Small businesses don’t have time to waste on complicated software. The right project management tool should fit seamlessly into their daily operations, helping teams track progress, manage tasks, and collaborate without friction.

The problem is that many tools feel either too complex or too limited. Some require weeks of training before teams can use them effectively. Others seem simple at first but lack essential project planning and task tracking features. And then there’s pricing. Some platforms look affordable upfront but quickly become expensive as soon as you need real-time updates, Kanban boards, or Gantt charts.

A tool built for [small businesses](https://wedo.com/industries/sme) should be easy to use, flexible, and scalable. It should make it effortless for teams to allocate resources, track deadlines, and automate workflows without turning daily work into a struggle. More importantly, it should support team collaboration by keeping conversations, files, and action items in one place, so nothing gets lost in endless email threads or scattered apps.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the top project management tools for small businesses in 2025 to help you find the best fit for your team.

![A chart listing the key features to consider when looking for project management software](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/what_to_consider_when_choosing_a_project_management_tool_en_b0c0ccca49.png)

## What Small Businesses Should Look for in a Project Management Tool
Before we jump into the best project management tools for small businesses, let’s talk about what actually matters when choosing one. Small teams have different needs than massive enterprises drowning in complex workflows and endless approval chains. 
A tool that slows you down, forces you into rigid processes, or charges extra for basic features likely won’t be a good fit. The goal is to make work easier, not more complicated, which is why the right software should actually match the way your team operates.
Here’s what small businesses should look for when choosing a project management software that works:

### Ease of Use
If a tool takes weeks to learn, it’s already a problem. Small teams need something they can start using right away, drag, drop, assign, check off, and move on. Whether it’s Kanban boards, Gantt charts, or simple task lists, it should be intuitive enough that your team isn’t wasting time figuring out how to do basic things.

### Affordability
A free trial is great, but what happens when you actually need to use the tool long-term? Paid plans can quickly pile up in cost, especially if essential project management features, like task dependencies, tracking progress, or automation, are locked behind expensive upgrades. Look for transparent pricing that scales without hidden fees.

### Collaboration Features
A small business project management software shouldn’t just be a task tracker, it should help your team collaborate without the back-and-forth hassle. Built-in file sharing, meeting follow-ups, and real-time updates keep everything connected, so no one is hunting down notes from last week’s meeting or getting lost in endless email chains.

### Task and Workflow Automation
The best tools help save time by taking care of the repetitive stuff. Task dependencies, recurring assignments, and checklist templates keep projects moving without managers manually checking in on every single task. 
### Scalability
What works for a three-person team today might not cut it when you’re handling bigger projects and more people. A good software lets you allocate resources, track progress, and expand workflows without suddenly becoming too complicated to manage.
Picking the wrong tool means wasted time, messy projects, and frustration. The best project and task management software will fit the way your team works today while giving you room to grow. 

Now, let’s take a look at the top project management tools of 2025 and see which one actually makes sense for your business.

## 1. Monday.com: The Visually Intuitive Project Manager
For small businesses seeking a visual approach to project management, Monday.com offers a user-friendly platform. Its color-coded boards, customizable workflows, and drag-and-drop task management make organizing work straightforward. Teams can easily view who's responsible for tasks, upcoming deadlines, and overall project progress at a glance.

### Key Features:
**- Multiple Views:** Access to Kanban boards, Gantt charts, calendar views, and more, depending on the subscription plan.
**- Integrations:** Seamlessly connects with popular apps like Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, centralizing your tools.
**- Automation:** Streamlines repetitive tasks to enhance efficiency.

### Pricing:
**- Free Plan:** Suitable for individuals or pairs, offering up to 3 boards, unlimited docs, and 200+ process templates.
**- Basic Plan:** Priced at $9 per user/month (billed annually), includes features like unlimited items, 5 GB file storage, and priority customer support.
**- Standard Plan:** At $12 per user/month (billed annually), adds timeline and Gantt views, 250 automations (actions) and integrations per month, and 20 GB file storage.
**- Pro Plan:** For $19 per user/month (billed annually), offers advanced features like time tracking, chart views, 25,000 automations and integrations per month, and 100 GB file storage.

### Hosting Location:
Primarily USA; EU Data Region available for certain plans.​

### Considerations:
While Monday.com provides a robust set of features, some advanced tools, such as time tracking, chart views, and higher limits on automations and integrations, are only available in the Pro Plan or higher tiers. Additionally, the free plan is limited to 2 users, making it more suitable for very small teams or individual use.

### Best suited for:
Small businesses that prioritize a visually intuitive interface and are willing to invest in higher-tier plans to access advanced features.

📌 _Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit Monday’s official website._

## 2. Asana: The Structured Task Manager for Small Teams
For small businesses seeking a structured approach to project management, Asana offers a comprehensive platform designed to streamline workflows and enhance team collaboration.

### Key Features:
**- Multiple Views:** Asana provides list, board, and calendar views in its free Personal plan, with timeline (Gantt chart) views available in the Starter plan and above.
**- Task Management**: Assign tasks with due dates, set priorities, and establish dependencies to ensure projects progress smoothly.
**- Automation:** Automate routine tasks to increase efficiency, with the number of automations per month varying by plan.
**- Integrations:** Connect Asana with popular tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams to centralize your work environment.

### Pricing:
**- Personal Plan** – $0 (Free): Basic project management for individuals or small teams (up to 10 users), with list, board, and calendar views.
**- Starter Plan** – $10.99 per user/month (billed annually): Adds timeline & Gantt charts, workflow builder, 250 automations per month, and dashboards.
**- Advanced Plan** – $24.99 per user/month (billed annually): Includes portfolios, goal tracking, time tracking, critical path, and advanced reporting.
**- Enterprise & Enterprise+** – Custom pricing: Offers unlimited portfolios, enhanced security, and compliance features.

### Hosting Location:
Primarily the USA.

### Considerations:
While Asana’s free plan is useful for small teams, it’s limited to 10 users and lacks essential features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, and advanced reporting. To access these, businesses will need to upgrade to a paid plan, which can become costly as teams grow.

### Best suited for: 
Small businesses that need structured task tracking, workflow automation, and multiple project views, with room to scale as their needs grow.

📌 _Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit Asana’s official website._

## 3. ClickUp: The Customizable Powerhouse
For small businesses seeking a highly customizable and feature-rich project management solution, ClickUp stands out as a versatile platform designed to adapt to various workflows and team needs.

### Key Features:
**- Multiple Views:** Access a variety of project perspectives, including List, Board (Kanban), Calendar, Timeline (Gantt), and more, allowing teams to visualize tasks in the format that suits them best.
**- Task Management:** Create and assign tasks with due dates, priorities, and dependencies. Use native time tracking to monitor the time spent on tasks and projects.
**- Customization:** Tailor your workspace with Custom Fields, Custom Statuses, and over 35 ClickApps to add specific functionalities as needed.
**- Collaboration Tools:** Enhance team interaction with real-time chat, collaborative whiteboards, and document sharing, ensuring seamless communication and idea exchange.
**- Integrations:** Connect ClickUp with popular tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams to streamline workflows and centralize information.

### Pricing:
**- Free Forever Plan:** Ideal for personal use, this plan offers features such as 100MB storage, unlimited tasks, collaborative docs, whiteboards, and Kanban boards.
**- Unlimited Plan:** At $7 per user/month (billed annually), this plan includes unlimited storage, integrations, dashboards, Gantt charts, custom fields, and guests with permissions.
**- Business Plan:** Priced at $12 per user/month (billed annually), it adds advanced features like Google SSO, advanced time tracking, workload management, timelines, mind maps, and advanced automation.
**- Enterprise Plan:** Designed for large teams with complex needs, this plan offers white labeling, advanced permissions, enterprise API, custom roles, single sign-on (SSO), and more. Pricing is available upon request.

### Hosting location:
Data is stored in one of five AWS regions: Oregon (USA), Ohio (USA), Sydney (Australia), Singapore, and Dublin (Ireland).

### Considerations:
While ClickUp offers a comprehensive suite of features, its extensive capabilities can present a learning curve for new users. Teams may need to invest time in setup and training to fully leverage the platform's potential. Additionally, some advanced functionalities are reserved for higher-tier plans, which could impact budgeting for small businesses.

### Best suited for: 
Agencies and service-based businesses that need a highly customizable tool to track time spent on tasks for billing and resource management, while supporting diverse workflows and team collaboration.

📌 _Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit ClickUp’s official website._

## 4. Trello: The Best Lightweight Kanban Solution
For small businesses seeking a straightforward and visual project management tool, Trello offers an intuitive platform centered around Kanban boards. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for teams looking to manage tasks without unnecessary complexity.

### Key Features:
**- Kanban Boards:** Use boards, lists, and cards to organize tasks and workflows visually.
**- Unlimited Cards: Create as many task cards as needed to keep track of project components.
Power-Ups:** Enhance functionality with integrations and add-ons, with unlimited Power-Ups per board, even on the free plan.
**- Collaboration Tools:** Assign tasks, set due dates, and add comments to facilitate team communication.
**- Automation:** Built-in automation (Butler) to streamline repetitive tasks, with command runs varying by plan.

### Pricing:
**- Free Plan:** Ideal for individuals or small teams, offering up to 10 boards per Workspace, unlimited cards, unlimited Power-Ups per board, and 250 Workspace command runs per month.
**- Standard Plan:** At $5 per user/month (billed annually), this plan includes unlimited boards, advanced checklists, custom fields, 1,000 Workspace command runs per month, and unlimited storage (250MB/file).
**- Premium Plan:** Priced at $10 per user/month (billed annually), it adds multiple views (Calendar, Timeline, Table, Dashboard, and Map), unlimited Workspace command runs, and advanced administrative and security features. 
**- Enterprise Plan:** Designed for larger organizations, starting at $17.50 per user/month (billed annually) for up to 250 users, with pricing decreasing as more users are added. This plan offers organization-wide permissions, unlimited Workspaces, and enhanced security options.

### Hosting location:
The Trello servers (including the databases) are hosted on Amazon Web Services (EC2, in the United States.

### Considerations:
While Trello's free plan is robust, it limits users to 10 boards per Workspace and offers basic functionalities. Advanced features like multiple project views, increased automation capabilities, and enhanced administrative controls require a move to paid plans. Additionally, teams managing complex projects may find Trello's simplicity lacking in advanced project tracking and reporting tools.

### Best suited for: 
Small businesses that prefer a lightweight, visual task management tool and do not require extensive advanced features.

📌 _Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. For the most current information, please visit Trello’s official website._

## 5. WEDO: The Best Alternative for Businesses That Need More Than Just Task Tracking
Most project management tools focus on organizing tasks—but what happens when those tasks come from meetings? [WEDO](https://wedo.com/features) is designed to bridge the gap between meetings, follow-ups, and execution, ensuring that decisions don’t get lost and action items are always followed through.

