ED. NOTE: This week’s blog post illuminates just how and where your employees are likely to waste their time. To John’s comments I’d like to add that flat rates and hard deadlines keep me productive. As Anthony Iannario says, “Time is finite and you can’t make more of it, so don’t manage your time- manage yourself.”

-Seth-

The modern workplace is doomed to fail.

High speed internet access that allows non work related internet surfing during company time, social media apps that constantly barrages with updates jeopardizing work pace, and of course, posh offices that caters more to employees’ whims and desires than actually being conducive to productivity.

It’s no wonder why wasted time in the workplace is at an all-time high.

So what can we do to address these surmounting issues?

Obviously, there should be an effective computer and network usage policy in place. Social media guidelines that, while should not outright ban sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, monitor frequency of visits, and for how long, when done during work hours.

Online project management tools like Basecamp, Jira, and Trello that make collaboration easier and faster, eliminating reasons like, “I opened Facebook while waiting for him to send me this file.”

Lastly, productivity monitoring tools should be used. Software like Time Doctor are designed to track the time spent on tasks or projects and most of the time this is already a good way to measure productivity. There are optional features that can be used — such as the taking periodic screenshots or monitoring the apps being used — which might not sit well with some individuals but might be useful for remote workers working with minimum supervision.

With the right tools, businesses can help address a number of real problems that are costing thousands of dollars in lost productivity every day. 

Time Doctor – Track your time. Track your team’s time. Know EXACTLY what is REALLY going on.