While the basic concept of a work office hasn’t changed much in centuries, the technology used to run it has come along leaps and bounds. If you walked into your average office 100 years ago and compare it to know, you would still see employees sitting at their desks, but the only real difference is what they are working on in front of them. Swap the paper for a personal computer and you have the main difference between now and then!
To effectively manage an office nowadays, it is commonly accepted that you need to increase you efficiency and use it to your advantage. We will look at 3 tips on how you can manage a modern office effectively.
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Embrace (modern) technology
It is mind-blowing how quickly technology is progressing and businesses are quick to jump on what seems like the next best thing. Obviously, you must do your due diligence when deciding to implement new software or hardware or you may end up with an expensive white elephant. Types of technology to look out for are:
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Meeting management software
For an office with multiple meeting rooms, implementing such a system can help you business run most efficiently. No longer will you employees be wasting time comparing schedules to book meetings, when they will be able to do it from their devices. This also means your resources are used more effectively, and this means you can get as much use out of them as possible when it comes to meeting management software.
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Allow employees to use their own devices
Some companies may be sceptical about this for security issues as well as compatibility, but think of the reduced procurement and maintenance costs! With freelance and remote work becoming the norm, why waste money and resources on equipment that you may not be getting the most use from?
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Cloud Storage
By choosing to store all your digital data in the “cloud”, your business can run more efficiently and with lower costs– essential for growth. Office processes are streamlined and allowing better collaboration within the business. On top of that, your provider keeps everything up-to-date, saving you the hassle!
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Learn how to accommodate the modern workforce
In relation to allowing your employees to use their own devices, it is understood that working remotely is part-and-parcel of working in the modern era. With many people almost always connected and communicable, there is little reason for strict 9-5 work hours existing and increasing trust should be in the hands of employees to get work done on time. How they do so should be up to them.
Collaborative software should be used for more up-to-date, real time communication. Emails are still the main communication method of choice, but tools such as Slack are gaining in popularity, especially for smaller businesses that need faster, more inclusive interactions.
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Establish and stick to management routines
This is not only appropriate for management, but for everyone in the business. If you have routine tasks then they should have routine processes to complete them. For example, emails and invoices should be prioritized and deal with accordingly and procrastination should not be tolerated.
Strict protocol should be introduced and general office systems will need administrative and emergency procedures. Trust me, the day there is an emergency– and there will be– having a plan on how to deal with it will do you the world of good!