The Productivity Playbook – Tools, Trends, and Tactics
Welcome back to The Digital Roast, the podcast where we explore how technology helps businesses do more with less. In this season finale episode, Brendon McDermott, Chief Executive of Focus Technology Group, sits down with Robyn Stacey, General Sales & Business Development Manager at Dicker Data, to unpack the evolving definition of productivity in the digital workplace.
From earthquake-forced remote work setups to pandemic-era hybrid models, Robyn draws on years of experience helping clients adapt to change—and how Microsoft’s modern workplace tools like Teams, SharePoint, and the newly integrated Copilot AI are helping redefine what it means to “get work done.”
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Introduction
From earthquake-forced remote work setups to pandemic-era hybrid models, Robyn draws on years of experience helping clients adapt to change—and how Microsoft’s modern workplace tools like Teams, SharePoint, and the newly integrated Copilot AI are helping redefine what it means to “get work done.”
Keeping Up with the Speed of Change
Robyn kicks off the conversation reflecting on how quickly the tech landscape is moving—and how not all businesses are keeping pace. While tools like Power BI and data analytics are being embraced in some industries, others are still tied to outdated workflows and Excel spreadsheets. As Robyn says, “Some companies are just scratching the surface when they could be swimming in insights.”
Smarter Decision-Making with Data
Gone are the days of guessing and gut-feel decisions. Robyn shares how businesses are starting to embrace data-driven operations. With the right tools in place, organisations are now able to access real-time dashboards, predict trends, and make proactive decisions—rather than just reacting when things go wrong.
Tactics: AI Copilot & Beating Time Poverty
One of the most exciting parts of the conversation is around Microsoft Copilot, the AI-powered assistant designed to tackle the number one workplace challenge: not enough time. Robyn shares examples of how Copilot can automatically summarise meetings, draft emails, and highlight key insights—cutting down hours of admin so people can focus on value-added work.
Brendon brings in a statistic that resonates: the average employee spends more than a third of their day searching for information or switching between tools. Copilot helps bring that time back.
Technology advances are reshaping the way people work and do business. Robyn provides examples and how tech can be used:
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Apple Vision Pro: For immersive collaboration, virtual design reviews, and remote assistance — making physical presence optional in many scenarios. Robyn highlighted its potential for immersive workplace training, allowing users to simulate real-world environments using VR. This can reduce the need for physical setups and provide safer, repeatable training scenarios. It’s also ideal for virtual design reviews and remote collaboration.
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Drones: Used for stocktaking, site inspections, and real-time data capture in industries like agriculture, construction, and logistics.
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Mobile Scanning Devices: Help with on-the-go data entry, inventory tracking, and removing the need for paperwork.
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AI-Powered Tools (like Copilot): Mentioned earlier, but relevant here too — changing the way people interact with data, manage time, and create content through voice or prompt-based actions.
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Smart Sensors and IoT: While not deeply discussed, there’s mention of predictive maintenance and proactive monitoring, which implies connected devices and sensors in workplaces and infrastructure.
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Wearables: Implied through the Vision Pro conversation, but also relevant for health and safety monitoring in high-risk environments.
Key Takeaways: The New Rules of Productivity
- Adopt smarter tools: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re now essential for hybrid, fast-moving work environments.
- Use your data: Businesses that tap into real-time analytics make faster, better-informed decisions.
- Empower your people: Productivity comes from trust, flexibility, and enabling teams with the right tools.
- Think beyond the desk: From AI to space optimisation, modern productivity touches every part of the workplace.
Whether you’re a business leader, an IT manager, or just someone trying to make the most of your workday, this episode offers practical insights on how to work smarter, not harder.
References:
Services for everybody – Focus Technology