All businesses strive to become more efficient, but few organisations are quite as stretched as law firms to make the time count. Long hours, slim margins and lengthy administrative tasks are typical for law firms, but luckily the tides are turning. The rise of technology and subsequent globalisation of the workforce allow businesses to operate more efficiently and profitably than ever before. However, if you want to take advantage of new business trends (both digital and otherwise), you need to be aware of them. With this in mind, here are four ways to make your legal business more efficient.
Automate Your Processes
How much of your time is spent putting documents together, typing up letters and other administration jobs? You can save a lot of time and money by automating these manual tasks and even negate the need for a secretary altogether. Not only will doing this cut costs from your business, it will also free up hours in the day that could be spent with your clients. These days there are plenty of software solutions that can merge data into document templates and automate your workflow. If you’re looking for a full-service case management solution, visit redbricksolutions.co.uk.
Improve Time Management
There are countless productivity killers in office environments, and many of us are at the mercy of our mobile devices. It doesn’t have to be this way, however, and there are plenty of ways to use technology to your advantage. There are productivity trackers and timers you can use for individual employees to ensure they are making the most of their time and taking regular breaks to recharge. You can also limit your Internet usage to certain times of the day and set limits on browsing capabilities.
Measure Your Data
There is no use implementing new processes if you have no way of knowing how effective they are. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can record and analyse your data using tools like Google Analytics. Doing this will help you see which of your marketing efforts are working, and which need improvement. You can also tailor your legal website using the data you receive to convert more visitors into paying clients.
Open a Dialogue
Don’t assume you have all the answers when it comes to optimising efficiency in your workplace. Multiple studies have shown that hierarchal systems are outdated and inefficient, and that a team mentality improves productivity in an office environment. Therefore, why not ask your staff if they have any ideas about how to better manage their time in the workplace? Employees from the millennial generation will have grown up using technology, so they may well be able to suggest some innovative solutions you haven’t considered.
There are plenty of ways to maximise efficiency in your law firm, but doing this involves letting go of your fear of change. Remember, nothing good was ever born from anybody’s comfort zone, and a complete overhaul of your business might be what’s needed to improve your productivity.