Technology has had a profound impact on workplace productivity over the past decade. From cloud computing and collaboration tools to project management software and artificial intelligence, there are now a wide range of technologies that can help businesses streamline their operations and get more done in less time.
 
However, the proliferation of workplace apps has had some unintended consequences. Some studies show that workers use up to 35 different tools on the job, leading them to jump back and forth between apps for up to 1,100 times every day. In many cases, the high volume of online apps, which intends to address every imaginable issue, leads to lower productivity and other problems.
 
Here are some issues you may encounter because of online app overuse:

1.   Focusing becomes difficult

Do you find yourself constantly switching between tasks? You're not alone. In today's digital world, employees are constantly bombarded with notifications and distractions, making it easy for them to get sidetracked and lose focus on the task at hand.
 
For instance, even if you want to focus on creating a presentation, you might be contacted by a colleague through an instant messaging app or via email, disrupting your flow. When you switch tasks, it takes time and effort to regain our focus, which can lead to mistakes, decreased productivity, and even missed deadlines.

2.   Information can be misplaced

Preparation is key to success, especially in big meetings. But what happens when you're running late for a meeting and you can't find your meeting notes? You might frantically search through your different messaging and notes apps, but they're nowhere to be found. You won’t have time to scan through dozens of other team chats, forcing you to step into the meeting blind.
 
This is a common problem, especially in today's world where various apps and solutions are used for collaboration. When important information is scattered across multiple platforms, it's easy to lose track of it. This can lead to time wasted searching for critical information that could have been used for more strategic tasks.

3.   Employees tend to get tired

Workplace burnout is a serious problem, as it makes employees unmotivated and unproductive. This can happen when they become overworked and overwhelmed with responsibilities.
 
One of the factors that contributes to burnout is the overuse of workplace apps. This constant switching can be disruptive and can make app usage a negative experience, leading to employees feeling burnt out from having to handle so many apps all the time.

4.   Communication may break down

Communication breakdowns can happen when there are too many apps and tools to use. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.
 
For example, if you need to schedule a meeting with your team, you could send out an email with the meeting details, but if they receive hundreds of emails daily, then everyone would have to dig through their inbox to find it. You could introduce new technology, such as a video conferencing app, but then everyone would have to download the app and create an account.
 
Even if you find a way to get everyone on the same page, there's still the risk that the tools you're using aren't the best fit for your needs. If the apps are too cumbersome or complicated to use, people are less likely to use them. This can lead to communication breakdowns, with employees resorting to other methods, such as text or email.
 
Evidently, it's time to consider consolidating workplace apps. Too many apps can lead to silos, confusion, and decreased productivity. Instead, businesses should offer employees streamlined, all-in-one tools that make it easier to collaborate and achieve better results. If you need advice on how to consolidate your business’s different online apps, simply reach out to SimplyClouds and we’ll be happy to help address your concern.