For teams that rely on structured collaboration, project tracking, and real-time updates, WEDO makes managing tasks effortless by connecting meetings, action items, and ongoing work in one seamless platform. Instead of juggling multiple tools for task management, file sharing, and meeting follow-ups, WEDO keeps everything in sync, helping teams stay aligned and productive.

### Key Features:
**- Seamless Meeting-to-Task Integration:** Most tools separate meetings from task tracking, but WEDO [automatically links meeting discussions](https://wedo.com/features/meetings), decisions, and action items to tasks, so nothing falls through the cracks.
**- Multiple Views for Flexible Workflows:** Teams can customize their workspace with List, Kanban, and Gantt chart views, ensuring everyone can [track progress](https://wedo.com/features/tasks) and manage tasks in a way that works for them.
**- Meetings Integrated into Gantt Charts:** WEDO is the only [project management tool](https://wedo.com/features/project-management) that directly integrates meetings into project timelines. From the Gantt chart, users can access task details, meeting agendas, and meeting minutes, ensuring complete visibility over ongoing work.
**- Collaboration-First Approach:** Designed for teams that work together, WEDO brings meetings, tasks, and files into one workspace, eliminating the need for endless email threads and scattered documents.
**- Enterprise-Grade Security:** As a Swiss-made platform trusted by 700+ companies, WEDO prioritizes data security and compliance, with features like SAML 2.0 Single Sign-On, SCIM provisioning, and Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) for encryption.
**- Fast, Personalized Support:** Unlike other project management tools where support feels distant, WEDO offers dedicated training and fast customer service to ensure teams get the most out of the platform.

### Pricing:
**- Pro Plan** – $19.90/user/month: Includes unlimited meetings, tasks, [checklists](https://wedo.com/features/checklists), project management (including Gantt Chart), file sharing, and live chat support.
**- Enterprise Plan** – $24.90/user/month: Includes everything in Pro, plus Active Directory integration, SAML 2.0 SSO, SCIM provisioning, enforced two-factor authentication, Bring Your Own Key (BYOK), audit logs, and custom terms.
A 14-day free trial is available—no credit card required.

### Hosting location:
Europe (Switzerland), ensuring data security and compliance with European regulations.

### Considerations:
Many small business project management software options focus only on task tracking. But without meeting follow-ups and structured collaboration, tasks often get lost in a backlog. WEDO keeps everything connected, meetings, discussions, tasks, and follow-ups, so teams stay aligned and nothing gets forgotten.

For businesses looking for a modern, collaboration-driven project management solution, WEDO is the best alternative to traditional task managers; because great teamwork starts with great communication.

### Best suited for: 
Teams that want a fully integrated workspace where meetings, tasks, and follow-ups happen in sync, eliminating scattered tools and keeping collaboration seamless.

![An illustration listing the benefits of the WEDO project management platform, such as the seamless integration of meetings with tasks, the integration of meetings into Gantt charts, the collaborative approach, enterprise-wide security and fast, personalised support.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/why_is_wedo_more_than_just_a_task_management_tool_en_ca300550aa.png)

## Conclusion
Managing projects is more than tracking tasks. You have to keep momentum, turn discussions into action, and create a workflow that supports success. The right tool brings all that together, making it easier for teams to stay aligned, track progress, and complete projects efficiently.

[WEDO](https://wedo.com/features) connects meetings, follow-ups, and execution in a single workspace. Instead of switching between tools, teams can assign tasks directly from meeting agendas, track progress in real time, and keep follow-ups organized. With integrated Gantt charts, multiple task views, and enterprise-grade security, WEDO supports structured collaboration that keeps teams productive and projects on track.

🚀  [Start your free trial today](https://wedo.com/signup) and experience how WEDO transforms the way teams manage meetings, tasks, and collaboration.


Discover the best project management tools for small businesses in 2025. Compare features, pricing, and find the right fit for your team.

This image showcases the top project management tools for SMEs in 2025, featuring several blocks on a teal background

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Best Project Management Tools for Small Businesses in 2025

We are excited to introduce our latest feature: the **WEDO Gantt Chart**. Designed to be seamless and intuitive, it helps teams plan projects efficiently, allocate resources wisely, track task progress, and optimize time management.

In this article, we’ll explore the key features and benefits of this new tool, now available for free across all networks.

::youtube-video{#xIPkO4gOIfk}

## A Powerful and Intuitive Interface

With the WEDO Gantt Chart, planning has never been faster or more user-friendly. It enables instant interaction with tasks and meetings, without any lag, even for large-scale projects.

Here are its key features:

- **Visual Task Planning:** The new WEDO Gantt view allows you to schedule tasks over time in a clear and visual way.
- **Dependency Management:** Link tasks together to model logical sequences and anticipate potential bottlenecks.
- **Project Phases:** Group project tasks by section, identify different phases, and assign colors for better visual clarity in your planning.
- **Milestones:** Highlight key project dates to ensure smooth communication and adherence to important deadlines.
- **Project Meeting Integration:** In addition to tasks, view scheduled meetings directly in the Gantt chart. Access agendas and meeting minutes without leaving the interface.
- **Real-Time Task Updates:** Drag and drop tasks to adjust planning easily. Any changes made in the Gantt chart are instantly reflected across all relevant workspaces and personal task lists.
- **Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):** Breakdown your tasks with nesting & subtasks to create a clear, hierarchical structure for better planning and execution.


## Why Use the WEDO Gantt Chart?

The WEDO Gantt Chart offers several key benefits for teams looking to enhance their project management.

It provides a **global overview and control over deadlines** by visualizing all tasks on a timeline, identifying critical points, and adjusting planning accordingly.

It also enables **better resource allocation** by preventing scheduling conflicts and optimizing each team member’s workload.

Finally, it enhances **collaboration** by offering a unified and shared project view, accessible to all team members at any time.

![An infographic illustrating the key benefits of using a Gantt chart, including improved project planning, progress tracking and team coordination. ](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/why_use_a_gantt_chart_1_8515920f44.png)

### Integrated Meeting Management

What sets the WEDO Gantt Chart apart from other project management tools is its seamless synchronization with follow-up meetings. You can display and link these meetings directly within the timeline, highlighting key moments when decisions need to be made. This unique feature provides a comprehensive and cohesive view of your projects.

![Screenshot of the WEDO Gantt chart interface, with particular attention paid to integrating meetings into the project timeline. ](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Gantt_chart_meeting_en_e80582a08f.png)

### Change Management

With a structured display, project managers can adjust task planning in real time, reducing the risk of delays and improving communication among stakeholders. Buffer periods in WEDO provide teams with greater visibility and flexibility when adjustments are needed. In case of delays or unforeseen events, these buffer zones allow for schedule adaptations without compromising project delivery.

![Animation of the three types of buffer periods - maintain, consume or disable - and how the execution schedule is affected when a change is made to one of the tasks. ](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/1_1_1_95846d36df.gif)

1. **Maintain the buffer:** Keeps the gap between tasks intact when one is moved.
2. **Consume the buffer:** Adjusts tasks only in case of conflicts, utilizing the available interval to preserve the overall project timeline.
3. **Disable date shifting:** Removes the interval between dependent tasks, allowing for independent adjustments.

By minimizing manual adjustments, buffers save project managers valuable time while ensuring greater accuracy.


## Getting Started with the Gantt Chart – Complete Guide

To help you make the most of the Gantt Chart, we provide several **blog articles** detailing its features. Our support team is also available via chat for any questions.


- [Gantt Activation](https://help.wedo.com/en/projects/gantt-activation)
- [Basic Gantt chart functionality](https://help.wedo.com/en/projects/basic-gantt-chart-functionality)
- [Gantt chart key concepts](https://help.wedo.com/en/projects/gantt-chart-key-concepts)



## Want to Try WEDO and Its Gantt Chart?

The Gantt Chart is a powerful addition to WEDO’s comprehensive suite of [project management tools](https://wedo.com/features/project-management). From meeting management to checklist templates and governance, WEDO is a flexible and complete solution for all types of projects.

Book a [free demo](https://wedo.com/demo) today or start your [14-day free trial](https://wedo.com/signup) now!



We are excited to introduce our latest feature: the WEDO Gantt Chart. Designed to be seamless and intuitive, it helps teams plan projects efficiently, allocate resources wisely, track task progress, and optimize time management.

Stylized view of a Gantt chart with colorful bars and two Gantt icons on a light gradient background, overlaid with the text “Updates” and “Gantt Chart”

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Manage your projects efficiently with WEDO’s Gantt chart

At a time when the pyramidal management system inspired by Taylor and Ford is perceived as rigid and culturally obsolete, new forms of work organization are gradually emerging.¹ Self-management models are an important part of these new organizational structures.

Self-management models are an important part of these new organizational structures. To understand why organizations are adopting these self-management models, we need to understand what managers want most from their organizations: reliability and adaptability. All organizations want to achieve, to some extent, both reliability and adaptability. But one usually overshadows the other. Indeed, too much reliability creates rigidity and can make companies insensitive to changing markets. Conversely, if companies place too much emphasis on adaptability, they risk becoming dispersed and losing sight of their raison d'être. In an attempt to reconcile reliability and adaptability, holacracy, the best-known and most widely practiced model of self-management, helps to achieve this balance.²

## But what is holacracy?

According to Bernard Marie Chiquet, founder of IGI Partners (the company that imports holacracy to Europe from the USA), holacracy is a practice that promotes responsibility and cooperation in the service of the company's raison d'être. In this practice, there is no longer a manager as such, but everyone is invited to manage themselves, and is expected to demonstrate leadership. This is not to say that there is no structure. Holacracy refers to a “holarchic structure”. Here's a diagram illustrating how this structure works:

![Graphic depicting the circle structure and roles in Holacracy, showing how autonomous teams and interconnected roles operate without traditional hierarchy.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Holacratiezero_waste_1_a93adb54f3.jpg)

### The super circle
Also known as the company's general circle, it represents
the company as a whole. In particular, it is made up of the 1ᵉʳ and 2ᵉ link of
each sub-circle.

### The sub-circle
The sub-circle represents autonomous teams where each person has a role and
working towards the same goal. Sub-circles are formed or dissolved according to
needs of the organization.

### Role
The role is a set of responsibilities within the organization. Roles can be
can be created, modified or cancelled. People usually have more than one role
in several circles. There are operational roles and structural
structural roles. The various structural roles, which are less concerned with operational tasks, must guarantee the smooth running of the team (= sub
circle), both within it and within the organization. The two main roles are
structural roles:
    - **1ᵉʳ link:** in each sub-circle, one person takes on the role of coach, similar to the leader or manager in a pyramid system. This person's responsibilities include assigning roles, managing finances and priorities, coaching team members, and maintaining a good atmosphere. These tasks take up around 10% of his or her time, the rest being devoted to other roles depending on his or her skills.
    - **2ᵉ link:** is responsible for escalating a tension from a sub-circle to the super
    circle if it exceeds the authority of the sub-circle in question.

