The Power of Keyboard Shortcuts

Learning The Power of Keyboard Shortcuts are one of the simplest and most overlooked ways to boost productivity. Swapping clicks for key presses helps you complete everyday tasks faster and with fewer disruptions. For small business owners, managers, and busy teams, that efficiency adds up, using shortcuts can save the average user over 60 hours a year, or eight full workdays, which can be spent on more valuable work instead of repetitive clicking. 

Shortcuts are key combinations that manage common actions like copy/paste, switching apps, or opening new tabs, without the mouse. Learn a few that match your workflow, and you’ll save time instantly. Even something as simple as using the archive email shortcut can save two seconds per message. Over hundreds of emails a day, which adds up to 16+ hours saved per year just from one shortcut. 

Some basic shortcuts to get started (select text / email first): 

• Select all text/items in active window: Ctrl + A / Command + A 

• Copy: Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) 

• Paste: Ctrl + V / Command + V 

• Cut: Ctrl + X / Command + X 

• Undo: Ctrl + Z / Command + Z 

• Save: Ctrl + S / Command + S 

• New browser tab: Ctrl + T / Command + T 

• Switch apps: Alt + Tab / Command + Tab 

• Close window: Alt + F4 / Command + W 

• Archive email: Backspace / Ctrl + E 

Coaching your team to use keyboard shortcuts speeds up every day admin tasks, reduces formatting time, and eliminates the drag of unnecessary clicks and slow navigation. When each team member saves just a few minutes a day, the time reclaimed adds up quickly, freeing your team to focus on more valuable work like client service, strategy, and creative problem-solving. 

To build the habit: 

• Pick five shortcuts relevant to your team’s daily tools and tasks. 

• Share a cheat sheet or shortcut reference guide. 

• Include shortcut tips in onboarding and tech training. 

• Recognise and reward time-saving habits during team check-ins. 

Small efficiencies create momentum. While shortcuts won’t replace strong systems or processes, they’re a low-effort, high-impact habit that makes teams faster, more agile, and better equipped to manage the day. 

If you’d like some more HR technology tips for your business, or if you require any other support, please contact us at 1300 474 672 or book a meeting using the link below.