Not that long ago, using smartphones at work was considered taboo. They were seen as distractions and productivity killers – because all you had to do was take one look at your screen, and you would be pulled into a world of social media, shopping, and cat videos. Although there is some truth to that, your smartphone can actually be used as a productivity tool. And so, long gone are the days of banning cell phones at work and in classrooms.
The first and most obvious way to increase your productivity with your smartphone is by using the various productivity apps that are available. The app market is constantly expanding with new and innovative apps, so there’s something available for everyone. Whether you are looking to manage your time, arrange meetings on the go, or get your work done offline, there is a tool for that.
Yet, it is still quite rare to see people fully utilizing their phones for work. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the most useful ways in which you can utilize your smartphone to increase your productivity at work as well as in your personal life. Read on and stay on top of your game at all times!
Stay Connected on the Go
A great way to increase your productivity is by staying connected on the go. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be available at all times – or, preferably, during your working hours. Imagine that you have an important deal to make and that it only needs your signature at the end of a workday, but you are not able to get to it because you are out of the office.
There are several different ways to stay connected on the go. The most obvious one is to use your smartphone for emails and other work-related tasks. There is even a fax app for iPhone phones! You can also use your iPhone for work calls and video conferencing. All you need is a good data plan and the right apps.
Manage Your Time
If you are looking to increase your productivity, the best thing that you can do is start managing your time. Time management is one of those things that is easier said than done, especially when you are constantly interrupted or do not have a clear idea of what to do next. Having a plan and knowing what you need to do at what times will help you stay on track and maximize your time.
There are a ton of apps available that can help you manage your time. The most basic idea is to use a work time tracking app that allows you to devise a schedule and track your progress. This will help you see what you need to do, when you need to do it, and how long it will take you. There are a few different time management apps available, so try a few and see which one works best for you.
Get Things Done Offline
There are probably quite a few times during the day when you are not able to get online, whether it is because you are on a plane or in an underground parking lot with no signal. Yet, there is no reason why you cannot get work done offline. There are a ton of apps that allow you to access your files and work on them without an internet connection, Google Drive being probably the most popular one.
You can also start using your phone to take notes. Just make sure that your interlocutor does not think that you are texting or playing a game on your phone during that meeting. Once you are back online, you can sync your notes and have them available on all of your devices.
Stay Organized
If you are looking to increase your productivity, you need to be organized. It does not matter how fast you can work if you are constantly forgetting where you put things or what tasks you need to do next.
There are a few different ways to stay organized. Start by adding any important tasks to your calendar, together with any deadlines that you might have. This will help you arrange your time and make sure that you do not forget anything. Apart from that, you can also use a to-do list app that allows you to add tasks and set reminders.
Keep Your Inbox Empty
This one is probably easier said than done, but it is definitely worth it. An empty inbox means that you are not wasting time going through old emails and that you are only dealing with the most important ones. If you have five years’ worth of emails in your inbox, chances are you are not going to have much fun going through all of them one by one.
Fortunately, many mobile apps allow you to archive and delete your emails with just a few taps. Furthermore, you can filter them by the sender, subject line, or date. This way, you can quickly get rid of the emails that you do not need and keep only the most important ones.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Five common ways in which you can use your smartphone to increase your productivity. No matter what type of work you do or how much time you have, there is always a way to be more productive and get things done faster. All it takes is the right app and a bit of planning.
Of course, there are many more ways in which you can use your smartphone to increase your productivity. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and make sure that you are using it to its full potential. Whether you work in the office or from home, managing your time and staying organized will help you get more done in less time.