Also, in order to be better organized and more efficient than in a so-called classical structure, the “holarchic structure” relies on three [types of meetings](https://wedo.com/features/meetings) :

- **Strategic meetings** to define the company's direction.
- **Governance meetings**, the purpose of which is to work on the organization without addressing operational issues.
- **Tactical Meetings**, whose purpose is to work within the organization, i.e. on concrete (operational) subjects to be developed.

During these sessions, strict order, rules and roles must be respected. Each participant is invited to speak in turn and submit ideas or tensions. The aim is to find solutions collectively, and to help the organization evolve thanks to everyone's involvement.

### Holacracy: a change of cultural paradigm

Adopting holacracy is more than just an organizational transformation; it's also a profound change in corporate culture. One of the main challenges for companies is to abandon the culture of hierarchy and control, deeply rooted in traditional systems. Employees, accustomed to rigid structures with clear chains of command, must learn to operate autonomously and embrace individual responsibility.

![Graph comparing Holacracy and the traditional pyramidal system, highlighting structural differences and organizational impact.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/blog_task_organisation_4_steps_1_0db00fe11e.png)

This requires not only a new way of thinking, but also a new way of working together. In a holarchical structure, employees must take on a certain form of individual leadership, while collaborating more closely with their colleagues. Collaborative decision-making, which is at the heart of holacracy, may take longer and require more patience than in a pyramidal model. However, this approach improves transparency, individual responsibility and alignment within teams. Each employee is encouraged to take the initiative and become more involved in decision-making processes. This creates an environment where autonomy is not only encouraged, but valued. Holacracy also encourages more open and regular communication between team members, reducing information silos and strengthening team spirit.

Another key aspect is that companies must be prepared to reinvent their reward and recognition systems. In a holacratic organization, traditional promotions are no longer relevant, as there are no hierarchical levels to climb. This overturns the traditional model of career progression. Employees need to be motivated by other forms of recognition, such as broader responsibilities, the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects, or regular feedback mechanisms. For this system to work well, employees must also have a clear vision of their objectives and understand how their work contributes to the organization's raison d'être.

## The limits of holacracy

Although holacracy has been adopted by many companies, some, such as Amazon subsidiary Zappos, have either abandoned it or never embraced it. Indeed, this structure also has its limitations, such as rigid meeting rules, restrictions on freedom of expression, and questionable effectiveness. These various points influenced Zappos' decision to retract.⁴

Regarding roles, the Zappos example shows that an employee has around 7.4 roles for an average of 3.47 responsibilities per role. That's a total of more than 25 responsibilities per employee. This multiplicity of roles complicates the organization of work, recruitment, and the definition of salaries, as it becomes difficult to assess a fair wage. In fact, as the employees compile the various roles, establishing a salary in relation to what is being done on the market becomes virtually impossible.

Another delicate point in adopting holacracy is the need for greater discipline. In a model where individuals have greater autonomy and responsibility, it can be easy for some to lose sight of the company's priorities. What's more, not all personalities adapt easily to this level of self-management. Some employees may experience increased stress when faced with the need to take on more initiative and responsibility without traditional supervision. It can also create a lack of clarity in task allocation, especially in larger or more complex organizations, where communication and coordination are essential.

Despite its image as an innovative management system, holacracy is not suitable for all businesses. It can take years to adopt, and many employees may have to leave. For large companies, partial adoption is recommended. On the other hand, for start-ups and SMEs with a high level of organizational adaptability and a relatively small size, holacracy appears to be an appropriate solution. In fact, many of them are early adopters.⁵

## Holacracy and conflict management

Managing tensions is a key element in a holarchic organization. Tensions, according to holacracy, are defined as gaps between the organization's current state and what an ideal situation might be. These tensions are often seen as opportunities for improvement. However, managing tensions can sometimes become a source of frustration. If they are not dealt with quickly or effectively, they can lead to conflict between team members.

The role of the facilitator is therefore crucial in ensuring that tensions are resolved constructively. In a traditional structure, conflicts are often managed top-down, with a manager or supervisor playing the role of arbiter. In holacracy, conflict resolution is more horizontal, with teams often having to find their own solutions to problems that arise. This requires a high level of maturity and communication skills on the part of team members. For this to work, the organization needs to put in place well-defined conflict resolution processes and clear frameworks for escalating tensions.

## The long-term benefits of holacracy

Despite the challenges it presents, holacracy offers many potential long-term benefits. By adopting a more flexible governance model, companies can improve their resilience in the face of market changes. Increased team autonomy encourages innovation, as ideas can emerge more quickly and be implemented without going through a long validation chain. This enhanced responsiveness is essential in sectors where change is rapid and adaptability is a key success factor.

One of the main advantages of holacracy is that it encourages better use of employees' skills. Indeed, employees are no longer restricted to a single defined role or position; they can contribute to different projects and circles according to their talents and interests. This also prevents certain talents from going untapped, or valuable skills from being under-utilized. This approach can lead to greater job satisfaction and higher talent retention, as employees feel they have greater freedom to develop their skills and broaden their scope within the organization.¹⁰

Finally, holacracy enables greater organizational agility. Companies that adopt this model are often more responsive to market changes, as they are not held back by rigid structures. Decisions are taken faster and closer to the operational teams, enabling strategies to be adjusted in real time. This flexibility can be a major competitive advantage, especially in dynamic markets where the ability to react quickly to change is crucial.

![Graph illustrating the benefits of Holacracy, emphasizing adaptability, autonomy, and team alignment.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/blog_task_organisation_4_steps_4_a7aac4fe0f.png)

## Holacracy and innovation: a winning synergy

One of the great strengths of holacracy lies in its ability to foster innovation. By removing hierarchical barriers, employees feel freer to put forward new ideas, even if they're off the beaten track. This ability to generate new ideas is essential in a world where markets evolve rapidly and companies must constantly reinvent themselves. Holacracy also encourages calculated risk-taking, as each circle can experiment on a small scale without fear of serious consequences for the organization as a whole.

What's more, holacracy enables ideas to be tested more quickly. Each circle can make decisions independently and implement prototypes or pilot projects without waiting for approval from top management. This reduces time-to-market and keeps the company competitive. This is particularly beneficial for startups or fast-growing companies, where the ability to innovate and adapt quickly is crucial to survival and prosperity.

Holacracy also encourages a diversity of viewpoints, allowing everyone, whatever their role or status, to contribute to collective thinking. This diversity is a powerful driver of innovation, as it enables a variety of ideas to be brought together and more creative solutions to the challenges facing the company to be explored. It also helps to break down the tendency towards one-track thinking, by encouraging the inclusion of voices from all levels and giving everyone the opportunity to play an active part in creating value for the company.

In conclusion, holacracy is an innovative management model that challenges conventional structures. However, its application raises challenges, particularly in the complex management of roles and organization. Adapted to agile companies such as [start-ups and certain SMEs](https://wedo.com/industries/sme), it is not a universal solution, especially for large structures. Each company must therefore carefully assess its specific needs before adopting holacracy, preparing appropriate adjustments for a successful transition.

Would you like to test holacracy in your company? WEDO can help you with our comprehensive governance module dedicated to this management system. To find out more, ask one of our specialists for a free demo.


::button-primary[Schedule a live demo]{link="/demo"}

### Governance with WEDO

::youtube-video{#vSchpiRKs0M}


::button-primary[Schedule a live demo]{link="/demo"}

**References**

1. GROSJEAN, VINCENT, LEÏCHLÉ, JACQUES and THÉVENY, LAURENT, 2016. New forms of work organization: opportunities or illusions? . 2016. Vol. 245, pp. 6-9.
2. BERNSTEIN, Ethan, BUNCH, John, CANNER, Niko and LEE, Michael, 2016. Beyond the Holacracy Hype. Harvard Business Review. August 2016. pp. 38-49.
3. CHIQUET, Bernard Marie and APPERT, Étienne, 2013. A new managerial technology, holacracy. Goussonville : IGI partners. ISBN 978-2-9545641-1-1. 658.002 22
4. CASTILLO, Amanda, 2018. Holacratie, l'utopie qui se passe de chef. Le Temps [online]. October 5, 2018. [Accessed April 17, 2022]. Available from: https://www.letemps.ch/economie/holacratie-lutopie-se-passe-chef
5. BERNSTEIN, Ethan, BUNCH, John, CANNER, Niko and LEE, Michael, 2016. Beyond the Holacracy Hype. Harvard Business Review. August 2016. pp. 38-49.

Holacracy reshapes organizations by balancing reliability and adaptability, contrasting with traditional pyramidal systems. Discover its benefits and challenges in this article.

This image explores whether holacracy is a revolution or a challenge, illustrated with a network of interconnected circles on an orange background

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Holacracy: managerial revolution or organizational challenge?

## Dive into the world of WEDO with SEBconnect!

In this video, Sébastien Bouvier, a recognised specialist in productivity tools, introduces you to WEDO, an innovative platform for collaborative project management. After an in-depth evaluation, Sébastien highlights the many features of WEDO that are revolutionising teamwork. Explore how this tool can not only optimise your organisation, but also enhance the synergy and effectiveness of your collective projects.

_Video available in French_

::youtube-video{#EiX8mpsJr0k}



In this video, Sébastien Bouvier, a recognised specialist in productivity tools, introduces you to WEDO, an innovative platform for collaborative project management. 

Man touching his temple with a thoughtful expression, digital icons of a “late” calendar and a checklist floating above, overlaid with the “SEB Connect” logo and the WEDO logo

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Sebastien Bouvier reviews WEDO

Brainstorming sessions are often the crucible of creativity, innovative ideas and free expression. Whether around a meeting table or online, these dynamic meetings can take meandering paths, exploring an impressive array of ideas often represented by multicolored sticky notes or diagrams drawn on a whiteboard. However, in the midst of all this excitement, it's essential not to lose sight of the original objective: to generate ideas, productive discussions and, above all, informed decisions.

This is where the need to synthesize and record all those ideas comes in the nightmare of every brainstorming report writer. In this article, we'll explore the art of writing a brainstorming report, a document that captures the outcomes of these dynamic meetings. We'll look at how to turn the constructive chaos of brainstorming into a simple, clear and actionable written report for the future.

### Step 1: Preparing for the meeting

**1. Prepare in advance:** 
Familiarize yourself with the subject of the brainstorming session and make sure you have the tools you need to take notes. For greater speed and flexibility, consider using brainstorming tools for writing like WEDO.

**2. Prepare the brainstorming agenda:** 
At this stage, the agenda will mention only the general points on which the group should reflect and come up with innovative or creative ideas. These concepts should be kept broad, to leave the door wide open for creativity. In WEDO, these broad concepts are referred to as sections, which will then be broken down by participants' ideas into themes. This pre-defined agenda provides a framework for brainstorming.

**3. Identify roles**: 
If possible, appoint a moderator and a scribe. The moderator, often standing, facilitates discussion, illustrates and notes ideas on a board or sticky notes, and encourages participants to express themselves. The scribe transcribes and synthesizes the information into a report. When visual brainstorming, the script may need to regularly take photos of the discussion board to make sure no information is missed.

