workforce
Turn tech into results
Universities worldwide are struggling to accomplish more with less, meet compliance requirements, streamline operations and provide stakeholders and students with better access to services and information.
Implementing systems to push productivity and increase collaboration can get the organisation and its teams working at their best to create streamlined customer service for increasingly savvy students.
Collaboration goes a long way towards improving performance and the efficiency and effectiveness of departments in today’ s world, but universities need technological solutions to support and facilitate teamwork in the modern environment. Often team members work remotely, yet are still required to work together on projects and share resources efficiently whilst maintaining quality of work and service delivery.
Technological solutions support efficiency, but interpersonal interactions are still crucial. These suggestions outline ways to best implement modern technologies, whilst ensuring the crucial personalised aspects are protected and fostered.
REMOTE FILE ACCESS If you haven’ t started using remote file access( or‘ cloud’) solutions, do it today. Even if you just try a quick pilot. Giving everyone the access they need to files wherever they are allows them to react faster and improve workflow. Our suggestions for the best cost-effective products on the market include:
• MS Sharepoint
• Box
• Google Drive
Little adjustments here and there add up to better efficiency. By Jo Schneider and Dianne van Eck
These programs allow team members instant access to files, can be synced to computers, and are accessible from mobile devices and any computer with internet access.
Most of the products also incorporate sharing and communication tools that can make your team work more effectively.
Also, consider your file structure. Review and standardise files and introduce naming conventions to save time and increase efficiency.
Did you know that the greatest number of subfolders you should have in one folder is nine? The brain can’ t easily process more than that. How many do your filing systems have?
SPEED UP THE FLOW OF WORK Automating processes through development of online workflows is one of the best ways to drive productivity and standardisation in an organisation.
Traditionally, a piece of paper could go through several smaller departments and then a central department, and then the paper would be sent by‘ snail mail’, slowing the process down even further.
The response times are far better using a database with workflow, and the reporting is also better.
Don’ t forget to review approval levels when you do this – do you need them all?
NO PRINTING! This is less of a technological initiative and more of a change in work practice but why not start to discourage printing and foster a culture of electronic material? Start questioning some things:
• Are you printing copies of forms for
32 | campusreview. com. au