Efficient businesses create more with less. They are driven by highly-motivated employees and inspirational leaders. They understand the power of time-management, organisation, and most importantly, managing their resources.

To improve the efficiency in your small business, consider the following:

“Eat the frog”
Starting your day by “eating the frog first” helps to tick off the important items on your to-do list and avoid procrastination. Completing your hardest or most urgent task first is critical in developing self-discipline and meeting your deadlines. Once you do “eat the frog” all subsequent tasks will seem a lot easier and manageable, helping to get you into a more productive workflow.

Create boundaries
Technology is one of the biggest distractions in the workplace, so it is important to creat clear boundaries with how you will use it while working. For example, you may choose you hide your phone or not attend to emails for certain periods of your working day.

Work in intervals
Studies show working in intervals rather than large time blocks is more effective in boosting concentration and overall productivity. Encourage staff to take regular breaks, and to work in intervals for higher levels of problem-solving and creativity.

Reduce meeting time
Wasting time in meetings not only decreases productivity but can destroy morale. Staff have competing priorities and endless jobs waiting for them after the meeting, so if it can be sent in an email reconsider calling that meeting. If the meeting is necessary, stick to an agenda and ask for questions to be held to the end.

Provide feedback
To maximise efficiency, staff need to know where they are excelling and what areas need improvement. Checking in with your staff regularly helps to ensure the team is on the same wavelength. Brainstorming new ways to improve efficiency with your team is also useful in making sure no one becomes complacent.