### Step 2: Note-taking during the brainstorming session

**1. List ideas:** 
Create a structured list of all the ideas generated during the meeting. WEDO lets you list each idea in themes for a clear structure. Take note of all ideas, even those that seem far-fetched or off-topic. Use key words, short phrases, photos or diagrams to record information quickly. 
    
![animer un brainstorming](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Brainstorming_Od_J_EN_f618169554.png)
    

**2. Record key discussions:** 
Take note of participants' points of view, debates and important discussions. This will help give context to the ideas generated.

**3. Encourage brainstorming decision making :** Whenever a decision is made, be sure to record it in your report, along with the reasons for it. With WEDO, you can formalize decision-making with the voting module, enabling you to come to a decision transparently and fairly.

![brainstorming output with the voting feature](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Brainstorming_Od_J_EN_1_1_5fea3e77db.png)

### **Step 3: Reorganize ideas and information**

It's hard to maintain a logical flow of ideas when brainstorming. Once the brainstorming session is over, it's time to organize the information gathered.

**1. Restructure the list of ideas if necessary:** 
Take the time to reorganize and group similar ideas into the right themes to define the common thread of your report.

**2. Summarize discussions:** 
Scan your notes to identify the most relevant or influential discussions. Summarize them concisely. Don't hesitate to use colors or emojis to structure your paragraphs or categorize ideas.

![synthèse de brainstorming en ligne](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Brainstorming_lister_idees_EN_76019bb7e2.png)

**3. Highlight decisions:** 
Highlight all decisions made during the brainstorming session. In WEDO, you can decide on a decision so that it becomes official and is highlighted in your report.

### Step 4: Write the brainstorming report

Now that you've organized the information, it's time to write the report itself:

**1. Introduction:** 
Start with a brief introduction explaining the purpose of the brainstorming session, the date, the participants and the context.

**2. List of ideas:** 
Present the list of ideas generated during the brainstorming session in the form of sections and themes.

**3. Conclusions and decisions:** 
Decisions can be listed in each theme, but they can also all be duplicated and added to a special theme, summarizing all the decisions made during the meeting. This summary will delight those who need a quick overview of the meeting's outcomes.

![Synthèse des décisions](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Brainstorming_Od_J_EN_2_2745b387be.png)

**4. Action plan:** 
End the report with an action plan. Outline the next steps to be taken, the actions to be taken and the people responsible for implementing them. In a WEDO report, you can create tasks directly in the report. The task will include a description, a deadline, a responsible person and an observer if required, as well as attachments or comments. These tasks will be sent automatically to each participant's task manager, for easy project follow-up.

![Action plan brainstorming](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Brainstorming_Od_J_EN_3_c31b07dc14.png)

In conclusion, writing up the outcome of a brainstorming session requires preparation, effective note-taking and organization. WEDO software is an invaluable brainstorming tool for simplifying this process, centralizing information and facilitating team collaboration. Your brainstorming reports will become valuable documents for decision-making and future planning. It also allows you to conduct brainstorming meetings online.

Interested in this topic? In a future article, we'll be taking a closer look at the second key role in a brainstorming meeting: that of the facilitator. We'll look at the most effective methods for engaging participants and encouraging creativity.

In this article, we'll explore the art of writing a brainstorming report, a document that captures the outcomes of these dynamic meetings. 

Close-up of a table covered with colorful sticky notes from a brainstorming session, with a hand pointing at a post-it, overlaid with the text “Brainstorming reports” and “Use case”

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Brainstorming session: how to write a quality report?

## What is Pareto's principle?

Pareto's principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, takes its name from the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. He first formulated it at the beginning of the 20th century, when he observed that **80% of the land in Italy belonged to just 20% of the population**. The principle then stated that, in many situations, around 80% of the results are generated by 20% of the causes. In other words, a minority of efforts produce the majority of results. The principle quickly becomes a powerful concept that can be applied to many aspects of life, including time management.


![what is 20 of 80](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Loi_pareto_EN_c8000626e0.png)
## Time management and the 80/20 rule

Applied to time management, Pareto's principle means that 20% of your activities will produce 80% of your results. This means that if you identify these vital activities and prioritize them, you can save an enormous amount of time by eliminating or reducing less productive activities.

## How to save time with Pareto's principle

### 1. Identify your work tasks:
Start by making a complete list of all your work-related tasks and activities. Make sure you cover all activities, even the smallest ones.

### 2. Define your impact criteria: 
Establish precise criteria for evaluating the impact of each task. Criteria may vary according to your field of activity, but could include indicators such as sales generated, time saved, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, brand awareness, etc.

### 3. Assign impact scores:
For each task, assign an impact score based on your established criteria. You can use a numerical scale, for example from 1 to 10, to score each task according to its relative importance.

### 4. Measure actual results:
Collect quantitative data to assess the actual results of your tasks over a given period. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of each task. For example, if you work in marketing, you can measure the return on investment (ROI) of different campaigns.

### 5. Identify high-impact tasks:
Using impact scores and actual results, identify the tasks that have the greatest impact on your business goals. These are usually the 20% of tasks that generate 80% of your results.

### 6. Prioritize high-impact tasks:
Give these high-impact tasks top priority in your schedule and projects. Ensure that these essential activities receive the bulk of your time and attention.

### 7. Eliminate or delegate low-impact tasks:
Low-impact tasks, which have little impact on your objectives, can often be eliminated or delegated to other team members if possible. This frees up time and energy to focus on what really matters.

### 8. Evaluate regularly and adjust:
Pareto's principle is not fixed, and high-impact tasks can change over time. So it's essential to regularly re-evaluate your task list, adjusting impact scores according to actual results, and making sure you stay focused on what's most important for your professional career.

## Pareto's principle: examples

To better understand how to apply Pareto's principle in everyday life, here are a few concrete examples:

- If you're an entrepreneur, identify the 20% of your customers who generate 80% of your revenue and focus your marketing efforts on them.
- If you're studying for an exam, identify the 20% of subjects that make up 80% of the exam content and spend more time revising them.
- If you're looking to improve your fitness, identify the 20% of exercises that produce 80% of your results and incorporate them into your training program.

In conclusion, Pareto's principle is a powerful tool for optimizing your time management. By identifying and prioritizing the tasks that have the greatest impact, you can save time and achieve your goals more effectively. So put this 80/20 rule into practice in your life and enjoy the benefits of time management based on Pareto's principle.

## Pareto's principle and meetings

Pareto's principle can be a valuable guide to optimizing business meetings. By focusing on the key topics that generate the most impact, using time efficiently and eliminating unnecessary discussion, meetings can become more productive, saving participants valuable time for other essential activities. The key lies in identifying and putting into practice the 20% of factors that generate 80% of desired meeting results.

## Applying Pareto's principle with tools

WEDO software is a valuable tool for anyone wishing to apply Pareto's principle to time management. It enables you to prioritize, plan, track and analyze your tasks efficiently, helping you to save time by concentrating on what matters most. By using WEDO in conjunction with Pareto's principle, you can maximize your productivity and achieve your goals faster.

The principle states that, in many situations, around 80% of the results are generated by 20% of the causes. In other words, a minority of efforts produce the majority of results. 

This image represents the Pareto principle with an unbalanced scale showing 20 and 80, illustrating the 80/20 rule on a blue-purple background

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The Pareto Principle

## What is agility?

According to Jérôme Barrand, head of the Institute of Organisational Agility in Grenoble, agility is the capacity of a company to be reactive, flexible and innovative. It must also be able to anticipate future changes in order to adapt to them. It cannot wait for the environment in which it operates to force it to do so.

To be able to face these challenges, human-sized work teams must be learning, connected and autonomous. The aim is for everyone to find their place in the team and thus have a global vision of the company's organisational systems. Also, the agile culture advocates a light but sufficient hierarchical framework. The human element as well as communication are central to the organisation[^1] [^2]

## SCRUM method

Different methods exist to help companies in their quest for agility. SCRUM, which originated in the IT world, but which is becoming more and more popular, is one of them and is very widespread. This iterative and adaptive method always seeks a collective optimum[^3]

The first form of SCRUM appeared in an article by Takeuchi and Nonaka in 1986. They compare the so-called traditional approach to "a relay race" and the so-called holistic approach to "a rugby scrum" (SCRUM). "The relay race is a development process where teams of specialists pass the baton to each other once they have completed their task.  In contrast, in the "rugby" approach, where specialists try to complete the task by passing the ball from back to front (as in a rugby team), the development process is totally different. [^4]

Indeed, the SCRUM method, officially developed by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland a few years after this first article, is based on short cycles called "sprints". These usually last between one and four weeks. Each sprint begins with a planning meeting where the team defines the goals to be achieved and the tasks to be accomplished. During the sprint, the team works independently to achieve the defined goals. Every day, the team meets for a short follow-up meeting called "Daily SCRUM". During this meeting, each team member presents what they have accomplished since the last meeting and what they plan to do during the day.

At the end of each sprint, the team meets for a retrospective, during which they evaluate their progress and look for ways to improve the development process for the next sprints.

The SCRUM method is particularly useful for projects that are subject to frequent changes or where it is difficult to plan all the details in advance. It allows for rapid delivery of high quality products, close collaboration between team members and better responsiveness to changes. [^5]

Unlike traditional project methods, SCRUM does not plan years in advance and present a solution only at the end of the project. The goal of SCRUM is to divide the business requirements into the smallest possible increments and thus deliver many, finished results in short intervals. In this way, it is possible to take action after each sprint should a requirement or priority change. This not only saves time and costs, but also keeps the process agile and customer-oriented.

## Why WEDO is ideal for an agile company

In accordance with the above explanations, it is understood that the agile method is in fact a culture and a state of mind that must be spread throughout the company. David Preti, in his article "Doing Agile" versus "Being Agile", also shares this vision:

>Agility is not defined by a set of practices, but rather by a state of mind that one cultivates.   [^6]

WEDO presents itself as the ideal tool to cultivate this mindset and share an agile culture within the company. Indeed, thanks to WEDO, it is possible to efficiently manage the different types of meetings of the SCRUM method, but not only. The collaborative platform also allows you to be permanently connected to information and to your team members. Whether you are working from home or from the office, communication is easy. In addition, WEDO's teams and workspaces make the company more responsive and better organised. Each team member can easily consult their tasks and have a clear overview of what they have to do. This task overview can also be displayed in Kanban view, which is particularly useful for project management.

## The limits of the agile method

But then why hasn't the agile method, which sounds so beneficial in theory, already found its way into all companies?

The fifteenth edition of the State of Agile report, produced by the company [digital.ai](https://digital.ai/), provides some answers. According to the report, the main problems identified by more than 1,380 people worldwide in the adoption and practice of agile are the following:

- Inconsistent processes and practices between teams - 46%.
- Organisational culture not aligned with agile values - 43%.
- Resistance to change from the overall organisation - 42%.
- Lack of competence/experience with agile methods - 42%.
- Insufficient leadership involvement - 41%.
- Insufficient management support and sponsorship - 40%.

