AI and tech tools to help your efficiency and productivity in the workplace

Juggling work deadlines, overflowing inboxes, and that ever-present feeling of "to-do list mountain"? We've all been there. But what if there was a quick mantra to conquer the workday blues? Enter the exciting world of AI and tech tools! 

AI assistants like generative writing tools can craft flawless emails in seconds, freeing you up for more strategic thinking. They can also create mind-blowing designs or even schedule your day for maximum efficiency. That's the power of AI and tech tools at your fingertips. This article dives into a list of more such tools so you can reclaim your time, boost your productivity, and become a workplace superstar!

Save time. Boost productivity.

1. Workflow automation tools

Workflow automation tools can streamline and automate repetitive tasks, freeing valuable time for more strategic thinking and broader value-adding work.

With tools like Zapier, IFTTT and Microsoft Power Automate, you can automate time-consuming tasks such as data entry, email filtering, social media posting, and much more.

2. Conversational AI tools

If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been? And if you haven’t used it yet, you could save lots of time. 

This generative AI tool can answer questions and provide information on a wider range of topics - fast. 

Whether compiling research, writing an email or creating code, tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can make your life much easier (but always remember to check its outputs!). 

For all those hiring managers reading this or people responsible for finding new team members, it can also streamline your workloads. From automated screening and sourcing to predictive analytics, AI in recruitment can revolutionise processes.

3. Email management tools

Email can be a productivity killer, but with the help of AI-powered email management tools like Boomerang, Mailbutler, EmailTree, and SaneBox, you can filter out irrelevant emails and prioritise your inbox. 

These tools can help you declutter your inbox, schedule emails to be sent later, and even remind you to follow up on important messages.

4. Content and Design AI tools

Feeling overwhelmed by design decisions or stuck staring at a blank page? AI-powered design and content creation tools can be your creative spark. Platforms like Descript, which uses AI for video editing tasks like transcription and voiceovers, can streamline your workflow. Design tools like Canva offer AI-powered templates to create professional and eye-catching layouts. Leverage design tools to create a visually appealing resume with a modern and professional layout. 

Similarly, AI writing assistants like Jasper (formerly Jarvis) can help craft compelling cover letters and résumés. These tools can help you generate different content formats, overcome writer's block, and tailor your message to specific job descriptions. Imagine AI suggesting persuasive action verbs and highlighting relevant skills to showcase your qualifications in the best light. Writesonic tackles roadblocks to content creation for product descriptions and marketing copy. For designers, Hypotenuse AI utilises AI to generate mockups and prototypes based on descriptions, saving them valuable time for design iteration. 

Additionally, Grammar checkers and rewording tools can be your secret weapon for polished writing. Tools like Grammarly, Quillbot, ProWritingAid, Wordtune and Hemingway Editor can help you identify grammatical errors, suggest clearer sentence structures, and even enhance your writing style. You can run your application materials through a grammar checker to ensure flawless writing and a confident tone. Whether crafting emails, reports, or social media posts, these tools can ensure your communication is clear, concise, and professional.

5. Communication tools

Collaboration between team members is key to increased productivity in the workplace. Communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams can streamline communication, making it easier to stay on track. 

You can use these tools to hold virtual meetings, share files, and even collaborate on the same document in real time.

6. Time-tracking and scheduling tools

Time tracking and scheduling with clever apps can help you pinpoint exactly where your time is going, identify areas for improvement, and plan your day more effectively.

Time-tracking tools like Toggl, RescueTime, and Clockify, as well as scheduling tools such as Reclaim, Clockwise, and Motion, can help you stay focused and on-task.

7. Project management tools

Project management tools like Asana, Trello, Any.do, BeeDone and Monday.com can help you stay organised, delegate tasks, and track progress.

These tools provide a centralised platform for collaboration with your team, setting deadlines, and holding everyone accountable.

8. AI-powered data analytics

Analysing large data sets can be daunting and time-consuming. AI-powered data analytics tools like Tableau, Google Analytics, and Microsoft Power BI can help you make sense of complex data and identify critical insights.

These tools can generate visualisations, dashboards, and reports, allowing you to make data-driven decisions faster and more efficiently.

9. Speech-to-text tools

Sometimes, taking notes during meetings or brainstorming sessions can slow down productivity. Speech-to-text tools such as Otter.ai, Fireflies, Airgram, Krisp and Google Docs Voice Typing can transcribe spoken words into written text in real time. 

This can help you capture important information without manual note-taking, saving you time and allowing you to participate fully in discussions.

10. Personalised news aggregators

Staying up-to-date with industry news and trends is crucial for professional growth. Personalised news aggregators like Flipboard, Feedly, and Pocket can curate news articles and blog posts based on your interests. 

By customising your news feed, you can easily access relevant information, save time by not having to search for updates and stay informed on the go. Incorporating AI and tech tools into your workflow can optimise efficiency and free up time, allowing you to achieve your professional goals while still enjoying your personal life.

Whether automating tasks, managing email, communicating efficiently, tracking your time, or all, you can save time and be doubly productive.

Embrace the possibilities technology offers and make the most of your work days.