Last month, we explored three key considerations for business leaders as they plan their budgets for 2025 and beyond. One critical point was the productivity drain caused by multitasking, context-switching and administrative tasks.
Now, let's break it down with some numbers.
Our experience here at SmartPA tells us that leaders spend at least 1 hour a day on administrative tasks (although this has been found to be much higher in some circumstances). While these tasks are necessary, they are time consuming and ultimately detract key stakeholders from strategic work that drives growth.
Research shows that switching between tasks can reduce productivity by as much as 40%, resulting in significant time lost. If we apply this reduction to the total time spent on admin tasks (40% of 11,700 hours):
The consequences extend far beyond lost hours. Time spent on admin tasks also means employees are disengaged from high-value activities that drive the business forward. This disconnect can lead to higher turnover rates and lower employee satisfaction — both of which are costly in terms of recruitment, training and lost expertise.
By addressing these inefficiencies and streamlining administrative work, businesses can reclaim valuable time, empowering employees to focus on the tasks that drive revenue and growth.
The good news? There’s a proven way to tackle these inefficiencies: outsourcing administrative work.
By outsourcing routine administrative tasks, organisations can reduce the strain on their leadership teams, freeing them up to focus on strategic, high-value activities that drive growth. It’s not just about saving time or cutting costs; it’s about unlocking potential.
When leaders are unburdened by day-to-day admin, they can focus on what matters most — leading their teams, making impactful decisions, and driving business growth.
The result? Higher productivity, better employee satisfaction, and a stronger bottom line.
At SmartPA, we see firsthand the transformative impact of effective administrative support. By providing businesses with tailored, scalable outsourcing solutions, we help leaders reclaim their time and unlock new levels of efficiency. Our services ensure that administrative tasks are expertly managed, allowing leadership teams to maximise their impact and focus on high-priority goals.
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.
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.