Entrepreneurs have their hands full juggling clients, workloads, employees, and consultants. With time already at a premium, any tools and resources you can use to your advantage will help your operational functions run smoothly, while also freeing up time. While small business owners often work more than a traditional 40-hour workweek, carving out time for yourself to recharge is a critical component of long-term business success. Agile Dad can help you manage your team in a thoughtful and productive way that leads to a healthy work-life balance.
Use Tech to Your Advantage
Technology gets a bad rap for always keeping us “on” and connected to work, but when used smartly, apps and software can make us more organized, efficient, and productive. This can be especially effective when managing a remote team. While you don’t want to waste time tracking employees’ every move, it is important to ensure everyone is on-task and that they’re being appropriately compensated for their efforts. A payroll system that utilizes a time-tracking system for managing timesheets can be a big help — especially one that allows for mobile app and software integration and lets you work from anywhere. This way, you keep track of employee time more efficiently and accurately. Real-time reporting is another bonus as it helps ensure you’re always getting up-to-the-minute data.
Employ Project Management Tools
When you’ve got multiple people working on projects — especially in a remote environment — project management programs and communication tools can be a lifesaver. According to InVision, collaborative work can be efficiently performed using a software program like Slack, Dropbox, or Wrike, while data management and information sharing are well-accomplished via platforms like Sharepoint or One Note. Even popular video conferencing programs like Zoom have multiple modes of functionality that can keep teams connected, allow for hybrid approaches to working and collaborating, and keep everyone focused and on-task.
Managing Your Time
Most small business owners will say they could work around the clock and still not feel there are enough hours in the day. While it’s true that a work-centric attitude is often necessary in the early days, that’s not a viable long-term approach to running a successful business. Without personal time or recharge time, you’ll burn out, and your business will suffer. You’re far better served setting an agenda that incorporates smart work management approaches paired with free time that will give you a healthy work-life balance. The same can be said for your employees and contractors. Encourage a culture of healthy scheduling and time management. You’ll have happier and healthier employees who produce better quality work.
Create a Healthy Corporate Culture
In that same vein, companies thrive or flounder based on corporate leadership. Regardless of the size of your operation, or your industry, the environment you create for your workers sets the tone for productivity and success. Create a space in which creativity and collaboration are encouraged, all ideas are heard and respected, and a work-life balance is embraced. According to Corporate Wellness Magazine, you’ll start to see more successful outcomes — not only for yourself, your employees, and your customers but for your business overall.
In a continually evolving professional landscape in which traditional workplaces are merging with remote environments and hybrid engagement options, everyone is learning new professional methodologies. Being thoughtful in people management, employing tech resources where appropriate, and prioritizing personal time with professional responsibilities can position you for long-term success.
To learn more about how an agile approach to work and life can help you grow a prosperous company, visit Agile Dad and reach out for a personal consultation.
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