As we approach 2025, business leaders must ensure their budgets are not only efficient but also aligned with long-term growth strategies. While finance teams typically lead this process, it's crucial to gather input from across the organisation to allocate resources effectively where they will have the most impact. Leaders need to develop robust, strategic business cases to secure necessary funding for their departments, especially in light of increasing operational complexities.
One often-overlooked aspect of budgeting is the detrimental impact that non-core administrative tasks can have on productivity, employee wellbeing, and overall costs.
To position your organisation for success in 2025, here are three key considerations to keep in mind when planning your budgets.
1. The Hidden Impact of Admin Tasks & Multitasking
Administrative tasks—such as managing payroll, responding to emails, scheduling meetings, and updating spreadsheets—are necessary for daily operations, but they quietly consume hours of productive time that could otherwise be spent on high-value, revenue-generating work. In fact, research indicates that UK businesses can waste up to £1,932 per employee per year on unnecessary administrative tasks.
But it doesn’t just stop there. This drain on productivity is further compounded by context switching—the constant shifting between tasks that interrupts focus. Studies show that context switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%, and it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after being interrupted. When employees are pulled away from strategic tasks to handle administrative work, it affects both their individual output and the organisation’s overall efficiency.
What’s more, the myth of multitasking exacerbates this issue. While it may seem like a time-saver, as mentioned above, multitasking is, in fact, a costly habit. Employees who juggle between tasks end up performing less efficiently and with more errors, further reducing productivity and increasing stress levels.
What to consider:
- Review the hidden cost of administrative work and multitasking.
- Streamlining processes, centralising workflows, and minimising unnecessary distractions can allow employees to stay focused on high-priority tasks, directly impacting business growth.
2. The Complexity of Modern Workplaces
As businesses expand and adopt new technologies, operations naturally become more complex. Although many tools and systems are introduced to enhance efficiency, they can also add to the confusion, forcing employees to juggle multiple platforms and processes. The fragmented workday that results from switching between these tools can pull employees away from their core responsibilities—those that drive revenue and growth.
This growing complexity doesn’t just strain employees; it also impacts your bottom line. The more fragmented the workflow, the less time teams have to focus on innovation, customer service, and other high-value activities. While technology is meant to streamline tasks, when not managed properly, it can create overwhelming inefficiencies.
What to consider:
- Assess whether your tech stack is truly serving your organisation.
- Simplifying tools and consolidating processes can significantly reduce distractions, improve productivity, and help your employees focus on the tasks that matter most.
3. Employee Engagement & Retention: A Critical Focus
Administrative burdens don’t just affect productivity; they directly impact employee engagement and wellbeing. When employees are bogged down by non-core tasks, their enthusiasm and ability to engage in meaningful work can diminish, potentially leading to burnout and higher turnover (which, as we know, can cost organisations considerably). This also hinders their capacity to innovate and contribute to strategic initiatives—ultimately impacting both performance and morale.
What to consider:
- Take the time to review your employees' workloads and assess where their focus lies.
- Identify areas where they may be overloaded with tasks that detract from their core responsibilities.
- Consider how to streamline workflows and empower your teams to prioritise high-value activities.
By enabling employees to engage fully in meaningful work, you can enhance job satisfaction, increase retention and ultimately ensure a healthier, more productive workforce.
How SmartPA Can Help Streamline Your Budgeting Process
At SmartPA, we understand the strain that administrative work can place on both your teams and your budget. Our outsourcing solutions are designed to reduce operational complexity, freeing up your employees to focus on the tasks that truly drive growth. By streamlining processes and offering tailored support, we help businesses reclaim valuable time and reduce unnecessary costs.
Whether you need assistance with building strong business cases or are looking to offload non-core administrative tasks, SmartPA provides expert solutions to help you meet your goals for the upcoming financial year—ensuring your budget reflects both operational efficiency and strategic objectives.
About SmartPA
SmartPA leads the transformation of admin and business support services through technology and education, while our mission is to unleash potential by supporting young people and women to become business role models for future generations. Powered by a global team of passionate and accredited SmartPAs, we accelerate the success of over 5,000 businesses worldwide, delivering impactful outsourced support that allows organisations to focus on what they do best. With a Centre of Excellence in the UK, near shore hubs in South Africa and Uganda, and an offshore hub in Malaysia, we are dedicated to making a difference.
Find out more
Click here to find out more about how partnering with SmartPA can help your organisation improve profitability and resilience by outsourcing non-core business support or administration services to SmartPA. Alternatively, contact us directly to discuss your requirements.