The report states that the main challenges mentioned above have remained largely unchanged in recent years. [^7]

Interestingly, then, these problems are not new and unknown. Other articles on this topic also point out the same limitations.

In summary, it is essential for a company that wants to implement agility sustainably into its structure to consider the points mentioned above. The list is certainly not exhaustive, but it will help the company avoid certain mistakes on its way to agility. One thing is certain: agility is a real challenge, and as the saying goes, "it's worth the effort".


**Sources :**

[^1]: BARRAND, Jérôme, 2010. L’entreprise agile : agir pour une performance durable. Paris : Dunod. Stratégies et management. ISBN 978-2-10-054346-5. 658.515.

[^2]: BARRAND, Jérôme, 2012. Le manager agile : agir autrement pour la survie des entreprises. 2e éd. Paris : Dunod. Stratégies et management. ISBN 978-2-10-057460-5. 658.401.

[^3]: SCHMITT, Christophe, 2016. De la complexité de l’action dans les organisations. ISBN 978-2-940384-36-05.

[^4]: TAKEUCHI, Hirotaka et NONAKA, Ikujiro, 1986. Stop running the relay race and take up rugby. Harvard Business Review. 1986. pp. 11.

[^5]: SCHWABER, Ken et SUTHERLAND, Jeff, 2020. The Scrum Guide:The Definitive Guide to Scrum: The Rules of the Game. novembre 2020.

[^6]: PRETI, David, « Faire de l’Agilité » versus « être Agile » - Blogue Savoir Agile. [en ligne]. [Consulté le 6 décembre 2022]. Disponible à l’adresse : [https://savoiragile.com/2017/02/07/faire-de-lagilite-versus-etre-agile/](https://savoiragile.com/2017/02/07/faire-de-lagilite-versus-etre-agile/)

[^7]: [DIGITAL.AI](http://digital.ai/), 2021. 15th Annual State Of Agile Report. 2021.

In a world where everything is moving fast and change is permanent, a company must be agile. This article will explain how to become more agile in order to better face this growing complexity.

This image illustrates the necessity of agility in business, depicted by a Scrum symbol with a circular arrow and gear on an orange background

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When agility becomes a necessity

## Managing a project from A to Z with WEDO

What are the main features related to project management? With WEDO you can :

* Prepare agendas for project meetings,
* Write the minutes of your project meetings in real time,
* Distribute tasks and follow up on them from one meeting to the next,
* Share important project files with project members,
* Inform all your stakeholders about the project's progress,
* Keep a global overview of all ongoing projects.

Let's discover these different steps together in detail.

## 1\. Create a workspace for the project

For each project, we advise you to create a specific workspace. WEDO also allows you to link your project to the team concerned. Through each workspace, you will find all the information you need to ensure the progress of your project.

A workspace is organized into 4 necessary tabs to manage your project:

* **The Info tab:** view the project's progress
* **Meetings tab:** find all the meetings organized within the framework of the project
* **Tasks tab:** track all tasks linked to the project
* **Files tab:** share important files related to the project

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_1_4bbf50e66b.gif)

For the _**Sustainable Development**_ project, I created a specific workspace by grouping the members concerned. For each project, you choose who can access the information in order to ensure the confidentiality of the data.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_1_4bbf50e66b.gif)

## 2\. Manage Project Tasks

From the **Tasks** tab of the workspace, you can list the different tasks to be completed within the project. You can schedule them in time, define their priorities and, of course, assign them to the different project members. **Tip:** Use the magic wand that appears at the end of the section to carry out these actions in a few clicks on a task list.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_2_b136c06349.gif)

In the task details section, you can add additional information. For example: the **planned date**, a **deadline**, a **file to attach** or a **comment** you want to leave to the person in charge of it.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_2_b136c06349.gif)

## 3\. Create custom fields by project phase

In the context of a project, it is possible that the fields proposed by default in the details panel are not enough for you. This is why we have developed a feature called **Custom Fields**. It is now possible to add fields in the task details area, for example: the duration of the task, a progress status, a progress percentage etc. The possibilities are endless! Each organization can therefore create **custom fields** according to its own criteria and needs.

Here, my **_Sustainable Development_** project is divided into 4 phases: **Pre-project**, **Launch**, **Development** and **Communication**. I have therefore created a custom field of the type "drop-down list" by adding the phases of my project in the options to choose from.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_3_ed508e37a7.gif)

These fields and their options are created from the network settings and can be applied to all tasks or only activated for tasks in a specific workspace/project. Note that at this time, only the administrators of your network are allowed to create custom fields via the network settings.

Another use case: I could **Add a custom field** of type **Number** in order to be able to enter the **Duration in minutes** of each task. For better readability, choose an **icon** to illustrate this field in the details panel.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_3_ed508e37a7.gif)

If I go back to my _**Sustainable Development**_ project, I can now add the **Duration in minutes** for each task.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_3_ed508e37a7.gif)

## 4\. Sort the project's tasks

WEDO is very flexible in terms of displaying tasks, by offering many alternatives to select from according to your needs. For example, you can sort the tasks **By deadline**, **By user** and even by **Project phase** thanks to our previously created custom field.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_4_29af741a41.gif)

All tasks in WEDO can be displayed in List view or in Kanban view. The latter allows us to visualize the tasks in the form of cards organized according to the project phases. It is then very easy to see who is doing what and for what deadline!

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_4_29af741a41.gif)

## 5\. Add a project status

In each workspace, you have the possibility to add a status. But what are the use cases for this feature? Here are some ideas...

The status of a workspace allows you to inform the members of the project about :

* The launch of the project,
* A detected risk (concerning resources or logistics for example),
* A possible delay (due to unexpected or an overload of work),
* Or more generally, important information during the project.

The use of statuses throughout the evolution of your project will give you a history of important events visible in the activity flow.

In my **_Sustainable Development_** project, I want to inform participants about the **Launch phase.** From the **Info tab**, by clicking on **Update Status,** I can determine if the project is **ON TRACK**, **AT RISK** or **OFF TRACK**. I can also choose the **Start date** and the **Deadline date** for the project.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_5_69c838bba8.gif)

To summarize:

* The **Project Status** will be visible at the top left next to the project title,
* The latest status will be visible at the very top in the **Info** tab,
* And finally, the history of the last statuses is visible in the **activity stream**.

Statutes are a simple and efficient way to inform members about the progress of your project.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_5_69c838bba8.gif)

## 6\. Organize project meetings

For the **_Sustainable Development_** project, the first project kick-off meeting has already taken place. In the Meetings tab, I find the minutes of this first meeting. Here is the agenda we created with the minutes which contains: information, decisions and tasks distributed among the project members.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_6_417448fab8.gif)

Today we are participating in the second meeting of this project for which we already have a validated agenda. As we start the meeting, we notice that the three tasks that were under Agathe's responsibility are now completed. It is very easy to follow the progress of the tasks from one meeting to the next!

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_6_417448fab8.gif)

At the end of the meeting, we can close the meeting so that WEDO can generate a minutes that can be accessed instantly.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_6_417448fab8.gif)

In the **Meetings tab** of the _**Sustainable Developmen**t_ workspace, you will find all the minutes of the meetings held to ensure the smooth running of your project.

## 7\. Share files with project members

To ensure smooth collaboration and to provide your team with the necessary documents, you can share files within your project. Important project files are visible in the **Files** tab of the workspace. Here, we find, for example, the **Risk Matrix** document that was discussed during the first meeting.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_7_627cd13051.gif)

Note that you can also upload files to be shared with members directly from the tab. WEDO's secure infrastructure offers you a safe solution for sharing files with different stakeholders.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_7_627cd13051.gif)

## 8\. Keep an eye on all projects in progress

Thanks to WEDO, you can get a global view of the different projects in progress. For example, if I want to follow the progress of the **Management** team's projects, I can do so in a few clicks. I can see that my **_Sustainable Development_** project is **ON TIME** and that its progress is 25%.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_8_224134f2fc.gif)

The same goes for the **Informatics** team. I can see all their current projects. In this case, I see that there are three projects in progress with different statuses. Here, the **Office 365 Migration** project is overdue and needs urgent discussion between managers.

From the list view, note that it is possible to sort projects by name, **status**, **progress** or **due date**.

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_06_8_224134f2fc.gif)

For your information, workspaces that are not projects are identified as **continuous workspaces** and are distinguished by a gray progress bar. This global view allows you to keep an eye on all the projects in progress and to quickly see their status.

## Simple and efficient project management with WEDO

Through these different examples and use cases, we have shown you how WEDO allows you to easily manage different projects and how to ensure an efficient follow-up or the achievement of set objectives. Our collaborative tool is constantly progressing and other developments are already planned. However, right now, you are performing the basics of project management, namely:

* Share information with project members,
* Distribute responsibilities in the form of tasks,
* Allowing everyone to know how the project is progressing,
* Keep a global view on the projects in progress within your company.

Your organization is already working with WEDO and you want to implement an efficient project management? Discover the [Projects](https://help.wedo.swiss/en/collections/2435444-les-projets) collection in our help center!

You have a project to manage over three months with a long list of tasks, weekly meetings and important files to share with the project members? We have the solution to simplify this work that can sometimes be tedious! Discover 8 WEDO features that will help you reach your goals and complete your project in the best working conditions.

A woman standing at the head of a conference table addressing her team, overlaid with the text “How to manage a project with WEDO?” and “Use case”

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How to manage a project with WEDO?

**HR Today is the Swiss media of reference in the field of human resources management. On April 28, 2021, an article dedicated to remote meetings was published in the special Remote Work section. The article refers to WEDO as the ideal collaborative solution for efficient remote meetings.**

Remote collaboration is now a daily issue for all companies. WEDO offers a tool to manage meetings, tasks and projects. Each team member can contribute to the preparation of meetings, write minutes or even take note of the tasks he/she has to perform from any location.

The digitalization of companies has led to an increase in the exchange of information between employees. Recently, remote work has further increased this problem. Although tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams facilitate exchanges and communication, they do not solve the lack of information structure. As a result, employees find themselves drowning in a flood of information and often suffer from a time-consuming disease: acute meeting fatigue. Meetings and their follow-up take a lot of time, the management of delegated tasks is tedious and it is difficult to know who does what and until when. WEDO is the solution that enables organizations to collaborate efficiently. \[...\]

![](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/2021_04_smartmockups_knhgyzdy_1024x682_099a323f24.png)

::button-primary[Read the rest of the article]{link="https://hrtoday.ch/de/article/eine-kollaborative-plattform-fuer-effiziente-sitzungen"}


In April, HR Today proposes to take a look at the very current topic of "Working from home". The Swiss media presents WEDO as an ideal solution to efficiently manage remote meetings. Discover in this article how our tool facilitates your virtual meetings.

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A collaborative platform for efficient remote meetings

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Decisions

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MS Teams

MS Planner

OneNote

Every day, we juggle a series of tasks, from answering emails and attending meetings all the way to cooking dinner or finally folding that pile of laundry staring us down for days. Task management is everywhere around us, whether we realize it or not. 

