadlines. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Balance workload:<\/strong> With access to everyone’s planned time off, you can assign tasks based on your team\u2019s availability and capacity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Toggl](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image13-1024x544.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Invest in employee training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPrepared employees are generally more productive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, according to new research from SHRM Research and TalentLMS, when asked about job training, 55% of workers<\/a> revealed that they need more training to do their jobs more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\nProfessional development plans can help train employees and improve their productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A professional development plan is a tailored list of clear goals, skills, and training employees need for career progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional development plans set clear objectives for professional growth and improve workplace productivity in many ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- When employees learn new skills or polish existing ones, they perform better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- With a clear map of their career growth, employees tend to be more engaged and motivated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Trained employees are likely to feel valued and invested in, which can make them more productive.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n Further Reading:<\/span>\n \n \n \n
![\"\"](\"\")
\n <\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n8. Encourage asynchronous communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAsynchronous communication is a flexible type of communication that improves productivity. It lets team members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Respond when most convenient for them, without interrupting their workflow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have time to think through their responses, which can improve the quality of communication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work across different time zones without the need for everyone to be online at the same time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce the pressure and stress of immediate response, enhancing overall job satisfaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n Further Reading:<\/span>\n \n \n \n
![\"11](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/team-communication-tools-112x67.jpg\")
\n 11 Must-have Team Communication Tools For Remote Businesses (2021)<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\nIn Toggl Plan, you can comment on tasks, mention team members, attach files, and create checklists asynchronously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/image13-2-1024x658.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nToggl Plan\u2019s asynchronous communication tools ensure effective communication and help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Keep all relevant information and communication in one place linked to the specific task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep everyone in the loop and the project moving forward without synchronous meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a discussion history that provides context and reduces the need for repetitive communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. Try flexible work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFlexible work means employees can choose their working hours, workspace, and work patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a Gartner survey, 43% of respondents<\/a> revealed that they are more productive when they have flexible working hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy should you make flexible work part of your company\u2019s culture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Autonomy<\/strong>: Employees choose when and where they work best, which makes them more focused and efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Less burnout<\/strong>: Flexible schedules can prevent burnout and maintain consistent productivity levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Job satisfaction<\/strong>: Flexibility can increase job satisfaction, which is closely linked to higher productivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Talent retention<\/strong>: Employees who value work-life balance and mental health are more likely to stay within the company<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
This approach lets teams complete more projects quickly without extra costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Delivering client satisfaction: <\/strong>When employees work productively, they deliver services efficiently, which keeps clients happy. Fast, high-quality service can improve reputation and build client loyalty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Achieving competitive advantage:<\/strong> In a crowded market, the productivity of a professional services team can make a company stand out. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A productive team often delivers better results quickly, gaining a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Maintaining profit margins: <\/strong>The costs of hiring and retaining the best talent in professional services are high. Maximizing productivity can keep profit margins healthy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Optimizing resource allocation:<\/strong> Professional services companies frequently face variable workloads. When productivity is high, they can allocate resources more effectively so no one is idle or overworked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improving employee morale and retention: <\/strong>A productive work environment streamlines workflows and motivates team members. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This sense of value can boost morale, which typically leads to lower turnover<\/a> rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ways to improve employee productivity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll look at ten practical ways to increase employee productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Use time-tracking apps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time tracking<\/a> means recording and analyzing the amount of time employees spend on tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But why is time tracking important for productivity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some key reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Improves time management: <\/strong>When employees track their work hours, they are more aware of allocating their time. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This awareness helps them pinpoint and reduce time spent on less important tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Boosts time management skills: <\/strong>Employees can fine-tune their scheduling skills with the data from time tracking. They can learn to prioritize tasks and manage their workload more effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cuts down on distractions: <\/strong>Being mindful of the ticking clock, employees tend to maintain focus on the task at hand. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Time tracking helps them minimize distractions and reduce unproductive activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can track time manually, but time-tracking apps automate the process, making it easier and more accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time-tracking apps are digital tools that help you measure employee productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time-tracking apps like Toggl Track<\/a> come with features like <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- One-click timer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Detailed reporting (summary, weekly, detailed reports)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Integrations with project management tools like Toggl Plan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Profitability and employee performance metrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Look how easy it is to start and stop the timer in Toggl Track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAlso, Toggl Track integrates seamlessly with Toggl Plan<\/a>, so you can easily track tasks and projects right from your project management tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFurther reading: 11 Best Employee Time Tracking Software & Apps<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Optimize resource allocation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Capacity planning<\/a> is about figuring out how much work your company can do so you can meet demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For professional services, it means matching what your employees are good at and when they can work with the schedule and needs of your projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Capacity planning helps you ensure all your team members have the right amount of work. Neither too much nor too little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How does capacity planning influence productivity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Optimizes resource utilization<\/strong>: Capacity planning helps you balance workloads to avoid too little or too much work for each team member. