In today's fast-paced world, productivity plays a vital role in the success of any software development company. With various tasks to manage it is a constant challenge for everyone. We have deadlines to meet, evolving technologies to adopt, and we try to stay productive while having to switch between different contexts and projects. However, by implementing effective strategies and using smart techniques, our squads at GIM Robotics can enhance their productivity and achieve remarkable results.

Goal Setting and Prioritization

Setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks is crucial for enhancing productivity in the squads but also in the projects. By ensuring that the squads have a well-defined vision and goals for each project, the squad feels more confident in finishing them. We try to break down larger goals into smaller ones, create manageable tasks, and establish realistic deadlines that supports both us and our customers and makes resourcing and budgeting easier. By focusing on essential tasks and prioritizing them accordingly, the squads avoid feeling overwhelmed and keep a steady workflow.

Adopting Agile Practices

Agile methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban, have been implemented into GIM Robotics’ agile operating model. These frameworks emphasize iterative development, regular feedback, and of course flexibility which is extremely important in an SME. With the Agile approaches in squads and projects, the squads can manage their tasks efficiently, adopt to changes swiftly and even improve the collaboration between squads. At GIM Robotics we have regular stand-up meetings, sprint planning, and retrospectives that help identify and resolve issues promptly.

Effective Communication and Collaboration

At GIM Robotics, one of our values is to appraise integrity and we encourage open and transparent communication within the squads, but also, within the whole company from management to engineers and with our customers. With different collaboration tools, such as project management software, instant messaging platforms, and video conferencing tools, we ensure seamless communication and real-time updates inside the squads while collaborating in a hybrid working model. We share regularly progress reports, hold team meetings, and foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. No one is left alone and knowledge sharing is imperative to our organic growth as well.

Time Management Techniques

Time management is crucial to optimize the squads' productivity. We encourage our squads to utilize focus times in their calendars, schedule important tasks and visualizing their sprints with the tools at hand. These methods help them to manage workloads, minimize distractions, and maintain their focus on the tasks at hand. Additionally, we of course encourage frequent breaks to prevent GIMsters from getting overworked, and promote a psychological well-being as well. For example, we have our regular afternoon coffee time in the kitchen that includes an Italian killer mocca and conversations outside of squad related topics.

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Software development is a rapidly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies is essential. We encourage our squads to dedicate time to self development and learning for projects but also for their own career development. We provide our GIMsters with continuous opportunities for skill development in the form of workshops, online courses, or webinars. We also invest in learning from our Senior and Lead Robotics Engineers with job-shadowing, mentorships and coaching for new tasks and roles. Investing in training and self development, not only enhances our engineers individual knowledge but also strengthens the collective expertise of the squads, which leads to even more efficient and innovative solutions.

Emphasizing a Healthy Work-Life Balance

We at GIM Robotics feel that one of the core values is to foster our GIMsters well-being. By maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we also foster a long-term solution for productivity. We encourage our squads to take breaks, disconnect from work during their free time, and recharge fully during vacations. We promote a supportive culture that recognizes the importance of well-being and encourages employees to find the right balance between work and personal life. Although Covid-19 made it possible to work remotely, we try to keep our work during working hours. That means no messages to employees outside of working hours and Line Managers are keeping track of the balance hours.

At GIM Robotics we win (and sometimes fail) together, and this cohesiveness is the source of our tight knit community that leads to a successful work environment.

Want to read more about our GIMsters and the community we have? Read more in our other Blog Posts.