But here's the catch: managing tasks is more than checking boxes. It's making sure the right boxes are checked at the right time, by the right people.

For individuals, good task management can mean less stress and more time to spend on what matters most to them. For teams and organizations, it's the difference between controlled chaos and seamless collaboration. When done well, task management becomes a superpower, moving businesses toward growth and ensuring projects are delivered on time (and with fewer sleepless nights).

In this guide, we're going to explore strategies, tools, and best practices that turn task management into a fine-tuned system. Whether you're wrangling your own to-do list or leading a team toward big goals, this can be your roadmap to staying on top of your game. 

Let's get started!


The Ultimate Guide to Task Management: Strategies, Tools, and Best Practices

Sometimes, you don’t need more tools to manage your work. You just need a better way to see it.

That’s the problem the Kanban board was designed to solve. It gives teams a clear view of what needs to be done, what’s in progress, and what’s already finished, without juggling endless checklists or buried updates.
Originally developed in manufacturing, the Kanban method is now one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage projects across software, marketing, operations, and more.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a Kanban board is, how it compares to Scrum, where it works best, and how to make it part of your workflow using the right tools.

## What Is a Kanban Board?
Let’s start from the beginning. A Kanban board is a visual way to organize work, track progress, and see what’s getting done, without digging through spreadsheets or inboxes.

At its core, it’s simple. You have columns that represent different stages of work, like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” Tasks live on cards that move across the board as the work moves forward.

Most Kanban board apps follow this format, with features like due dates, checklists, tags, and assignees layered on top to help teams stay organized.

The idea comes from the original Kanban method, developed by Toyota to manage workflows on factory floors. Over time, it’s evolved into one of the most widely used techniques in modern project management, especially for teams that need flexibility and real-time visibility.

Whether you're managing a solo project or working with a full development team, the board’s purpose stays the same: make the work visible, limit what’s being worked on at once, and keep everything moving in the right direction.

And the best part? You don’t need a complicated setup to get started. A few columns, a few cards, and you’re already using a system that scales as your workflow grows.

## Kanban vs Scrum: What’s the Difference?
Kanban and Scrum are both popular frameworks within agile methodology, but they take different approaches to organizing work. If you’ve used task boards before, chances are you’ve encountered both, even if you didn’t realize it.

Let’s break it down.

![Image comparing Kanban and Scrum. Kanban is based on continuous flow, flexibility, work-in-progress (WIP) limits, and evolving priorities. Scrum relies on a structured approach with defined roles (Scrum Master, Product Owner), time-boxed sprints, and sprint planning with fixed deliverables.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Kanban_vs_Scrum_Whats_the_Difference_en_6aedc0dd6f.png)

Scrum works in time-based sprints. Teams commit to a fixed set of tasks every two to four weeks, with structured roles like product owner, scrum master, and development team. It’s great for teams building toward a clear, deadline-driven release. The rhythm is tight, with regular planning and review sessions baked into the cycle.

Kanban, on the other hand, is continuous. Work doesn’t wait for a sprint to start or finish. Instead, tasks move fluidly through a kanban board, giving teams more flexibility to adjust as priorities shift. It’s ideal for handling a steady stream of work, whether that’s support tasks, internal projects, or content pipelines, without needing to reset everything every few weeks.

Where Scrum locks the sprint, Kanban teams focus on keeping things flowing. They often use limits on how much can be worked on at once (called the limit work in progress) to prevent overload and reduce blockers. And instead of sprint retros, they make small, regular improvements based on what’s actually happening in the workflow.

However, the two approaches aren’t opposites; many teams combine them. You might plan in sprints and track in Kanban. [WEDO](https://wedo.com/features) supports both ways of working, but its flexible task board setup makes it especially useful for teams who want real-time visibility and the ability to adjust as things change.

If your projects evolve quickly, involve cross-functional input, or don’t follow a strict sprint cycle, Kanban project management might be a better fit and easier to manage in a tool that’s built for flexible collaboration.

## How a Kanban Board Actually Works
A [Kanban board](https://kanban.university/kanban-guide/) turns a list of tasks into something you can see and move. The structure is simple: columns represent stages of work, and cards represent individual tasks. As a task progresses, its card moves from one column to the next, usually from “To Do” to “In Progress” to “Done.”

That movement isn’t just for show. It’s a way to visualize workflows, track real progress, and keep everyone on the same page without needing a meeting to check in.

Here’s what you’ll find on most digital kanban board apps:

- **Columns:** These are customizable, so they can match your actual process. A content team might use “Draft,” “Review,” and “Published.” A software development team might use “Backlog,” “In Progress,” “QA,” and “Released.”
- **Cards:** These represent tasks, user stories, or individual items of work. They often include a title, description, assignee, due date, and status.
- **Movement:** Cards move across the board as work happens. This is how teams get real-time updates on what’s active, what’s stuck, and what’s finished.

The board view creates clarity. Team members can see what needs attention without scanning through a long task list. When used consistently, a Kanban board helps spot bottlenecks early, like when too many tasks pile up in the “In Progress” column, so teams can refocus and rebalance.

One of the key principles behind the Kanban method is to limit work in progress. That means only working on a few tasks at a time, instead of trying to tackle everything at once, which keeps quality high and context switching low.

The result? A more focused team, fewer dropped tasks, and a system that’s always up to date, and not just when someone remembers to update the status.

## Kanban Board Use Cases
The beauty of a Kanban board is how easily it adapts to different kinds of work. Whether you’re part of a software development team, managing internal operations, or running creative projects, the same simple board structure can help you keep track of tasks, reduce friction, and deliver work with more consistency.

Here are some of the most common ways teams use Kanban project management to stay organized.

### Software Development and IT
Engineering teams often rely on Kanban for ongoing, fast-moving work, like bug fixes, support tasks, and feature rollouts. Each card might represent a user story, issue, or task, moving through stages like “Backlog,” “In Progress,” “Code Review,” and “Released.”

It’s especially useful when paired with Agile practices or as a flexible alternative for teams that don’t work in strict sprints. Software development teams also use visualization tools to spot bottlenecks, limit blockers, and review throughput over time.

### Product Teams
From roadmap planning to feature delivery, Kanban helps product managers and cross-functional teams keep track of priorities without losing momentum. Cards often include specs, mockups, or links to related documentation. The product owner can quickly see what’s in progress and whether any tasks are stuck or overdue.

### Marketing and Creative
Campaigns, content pipelines, and design requests all flow better with a board. A marketing team might set up columns like “Ideas,” “In Progress,” “Client Review,” and “Published.” Each card can have assignees, a due date, checklists, and file attachments, and the team gets a clear board view of progress at a glance.

### Operations, HR, and Admin
Kanban is not just for technical or creative teams. HR might track employee onboarding steps using a Kanban board. Operations teams can manage recurring tasks like inventory restocking or compliance reviews. Any team that needs to manage projects with repeatable stages can benefit from a Kanban board template that maps their workflow.

### Agile or Hybrid Teams
For teams that follow agile methodology, Kanban can complement or even replace Scrum processes. A scrum team might use a board to visualize the sprint backlog and progress during daily standups. Hybrid approaches like Scrumban blend the flexibility of Kanban with Scrum’s structure, giving teams the best of both systems.

Whether your team is co-located or remote, Kanban helps team members stay aligned without micromanagement. It simplifies coordination, improves visibility, and works for just about any kind of project.

## Choosing the Right Kanban Tools
If you want to get the most out of a Kanban board, the tool you use matters. Some apps keep it simple, while others add more structure for teams working across multiple projects. The best setup is one that matches how your team already works.
Here are a few things to look for when comparing Kanban board apps and project management tools.

### Customizable workflows
Your tool should let you create a board that [matches how your team actually works](https://wedo.com/features/tasks). That includes the ability to rename columns, change their order, and organize tasks based on the structure that makes sense for your project.

### Shared views that keep everyone aligned
A clear board view helps team members see what’s being worked on, what’s blocked, and what’s done. Everyone should be able to access the same task list and make updates in real time, without needing separate check-ins to stay in sync.

### Built-in task details
You’ll want a board that lets you assign work, set due dates, and add context to each card. This makes it easier to follow up, especially when multiple people are involved in a task or when deadlines are important.

### Real-time visibility
Updates should show up as they happen. A board that reflects changes in real time makes it easier to manage work without extra messages or duplicated effort. It also helps teams spot delays early, before they become actual blockers.

### Ties into how your team already works
A board is most useful when it’s part of your overall workflow. That means choosing a project management tool that doesn’t just show cards on a screen, but also supports how tasks are created, assigned, and completed, ideally without needing to switch platforms.

## Using a Kanban Board in WEDO
If your team already tracks tasks in WEDO, setting up a [Kanban board](https://wedo.com/tag/kanban-2) doesn’t require a new tool or extra steps; it’s already built into the way the platform works.

Each workspace in [WEDO](https://wedo.com/features) gives you a column-style board view, where tasks are organized by section. You can structure those sections to reflect your team’s actual process, whether that’s “To Do / In Progress / Done” or something more specific like “Planning / Approval / Launch.”

As work progresses, tasks can be moved across columns with a simple drag and drop. You’ll always have a clear visual of what’s active, what’s finished, and what might be waiting on input from others.

Every task card in WEDO can be assigned to one or more team members, with a clear due date, notes, and optional status updates. You can filter views by deadline, status, or assignee, which helps surface what needs attention without scanning the full board.

What makes WEDO especially useful is how your Kanban board connects with the rest of your work. Tasks created during meetings or added to a shared project space are automatically visible to the team, which means fewer things fall through the cracks.
You don’t need to manually copy notes or build separate task lists; everything stays in one place, updated in real time, and easy to follow.

Whether you’re managing a full project or just want to keep your daily work more organized, WEDO gives your team a Kanban-style setup that’s simple to use and flexible enough to grow with your workflow.

## Conclusion
A Kanban board does more than organize tasks. It helps teams see their work clearly, stay focused, and make steady progress. Whether you’re working in product, operations, marketing, or development, the Kanban method gives you a system that’s easy to understand and easy to stick with.

WEDO makes it simple to bring this approach into your team’s daily workflow. You can create tasks during meetings, organize them in a clear board view, and keep everything moving, without needing a separate tool just to stay on track.

Ready to manage projects with more clarity and less friction? Start your [WEDO free trial](https://wedo.com/signup) today.

Learn how Kanban boards work, how they compare to Scrum, and how to use them across teams with real-time visibility in WEDO.

Illustration with the text "What Is a Kanban Board?" on the left and task card icons arranged in a grid on the right, on a blue background.

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What Is a Kanban Board? Tools, Apps, and Project Use Cases Explained

Most people approach their daily work with good intentions. They build a task list, block off time, and dive into the day ready to be productive. But somewhere between answering emails, attending meetings, and switching between projects, focus begins to fade.
Managing daily tasks without a clear strategy often results in constant context switching. Every time attention shifts from one type of task to another, the brain has to reset. This adjustment may only take a few seconds on the surface, but over the course of a workday, it drains mental energy and reduces the quality of work.