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevents burnout with optimal resource allocation<\/strong>: By avoiding overbooking, capacity planning helps maintain employee well-being. Healthy employees tend to be productive employees. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enhances work quality<\/strong>: Employees who aren\u2019t overextended can do their best work and make fewer mistakes. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Capacity planning tools like Toggl Plan can help you foster all these benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools offer features like visual timelines, workload heatmaps, and availability overviews. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toggl Plan\u2019s Availability Overview panel lets you see exactly how much work your employees have and if there\u2019s room for more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s how the Availability Overview<\/a> feature improves employee productivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It gives a simple and visual overview of your team members\u2019 booked and available hours <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It lets you quickly identify over or under-booked employees so you can balance workloads. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It removes the guesswork from your project scheduling.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n Further Reading:<\/span>\n\n\n \n\n Capacity Planning Tools: 9 Free and Paid Options for 2026<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n
3. Use project scheduling tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Project scheduling involves planning, organizing, and creating a timeline for the completion of various tasks in a project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When scheduling a project, you estimate how much time tasks should take<\/a> and who will work on each task. Sometimes it can be difficult to estimate how long a task will take if you aren\u2019t an expert yourself, so it\u2019s best to involve the team or experts in your planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project scheduling is essential for improving employee engagement because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It gives everyone a clear plan to follow<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It helps keep the team focused and on track<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It makes sure you finish work on time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It prevents last-minute rushes by balancing workloads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Project scheduling tools make scheduling easier and more efficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools help you create, track, and manage your project\u2019s schedule, set deadlines, assign tasks, and track progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
\n Further Reading:<\/span>\n\n\n \n\n 11 Best Project Scheduling Software for 2023 [with Comparison]<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\nToggl Plan has many scheduling features that boost productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Toggl Plan\u2019s Project Timeline<\/a> feature outlines your project\u2019s plan on a timeline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis clear view of your schedule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Shows the whole project in one place so you can see how everything fits together<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Makes it easy to adjust deadlines and tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Helps you see what\u2019s coming next so you can prepare<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Toggl Plan also has Project Boards, where you can post and move around your project tasks. Boards are useful because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- They let you organize tasks to make sense for your project<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can see upcoming, in progress, and completed tasks at a glance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- They let you visually organize employee work and see updates in real-time <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
4. Provide training on time management<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time management means organizing and dividing your time between different activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or, simply put, deciding what to do and when to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time management is critical to improve productivity because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- It helps employees focus on the right things at the right time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It cuts down on wasted time and helps get more done<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It reduces stress because employees aren’t rushing to meet deadlines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Time management strategies like focus time or the Pomodoro technique can improve employee productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus time is a time block you put aside for focused work without interruptions. It usually lasts for two or more hours, and the goal is to remove distractions and boost productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Pomodoro technique is another time management strategy that involves working in focused 25-minute intervals separated by short 5-minute breaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time management tools<\/a> also help you improve productivity, keep track of your time, and plan your day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can be simple to-do lists or complex software that helps you manage every minute of your workday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Calendars and planners to schedule your tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Apps that block distractions while you’re working<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Alarms and reminders to keep you on track<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
5. Maintain a healthy workload<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Workload management means making sure employees have the right amount of work, not too much and not too little. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When done right, workload management can increase your team\u2019s productivity. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- It reduces employee overwhelm, which can cause stress and burnout<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It helps team members finish work on time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It lets employees focus better on a manageable set of tasks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Managing workloads on your own is difficult. But, with a workload management tool, the process is much easier and accurate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workload management software<\/a> helps you quickly see and adjust your team\u2019s tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These tools often include features for planning, tracking, and balancing who does what and when. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s look at three of Toggl Plan\u2019s most helpful features for managing workloads and increasing productivity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- The Team Timeline<\/strong>: On this timeline, you can see each team member\u2019s tasks. You can spot who has too much work and who might need more. Also, you can rearrange tasks to balance workloads. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Timesheet<\/a> approvals<\/strong>: You can review, reject, or approve employee timesheets in Toggl Track to ensure accurate time records. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n- \n
