Wearables and apps to help you stay organised and keep track of your time

Technology in the workplace is both a blessing and a curse. Workplace Insight recently published an article about tech multi-tasking and how switching through different platforms takes away ones focus. Employees need to stay updated through digital means all the time but staying connected to the cloud also means being susceptible to various distractions. However, technology usage just takes a little bit of refinement to increase productivity and various wearables, devices and mobile apps are the way to do that.

Wearables

Apple Watch

First on the wearable section is Apple Watch’s line of products. Their handy smartwatches have a number of features that can turn anyone into an unstoppable machine. Lifewire recently listed ten ways the Apple Watch has proven to be invaluable for the modern employee which includes email notifications, Slack directly on your wrist (so you can avoid looking at social media apps on your mobile) and Trello, the ultimate project management software.

Biowatch

With so many things going through an employee’s mind, it’s easy to forget passcodes to important accounts and devices. The solution is Biowatch which streamlines your security system and improves your organisation. It’s a smartband that responds only to the veins on your wrist and unlocks your gadgets, accounts and even your car through Bluetooth technology.

Fitbit Alta

Although not exactly built for organisation or time management, Fitbit Alta still affects one’s productivity levels. It’s also a smartwatch geared more towards health and wellness that includes reminders to move during the day. Regular exercise helps set routines in place, including work-related tasks, and enhances focus and energy levels.

Apps

Evernote

Evernote is consistently cited as one of the best productivity platforms. With this app, you can list important details during meetings including audiovisual content, set task reminders, sketch or jot down ideas and collaborate with your co-workers.

Focus Booster

This desktop and mobile-compatible (OS and Android) app is based on the decades old Pomodoro Technique. The Financial Times explains that it basically divides your work day into 25-minute periods and an in between chunk is a 5-minute break in order to give your brain a rest. By separating your tasks into intervals, you’ll be more motivated to complete as many tasks as you can.

G Suite

According to productivity consultant Deb Lee, digital clutter stalls productivity just as much as a messy desk. A disorganised desktop, inbox, or calendar can give anyone a headache just by looking at it. Thankfully, Google’s productivity software, G Suite, is built to help you bring order to your files, schedules, emails and everything digital.

There is a vast potential for technology to transform work life in all industries. In construction, for instance, some companies are starting to use smart glasses, which allow managers to monitor a worker’s activity and give necessary instructions. This reduces the need to be physically present on site and improve efficiency. In professional sport, an article entitled ‘The Impact of Technology on Sports’ highlights the wide adoption of tracking technologies, which managers and athletes themselves can use to derive insights that can help improve performance. Innovations, such as smart helmets, also help improve monitoring in terms of injuries and safety. Wearables and apps for medical purposes are also now being widely used, from insulin trackers to cancer detection that improve professionals’ ability to provide service.

Whether technology becomes a blessing, or a curse ultimately depends upon how it is used; but the benefits of utilising devices and apps far outweigh the costs.