Imagine yourself juggling a dozen projects, looming deadlines, and you might also imagine yourself losing focus on the important tasks. All of this chaos can result in a lack of productivity, and productivity is, frankly, a pretty key survival skill in the modern workplace. But we have some good news! The tools and technology we use every day can be either our greatest allies rather than our greatest distractions.
Instead of wasting your time looking for the perfect tech solution in a sea of apps and software, this is a guide to help you identify the best tech tools that enable your productivity. These tools, which range from task organization to distraction elimination, are meant to help you regain control of your time and easily achieve your goals.
Looking for the best tech tools to become a productive worker?
Technology has transformed the way we work, providing numerous tools to help us stay organized, focused, and productive. If you're looking for ways to be more productive, this list of the 11 best tech tools to become a productive worker can help you improve your efficiency so you can get the most out of your day. Let’s dive in!1. Track your time with Toggl Track
What it does:
Toggl Track is a time-tracking tool that allows you to see exactly where your time is going. Whether you're working on client projects or personal errands, this is a great way to detect time wasters and improve your time management skills.
Why we love it:
- Offers thorough reports on your everyday activities.
- Simple to use and can interface with other apps like Asana and Trello.
- Helps to build accountability by making your time utilization transparent.
How to get it:
Toggl Track provides both a free plan with core functionality and premium alternatives for enhanced tracking. Visit Toggl Track’s website to start using it today.
Read this next: Mastering time management and productivity with ChatGPT
2. Manage your passwords with 1Password
What it does:
1Password safely stores all of your passwords in one location. It creates strong, distinct passwords for each account, keeping your digital life secure and stress-free.
Why we love it:
- Saves time by automatically typing in passwords across apps and websites.
- Improves security with features such as two-factor authentication.
- Simplifies password management for both personal and business accounts.
How to get it:
1Password provides a free trial and affordable plans for individuals and teams. Visit the 1Password website to learn more about their options.
Read this next: Productivity tips for remote workers
3. Organize your tasks with Todoist
What it does:
Todoist is a task management app that helps you organize your to-do lists and deadlines. It's ideal for organizing work projects, running personal errands, and anything in between!
Why we love it:
- A simple UI with extensive organizational functions.
- Enables task prioritization and repeated reminders.
- Integrates with programs like Gmail and Slack to ensure smooth productivity.
How to get it:
Todoist includes both a free plan as well as premium features for advanced users. Check it out on Todoist’s website.4. Boost focus with Forest
What it does:
Forest gamifies production, which helps you stay focused. When you begin a task, you create a virtual tree that grows and blooms…as long as you stay off your phone. If you exit the app, the tree dies.
Why we love it:
- Promotes focus in a pleasant and interesting manner.
- Helps limit screen time and develop better habits.
- Allows you to use your productivity as you plant trees in the real world.
How to get it:
Forest is accessible for a modest charge for iOS and Android, along with a free browser plugin. For further information, please visit Forest's website.5. Plan your life with Notion
What it does:
Notion is an all-in-one workspace for planning, organizing, and tracking anything and everything from work projects to your personal goals.
Why we love it:
- Templates for project management, calendars, and notes are quite customizable.
- Ideal for working with teams or managing solo workflows.
- It consolidates all of your information into a single location.
How to get it:
Notion offers both free and premium plans. Sign up on Notion's website to begin organizing your life.
Read this next: A scheduling hack that will make your week more productive
6. Automate your workflows with Zapier
What it does:
Zapier integrates your favorite apps and automates repetitive tasks to save you time and effort.
Why we love it:
- Integrates with over 3,000 apps.
- Automates tasks like issuing reminders and syncing data between tools.
- Improves efficiency by reducing manual activities.
How to get it:
Zapier provides both free and paid plans based on the number of automations. Visit Zapier's webpage for more information.7. Take better notes with Evernote
What it does:
Evernote is a note-taking application that allows you to collect ideas, organize research, and make to-do lists; all in a single place.
Why we love it:
- Syncs between devices, allowing you to easily access your notes.
- Supports multimedia attachments such as photos, PDFs, and voice memos.
- Perfect for brainstorming and meeting prep.
How to get it:
Evernote provides a free plan with optional premium features. To get started, visit Evernote's website.8. Declutter your digital files with CleanMyMac
What it does:
CleanMyMac allows you to remove junk files, improve your Mac speed, and free up important storage space. Note: As the name suggests, this is a Mac-specific program.
Why we love it:
- Accelerates your system and can reduce potential crashes.
- Simple to use with a clear, easy UI.
- Keeps your device operating at peak performance.
How to get it:
Download CleanMyMac from the website and do a free scan.
Read this next: 11 productivity strategies that keep a startup founder with an 11-year-old sane
9. Block distractions with Freedom
What it does:
Freedom disables distracting websites and programs, allowing you to focus on your work.
Why we love it:
- Schedules can be customized to block distractions.
- Syncs across many devices to ensure steady focus.
- Increases productivity by decreasing multitasking.
How to get it:
Freedom provides a free trial and affordable subscriptions. Visit Freedom's website to learn more.10. Digitize your workspace with Scanner Pro
What it does:
Scanner Pro transforms your smartphone into a capable scanner, allowing you to scan documents, receipts, and notes instantaneously.
Why we love it:
- Simple to use, with high-quality scanning features.
- Converts scans to PDFs for easy sharing.
- Minimizes paper clutter and organizes your workspace.
How to get it:
Scanner Pro is only available for iOS. Check out their website for a download.11. Track your habits with Habitica
What it does:
Habitica gamifies habit monitoring by transforming your tasks and goals into a role-playing game. Level up as you accomplish your goals!
Why we love it:
- Making habit-building enjoyable and engaging.
- Promotes consistency with rewards and challenges.
- Creates an encouraging environment for accountability.
How to get it:
Habitica is free, with optional in-app purchases. Start developing consistent habits by visiting Habitica's website.
Read this next: 3 tips for managing multiple projects with competing deadlines
Boost your productivity
Productivity does not have to be overwhelming! Employing some (or all!) of these tech tools can help you become a productive worker, optimize your workflows, stay focused, and reach your goals more efficiently. We like to think that this list has something for everyone, including task management focus-boosting tools.
Looking for even more tips? Steal some strategies from our CoFounder, Katharine Zaleski:
- YouTubewww.youtube.com
Begin exploring these tools now and take your productivity to the next level!
- 1. Track your time with Toggl Track
- 2. Manage your passwords with 1Password
- 3. Organize your tasks with Todoist
- 4. Boost focus with Forest
- 5. Plan your life with Notion
- 6. Automate your workflows with Zapier
- 7. Take better notes with Evernote
- 8. Declutter your digital files with CleanMyMac
- 9. Block distractions with Freedom
- 10. Digitize your workspace with Scanner Pro
- 11. Track your habits with Habitica