- The Availability Panel<\/strong>: This feature helps you prevent overbooking. You can quickly see when team members are available or too busy so you can improve overall productivity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
6. Encourage regular breaks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time off is when employees take a break from work. It\u2019s their personal time to rest, relax, or do anything outside of work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may be wondering how taking time off helps improve workforce productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time off lets employees recharge<\/a> and come back to work with more energy and focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employee time-off tracking software helps you track when and how much time off your employees take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By tracking time off, you make sure everyone takes their breaks and can plan for coverage while they\u2019re away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We at Toggl are aware of the importance of taking time off. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve made it super simple to track. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toggl Plan offers a Time Off feature<\/a>, and here\u2019s what it can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Plan ahead:<\/strong> Employees can schedule their time off in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visibility:<\/strong> Time off is visible on the team\u2019s timeline, which helps you plan workloads and deadlines. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Balance workload:<\/strong> With access to everyone’s planned time off, you can assign tasks based on your team\u2019s availability and capacity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Invest in employee training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prepared employees are generally more productive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, according to new research from SHRM Research and TalentLMS, when asked about job training, 55% of workers<\/a> revealed that they need more training to do their jobs more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional development plans can help train employees and improve their productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A professional development plan is a tailored list of clear goals, skills, and training employees need for career progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professional development plans set clear objectives for professional growth and improve workplace productivity in many ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- When employees learn new skills or polish existing ones, they perform better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- With a clear map of their career growth, employees tend to be more engaged and motivated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Trained employees are likely to feel valued and invested in, which can make them more productive.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n Further Reading:<\/span>\n\n\n \n
8. Encourage asynchronous communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Asynchronous communication is a flexible type of communication that improves productivity. It lets team members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Respond when most convenient for them, without interrupting their workflow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have time to think through their responses, which can improve the quality of communication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Work across different time zones without the need for everyone to be online at the same time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reduce the pressure and stress of immediate response, enhancing overall job satisfaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n \n Further Reading:<\/span>\n\n\n \n\n 11 Must-have Team Communication Tools For Remote Businesses (2021)<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n
In Toggl Plan, you can comment on tasks, mention team members, attach files, and create checklists asynchronously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nToggl Plan\u2019s asynchronous communication tools ensure effective communication and help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Keep all relevant information and communication in one place linked to the specific task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep everyone in the loop and the project moving forward without synchronous meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep a discussion history that provides context and reduces the need for repetitive communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
9. Try flexible work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flexible work means employees can choose their working hours, workspace, and work patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a Gartner survey, 43% of respondents<\/a> revealed that they are more productive when they have flexible working hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why should you make flexible work part of your company\u2019s culture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Autonomy<\/strong>: Employees choose when and where they work best, which makes them more focused and efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Less burnout<\/strong>: Flexible schedules can prevent burnout and maintain consistent productivity levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Job satisfaction<\/strong>: Flexibility can increase job satisfaction, which is closely linked to higher productivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Talent retention<\/strong>: Employees who value work-life balance and mental health are more likely to stay within the company<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Less burnout<\/strong>: Flexible schedules can prevent burnout and maintain consistent productivity levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Autonomy<\/strong>: Employees choose when and where they work best, which makes them more focused and efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visibility:<\/strong> Time off is visible on the team\u2019s timeline, which helps you plan workloads and deadlines. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Plan ahead:<\/strong> Employees can schedule their time off in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Timesheet<\/a> approvals<\/strong>: You can review, reject, or approve employee timesheets in Toggl Track to ensure accurate time records. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The Team Timeline<\/strong>: On this timeline, you can see each team member\u2019s tasks. You can spot who has too much work and who might need more. Also, you can rearrange tasks to balance workloads. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prevents burnout with optimal resource allocation<\/strong>: By avoiding overbooking, capacity planning helps maintain employee well-being. Healthy employees tend to be productive employees. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Profitability and employee performance metrics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Cuts down on distractions: <\/strong>Being mindful of the ticking clock, employees tend to maintain focus on the task at hand. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Boosts time management skills: <\/strong>Employees can fine-tune their scheduling skills with the data from time tracking. They can learn to prioritize tasks and manage their workload more effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Optimizing resource allocation:<\/strong> Professional services companies frequently face variable workloads. When productivity is high, they can allocate resources more effectively so no one is idle or overworked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Achieving competitive advantage:<\/strong> In a crowded market, the productivity of a professional services team can make a company stand out. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Why](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/raft-1-112x67.jpg\")
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