Task batching offers a way to break that cycle. By grouping similar tasks together and completing them in dedicated blocks, individuals and teams can maintain momentum, minimize wasted energy, and make better use of their most productive hours.
In this article, we will explore how task batching works, why it improves time management, and how it fits alongside techniques like time blocking. We will also look at how to categorize tasks effectively and how platforms like [WEDO](https://wedo.com/features) can support better daily workflows.

## What Is Task Batching?
Task batching is a time management technique that involves grouping similar tasks together and working on them in a single, uninterrupted session. Instead of jumping from one unrelated task to another throughout the day, you focus on a batch of related activities during a dedicated time block.

For example, answering emails, following up on client requests, and checking internal messages all require a similar type of attention. Rather than scattering these tasks across the day, batching them into a single communication-focused session allows you to complete them more efficiently and with fewer mental interruptions.

Task batching works because it reduces the number of times you need to shift gears mentally. Every time you switch between tasks that require different cognitive processes, such as moving from creative writing to financial reporting, your brain has to adapt. That adaptation uses time and energy, even if the shift feels small.

By grouping similar tasks, you minimize the impact of context switching and give your mind the space to reach a deeper level of focus. Whether managing your personal task list or coordinating work across a team, task batching helps build structure into your day and creates opportunities for more consistent, high-quality work.

At its core, task batching is about aligning the type of work you are doing with the mental energy it requires. When structured well, batching creates a natural rhythm that makes it easier to stay engaged, [prioritize tasks](https://wedo.com/blog/guide-to-managing-and-prioritizing-your-daily-tasks), and complete work more effectively.

## Why Context Switching Destroys Focus
At first glance, switching between different tasks throughout the day feels harmless. Answering an email between meetings or checking a project update between writing reports seems efficient. In reality, frequent context switching drains cognitive resources and fragments attention, making it harder to perform any task well.

When you move from one type of work to another, your brain needs time to adjust. Researchers often refer to this adjustment as "attention residue." After switching, part of your mind remains focused on the previous task, even as you try to engage with the next one. This lingering distraction slows reaction times, reduces accuracy, and lowers overall productivity.

The cost of context switching is not just about time lost during the transition. It also affects energy levels. Each mental shift requires a small but measurable cognitive effort. Over the course of a day, constant switching erodes the mental stamina needed for sustained concentration and deep work.

Deep work, focused, uninterrupted effort on cognitively demanding tasks, relies on minimizing distractions and maintaining momentum. Context switching breaks that momentum, forcing you to rebuild focus again and again.

Grouping similar tasks together limits the need to shift mental modes. Instead of constantly changing focus, you stay within the same cognitive framework for longer periods. Whether answering client emails, designing project plans, or preparing reports, working in batches allows you to complete tasks more efficiently and with greater attention to detail.

By reducing the mental load associated with frequent switching, task batching helps protect the quality of your work and conserves the energy needed to perform at a consistently high level throughout the day.

## The Benefits of Task Batching
Task batching is more than a way to feel organized. It offers real, measurable advantages for time management, energy preservation, and overall work quality. By structuring your day around grouped tasks, you set yourself up for deeper focus and more consistent results.

Here are the key benefits of task batching:

![Image showing the main benefits of task batching: saves mental energy, boosts work quality, improves time management, strengthens team coordination, and reduces stress and cognitive overload.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/tops_benefits_of_task_batching_en_880e43eb72.png)

### More efficient use of mental energy
Grouping similar tasks together reduces the need for constant mental resets. When you stay within the same cognitive category for an extended period, your brain works more efficiently. Energy is spent completing tasks, not reorienting your focus.

### Improved time management
Task batching fits naturally into broader time management strategies, especially when combined with [time blocking](https://wedo.com/blog/how-time-blocking-helps-you-manage-your-daily-workload). Instead of reacting to each new demand, you proactively allocate blocks of time to complete entire batches of tasks. This creates a more predictable, manageable schedule and reduces the feeling of always being "busy" without making real progress.

### Better quality work
Frequent context switching increases the risk of mistakes and superficial thinking. Batching similar tasks allows you to maintain a higher level of attention on the work at hand. Whether reviewing financial data or writing proposals, staying focused leads to fewer errors and more thoughtful outcomes.

### Stronger project management and team coordination
At the team level, batching related project activities, such as planning, reviewing, or administrative updates, can streamline workflows and improve collaboration. Project managers can schedule shared task batching sessions, making it easier for team members to stay aligned and move projects forward efficiently.

### Reduced stress and cognitive overload
Task batching helps break the cycle of constant partial attention. Knowing that specific categories of work have designated times reduces the mental burden of trying to remember every outstanding item throughout the day. It also creates a clearer sense of progress, which can significantly reduce work-related stress.

Building task batching into your daily routine helps you stay organized and improves your ability to prioritize tasks, manage your energy levels, and maintain focus over longer periods.

## Task Batching vs. Time Blocking: What’s the Difference?
Task batching and [time blocking](https://wedo.com/blog/how-time-blocking-helps-you-manage-your-daily-workload) are both powerful time management techniques, but they address different aspects of how work gets done. Understanding the difference between them and how they can work together helps create a more structured and productive workday.

🖇️ **Task batching** focuses on what you work on. It involves grouping similar tasks together based on their nature, such as answering emails, updating project plans, or reviewing reports. The goal is to complete a series of related tasks without switching between different types of activities.

⏱️ **Time blocking** focuses on when you work on those tasks. It involves scheduling specific blocks of time in your calendar to complete a defined batch of work. For example, you might block two hours in the morning for deep project work and one hour in the afternoon for administrative tasks.

In practice, task batching and time blocking are often used together. After identifying and grouping tasks into logical categories, you then allocate time blocks to complete each batch. This combination improves both focus and time management by reducing context switching and ensuring that critical work has dedicated, protected time in your schedule.

**Task batching vs. time blocking in action:**
- You batch all your client follow-ups into a single group.
- You then block 10:00–11:00 AM on your calendar to complete that batch without interruptions.
- Later in the day, you batch strategic project planning and block focused time to work on it without checking messages or switching tasks.

For managing daily tasks effectively, both batching and time blocking create a more deliberate approach to work. Rather than reacting to each incoming request, you structure your day around focused effort, giving the most important tasks the time and attention they require.

When planning your workflow, it helps to think of batching as organizing your task list by type, and time blocking as organizing your calendar to protect time for focused execution.

## How to Start Task Batching Effectively
Task batching works best when it is part of a deliberate, well-structured approach to organizing your work. Simply grouping random tasks together is not enough. Effective batching depends on thoughtful categorization, realistic planning, and protecting focus during execution.

![Image outlining the 4 steps to start task batching: categorize tasks, group similar ones, block time on your calendar, and protect your focus.](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/how_to_start_task_batching_in_4_steps_en_903e382bad.png)

Here’s a practical way to get started:

### Step 1: Categorize Your Tasks
Start by reviewing your current task list. Identify patterns by grouping tasks based on their type, energy demands, or the tools they require.

Common categories might include:
- Communication tasks: emails, Slack updates, phone calls
- Planning tasks: project scoping, strategy sessions
- Administrative tasks: invoicing, document filing, expense reporting
- Creative tasks: writing, designing, brainstorming
- Deep work tasks: coding, financial analysis, data modeling
- Categorizing tasks helps you see where natural batches already exist in your workday. It also clarifies the types of tasks that require different levels of focus or energy.

### Step 2: Group Similar Tasks Together
Once your tasks are categorized, the next step is to physically group them.

This could mean creating separate lists for each batch or tagging tasks inside your [task management tool](https://wedo.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-task-management-tool-for-your-team) for easier sorting.

When grouping tasks, focus on similarity in mental effort and workflow style. For example, writing a proposal and editing a marketing draft both fall under creative work, even if they support different projects.
Avoid mixing tasks that require different modes of thinking. Grouping similar tasks together allows you to maintain cognitive momentum and complete work faster and with greater accuracy.

### Step 3: Plan Time Blocks for Each Batch
Assign dedicated time blocks in your calendar for each batch of tasks.
When scheduling, consider your natural energy levels throughout the day.

For instance:
- Plan deep work sessions, such as writing or analysis, in the morning when your focus is strongest.
- Reserve lower-energy periods, such as late afternoon, for administrative batches like filing or expense reports.
- Use the early afternoon for collaborative batches like [meetings](https://wedo.com/features/meetings) or follow-ups, where a shift in energy and pace is expected.

Time blocking ensures that batches are not simply planned but also protected. It helps prevent distractions and gives you a clear start and end point for each type of work.

### Step 4: Minimize Interruptions and Protect Your Focus
Batching only works when focus is maintained during execution.

Set up your environment to support uninterrupted work:
- Silence notifications on communication apps.
- Close unrelated browser tabs or programs.
- Let team members know when you are in a focus block if collaboration is expected later.

Schedule short breaks between batches to allow your brain to reset before shifting to a new category of tasks. Even a five-minute pause can restore energy and prepare you for the next block of work.

Task batching is most effective when it becomes a habit. By consistently categorizing tasks, grouping similar work, protecting time blocks, and minimizing interruptions, you build a sustainable system that improves focus and productivity over the long term.

## Advanced Strategies for Task Batching and Optimizing Team Productivity
Task batching at the individual level improves personal focus and efficiency.
At the team and project management level, batching requires a more deliberate design of workflows, timelines, and [collaboration structures](https://wedo.com/features/meetings). When used strategically, batching can reduce project friction, improve resource allocation, and optimize the way teams handle complex, multi-phase work.

Here are several advanced strategies for implementing task batching across distributed teams and projects:

### Batch project tasks by cognitive load and required resources
Project managers can group tasks not just by type, but by the mental effort and resources they require. For example, research-intensive tasks, administrative updates, and client presentations demand different forms of preparation and energy. 

Structuring project timelines to batch high-cognitive-load tasks separately from administrative or procedural tasks prevents fatigue and maintains quality throughout project phases.

### Integrate dependency management into batching structures
Complex projects often involve dependencies where one task must be completed before another can begin. Using a Gantt chart or [project management software](https://wedo.com/features/project-management) that tracks dependencies allows managers to batch tasks in logical sequences.

Rather than scheduling isolated deliverables individually, teams can group upstream activities (such as research and development) into one phase and downstream activities (such as review and implementation) into another, reducing gaps and handoff delays.

### Align task batching with team energy rhythms and availability
Different teams experience peak energy levels at different times, especially in distributed or cross-time-zone environments. Advanced task batching accounts for these rhythms by planning cognitively demanding batches, such as creative strategy, product development, or complex problem-solving, during peak hours.

Lower-energy batches, such as administrative updates or reporting, are scheduled during slower periods. This approach improves throughput without forcing uniform schedules across diverse team members.

### Use structured task lists and templates to maintain batching consistency
Creating [standardized checklist templates](https://wedo.com/features/tasks) for recurring workflows ensures that batching remains consistent across projects.

