7 Productivity-Boosting Technologies You Should Be Using

Amanda Peterson has graciously provided the below great content that I think you will find useful.
 
We use technology in every aspect of our lives, especially when it comes to work and socialization. Unfortunately, these two things don’t often play well with technology when it comes to our productivity levels. However, technology can be a huge asset to efficiency if it’s used properly. There are applications to keep you motivated and on track, and software that keeps people more connected than ever before. With the right tools at our fingertips, you can maximize your productivity and make the most of each day.

Note organization apps
Using an app to organize your notes into sections, folders and projects is one of the easiest ways to keep your life in order. Apps like Evernote and Google Keep allow you to keep all of your notes in one place, and that including audio, video, and photo notes as well as text. This makes sharing your content, keeping track of deadlines, and transferring information between devices or people quick and seamless. These apps even allow notes to be sent directly from the web to your records.
 
Chat and connectivity apps
Technology has connected us to each other more than ever before. Programs like Slack, Google Hangouts or Uberconference make it easier than ever to work “side by side” with someone who’s actually across the room or even across the world. It’s now possible to find the perfect person for a job, even if they’re thousands of miles away and unable (or unwilling) to pick up and move. It’s possible to work seamlessly with anyone through these programs, no matter where they are.
 
Automation in everything
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a fixture in many settings, even those you might not expect, whether it’s at the doctor’s office or an online store. Many of the tasks that formerly required our time and energy can now be handled by AI. Tedious tasks like speaking to customer service, which can now be handled by automated systems. The AI bots in these technologies have become so advanced that they will speak in a human voice and even insert human speaking ticks like “um” and “uh” in the appropriate places. Technology can also take over tasks like paying bills or keeping track of due dates with apps like Prism and Due. These things eliminate the need to waste time on tedious tasks and lets people focus on their more complex or meaningful work.
 
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is becoming a major way to cut costs and save time professionally. Oracle CEO Mark Hurd says, “It costs less, it’s actually more secure, and you get a ton more innovation at the same time.” The AI (artificial intelligence) does a majority of the work itself in a cloud-based platform. It takes care of security more efficiently than individuals or small IT staffs and is constantly updating and adapting to the changing landscape of the tech world. Cloud providers are also committed to regular maintenance and repairs, and can deploy far larger tech teams than their customers to handle the massive ongoing demands on their systems. In this way, cloud-based services cut down on costs and also reduce the need for you to spend time on maintenance, upkeep, and software updates. You can focus yourself on getting your work done instead of struggling with your software to make sure it’s in good working order.
 
Reminders and motivational apps
Using reminders every day to motivate yourself to keep pushing forward, even when Monday comes around, can become an integral part of reaching your goals and keeping your eyes on the prize. Motivational apps can also be a huge help when it comes to boosting your morale through the use of inspirational quotes and different words of encouragement each day. These tools can become a way of keeping up momentum and keep the bigger picture in focus as you continue moving toward it.
 
Self-control extensions
All this technology may be great for productivity, but you’ve still got social media, funny cat videos, and streaming TV and movies at your fingertips. These can be distracting and harmful to your workflow. Self-control extensions like the Google Extension or the Self-Control app allow you to choose chunks of time or certain locations in which you won’t have access to these diversions. This can keep your mind in work mode when all you want to do is goof off.
 
Meditation apps
Meditation at work can seem a bit counterintuitive, as it takes away from the actual work that needs to be done. However, your brain does need little breaks from the pressure and stress induced by the tasks at hand. Apps like Headspace or Buddhify have guided meditations that you can do during the workday or on your lunch break to help get you out of your own head and clear your mind. When you’re done, you can get back to work refreshed and recharged.
 
Technology can be a bit daunting at times, but there are many ways to apply it that can propel you forward at work and save both time and money in the process. Whether it’s simply taking a break and exploring your own mind, or connecting with a colleague in a foreign country, technology plays a huge role in helping people work to their fullest potential.
 
Amanda Peterson is a contributor to the site Enlightened Digital and a software engineer from New York City. Her aim is to explore how changes in technology affect personal business growth and professional development, especially for women.