Templates for project kick-offs, sprint reviews, client handovers, or internal reporting cycles help batch tasks into repeatable structures, minimizing planning time and supporting better execution. This is particularly valuable for scaling project management practices across growing teams or complex multi-stakeholder environments.

### Monitor and optimize batch cycles using project analytics
Effective batching is not static. Advanced teams monitor task completion rates, handoff times, and project bottlenecks over time. By analyzing how long batches take to complete and where slowdowns occur, project managers can refine the batching structure to improve delivery speed, reallocate resources, or adjust timelines dynamically.

Task batching at the organizational level requires more than just individual focus.
It demands a systematic approach to grouping, sequencing, and executing tasks across projects and teams. When implemented well, batching transforms project workflows from reactive task management to proactive, high-efficiency collaboration.

## Conclusion
Task batching is a fundamental shift in how individuals and teams manage attention, prioritize tasks, and maintain momentum across increasingly complex workdays. At the team and project level, batching strategies allow for better resource management, improved handoffs, and more predictable project outcomes. 
When batching is integrated thoughtfully into project workflows, through cognitive load planning, dependency management, and energy-based scheduling, it becomes a key driver of operational efficiency. But building effective batching systems also depends on having the right tools. Platforms like [WEDO](https://wedo.com/features) make it easier to organize work into structured, repeatable workflows.

With task management features that support categorization, [checklist templates](https://wedo.com/features/tasks) for recurring processes, Gantt charts for dependency tracking, and smart notifications to stay aligned without interruptions, WEDO helps individuals and teams implement task batching in a practical, scalable way.

Whether you are managing daily tasks, coordinating across distributed teams, or overseeing complex projects, WEDO provides the structure needed to group, schedule, and complete work more effectively. [Start your free trial today](https://wedo.com/signup) and see how WEDO helps you turn focus into real, measurable progress.

Discover how task batching improves focus and reduces context switching. See how WEDO helps teams organize, prioritize, and complete work more efficiently.

Orange background image with the title “Task Batching Explained: How to Group Your Work for Maximum Focus,” featuring an icon of a gear with a person inside, connected to three checkboxes representing grouped tasks.

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Task Batching: How to Group Similar Work for Maximum Focus

In the fast-paced world of administrative management, executive assistants play a crucial role. The Swiss army knives of any organization juggle many tasks and deadlines while supervising those of others. Faced with these challenges, they often find themselves overwhelmed by routine, repetitive responsibilities. We immersed ourselves in the daily lives of 6 executive assistants who use the WEDO platform to understand the workings of their organization, the challenges they face, and the tools they have put in place to facilitate their management.

According to our study, the most time-consuming tasks for executive assistants revolve mainly around administrative functions. These activities, while necessary, tend to monopolize a significant proportion of their working time, preventing them from concentrating fully on more crucial aspects of their role, such as operational and strategic development.

Among the most time-consuming tasks in their job descriptions, the executive assistants surveyed identify the following:

**1. Meeting preparation:** preparing agendas and presentation documents, taking and sharing minutes, following up on decisions and tasks delegated at meetings,

**2. Diary management and meeting organization:** planning and coordination of appointments, team meetings, and conferences, taking care to avoid scheduling conflicts,
**3. Document preparation and management:** drafting, proofreading, and organizing important documents such as reports, presentations, correspondence and contracts,

**4. Project coordination:** managing and following up on specific projects, liaising between different departments, and meeting deadlines.

Internal and external communications, administrative support, and human resources management closely follow those.

## How to lighten the administrative load for an executive assistant?

When asked what tools were used to monitor collaboration before WEDO was integrated, the most common programs were Outlook, Word (for taking minutes), and Excel. However, these tools had significant limitations. Respondents reported difficulties related to the cross-functionality of information between different team members. For example, these tools were not conducive to **active, real-time collaboration when taking PVs**, making this task often cumbersome and time-consuming, and necessitating numerous round-trips. The systematic use of e-mail to distribute these documents wasted considerable time without guaranteeing effective communication.

Furthermore, the limited nature of these tools prevented efficient tracking of tasks and projects. Users faced significant challenges maintaining a clear, up-to-date overview of projects. In short, although these tools are widespread and familiar, their use in team collaboration and project management needs to be improved.

This situation underlines the importance of cross-functional tools and solutions to lighten the administrative workload. With the implementation of WEDO, the executive assistants surveyed were able to optimize their administrative processes.

### 1. Meeting preparation and management

![computerized agenda for real-time note-taking](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/reunion_ENEN_aad2ef7f0e.png)

One of the most time-consuming aspects of the job is the preparation of meetings. With WEDO, executive assistants benefit from automated management and considerable time savings in preparation and follow-up. The platform enables uniform management of minutes, clear distribution of post-meeting tasks, and automatic tracking of topics from one session to the next. Users report an average time saving of 55% for these tasks.

![save time spent on meetings](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/55_ENEN_83c8604c19.png)

WEDO's meeting module lets you integrate blocks of paragraphs, tasks, file attachments, personal notes, votes and signatures, among others.

![testimonial Regula Oberdorfer](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Regula_Oberdorfer_ENEN_1a54d3c30f.png)

### 2. Project management and task tracking

![efficient task management](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/tasks_ENEN_be99588a59.png)

Project management and tracking represent another major challenge. WEDO simplifies this task by offering clear delegation possibilities, the creation of checklist templates to standardize processes, and real-time task tracking. This leads to better prioritization and more efficient day-to-day management.

![testimonials Aline Volery and Nicole Thalmann](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/testimonials_Aline_et_Nicole_ENEN_11a8dc6cff.png)

### Use case: facilitating HR processes and the transmission of specifications

When executive assistants are involved in HR processes, the integration of WEDO proves to be a major asset. The platform makes it possible to standardize on-boarding and off-boarding procedures by means of specific checklists. These checklists, drawn up for each stage of the process, automatically assign the relevant tasks to the team members concerned. This method ensures structured, efficient management of personnel transitions, eliminating the operational uncertainties often associated with the question "What steps should I take?".

By simplifying these processes, WEDO not only eases the workload for HR managers, but also contributes to a clear, documented handover of tasks and knowledge from one employee to the next.

![simplified hr processes](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Modeles_checklists_ENEN_fdf58af70f.png)

One of the decisive advantages of WEDO, highlighted by our management assistants, is the ease with which recruitment interviews can be documented in real time. Each exchange can be recorded directly in a standardized (and customized if required) agenda, enabling these interactions to be saved methodically and instantaneously.

### 4. Transmission of information

WEDO lets you link documents to tasks or meetings, ensuring that all the necessary information is in the right place. Global search makes it easy to retrieve documents, and to find a specific file based on a keyword found in the PDF file.

In terms of communication, WEDO users particularly appreciate the immediate visibility of entries and the ability to restrict access to certain information.

![Alexandra Locher](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Alexandra_locher_ENEN_e53527e95c.png)

**We asked our users to rate the platform on a scale of 1 to 10, to qualify the positive impact WEDO has on their daily tasks.**

![Best collaborative software for executive assistant productivity and organizations](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/preparation_reunion_note_ENEN_1_d92c7629a1.png)

![Alicia Aubert](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/Alicia_Aubert_ENEN_5d3644b8f7.png)

Executive assistants can greatly ease their workload by equipping themselves with a collaborative platform. Do you have any questions or doubts about WEDO's compatibility with your needs? We'll be happy to give you a short 30-minute demonstration.

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::button-primary[Schedule a live demo]{link="/demo"}

In the fast-paced world of administrative management, executive assistants play a crucial role. The Swiss army knives of any organization juggle many tasks and deadlines while supervising those of others

An executive assistant speaking on the phone with colleagues blurred in the background, overlaid with the text “How to make an executive assistant’s daily life easier” and “Use case”

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Making daily life easier for executive assistants

Held once a month, quarter, or half-year, as required, these privileged meetings provide a confidential and open communication space, encouraging in-depth discussion of individual and collective objectives. They create a valuable opportunity to discuss each employee's specific challenges and needs, fostering better mutual understanding. Moreover, these meetings provide a framework for recognizing individual achievements and contributions, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the team. Thanks to these personalized exchanges, bilateral meetings contribute to more effective personnel management, more focused professional growth, and solid, fulfilling working relationships.

## Key topics for a bilateral meeting

During a bilateral meeting between a team leader and an employee, several key topics must be addressed to ensure effective communication and optimal management. Here are some of these topics:

### 1. Ongoing assessment
Discuss objectives for the current period and assess progress and results achieved. Identify successes and areas requiring further attention.

### 2. Professional Development
Explore opportunities for employee development, training, and professional growth. Identify skills to be strengthened and possible progression paths.

### 3. Feedback
Exchange constructive feedback on work performed, highlighting strengths and addressing areas for improvement. Encourage open dialogue to stimulate continuous learning.

### 4. Needs and Challenges
Allow employees to express their needs regarding resources, assistance, or support to accomplish their tasks. Discuss possible obstacles and find solutions together.

### 5. Work-Life Balance
Address workload-related issues, stress levels, and work-life balance. Identify measures to support employee well-being.

### 6. Projects and Initiatives
Discuss future projects, new initiatives, and potential employee contributions. Encourage active participation and creativity.

### 7. Management feedback
Offer employees the opportunity to share their feelings about management, work methods, and team communication. Foster an environment of trust and continuous improvement.

### 8. Focus on Vision
Ensure that the employee understands and adheres to the team or company's overall vision, values, and goals.

### 9. Resources and Support
Identify the resources required for the associate's success and ensure that he/she has the proper support to carry out his/her tasks.

### 10. Long-Term Planning
Examine longer-term perspectives and discuss the employee's career aspirations and how these align with team or organizational goals.

_"Enabling discussions in bilateral meetings, in a more intimate way and with a long-term vision, brings a notable benefit to the employee's career in the company. It makes them feel valued, heard and recognized above all. Setting clear, long-term objectives is a real motivator for them."_

**Marie Rudaz-Jaeggi**, *[AmbitionSuccess.ch](http://ambitionsuccess.ch/)* - MORGES

Team leaders and employees can establish fruitful collaboration, foster professional development, and maintain a positive working climate by addressing these topics regularly and in-depth at bilateral meetings.

## Use WEDO to keep track of your bilateral meetings!

![1_1 ENFR.png](https://wedo-assets.sos-ch-gva-2.exo.io/1_1_ENFR_78b8a89537.png)

With WEDO, you can prepare your agenda jointly with your manager or colleague. In this way, each participant can prepare the questions or topics to be addressed.

Generally speaking, the agenda items for a bilateral meeting are recurrent. WEDO enables you to set the topics so that they recur from one time to the next to ensure that discussions are followed up and that objectives evolve.

Once completed, the minutes are locked and remain available to both participants for consultation.

::button-primary[Schedule a live demo]{link="/demo"}

During a bilateral meeting between a team leader and an employee, several key topics must be addressed to ensure effective communication and optimal management.

A smiling person listening to their counterpart in a one-on-one meeting, overlaid with the text “Topics for a one-on-one meeting” and “Use case”

Project management

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