Organisations are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce time-wasting activities, and empower employees to focus on meaningful, high-value work. For many businesses across the UK, Microsoft SharePoint – particularly when paired with workflow automation – offers a powerful solution to these challenges.
At NetMonkeys, we help businesses unlock the full potential of SharePoint through strategic planning, automation, and ongoing support. Let’s explore how SharePoint workflows and automation can drive measurable improvements in employee productivity.
What Is SharePoint Workflow Automation?
SharePoint is more than just a document management system. With the right configuration, it becomes a hub for collaboration, task automation, and streamlined communication.
SharePoint workflows are predefined sequences of actions that automate routine business processes. These can include:
- Approvals (e.g. holiday requests, invoice sign-offs)
- Document routing and notifications
- Data collection and tracking
- Task assignment and escalation
With the help of Power Automate, workflows can span multiple Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and Dynamics 365, creating a seamless flow of information across your organisation.
How SharePoint Automation Boosts Employee Productivity
1. Reduces Repetitive Tasks
Employees often lose hours each week performing repetitive admin tasks – chasing approvals, sending updates, duplicating data entry, etc. SharePoint automation replaces these manual tasks with structured workflows that happen in the background.
Example: Instead of manually emailing HR to request time off, an employee can submit a digital form that automatically routes to the right manager for approval and updates the HR system.
2. Speeds Up Decision-Making
When documents and data are automatically routed to the right person with real-time notifications, decisions can be made faster. There's less back-and-forth, fewer bottlenecks, and no need to chase people for action.
Example: A new client onboarding form submitted by sales can automatically notify accounts and operations, triggering task assignments and SLA tracking instantly.
3. Improves Transparency and Accountability
With SharePoint workflows, every step of a process is tracked. Employees know what’s expected of them, where tasks sit in the workflow, and who is responsible. Managers gain clear visibility into progress and performance.
Example: For procurement, a custom workflow can show the entire purchase request journey – from submission and budget approval through to delivery confirmation.
4. Enables Remote and Hybrid Work
In today's hybrid working world, manual paper processes or ad hoc emails simply don’t cut it. SharePoint’s cloud-based nature means workflows are accessible from anywhere, on any device.
Example: An employee working remotely can complete an onboarding checklist, upload compliance documents, and receive training assignments via automated SharePoint workflows – all without stepping into the office.
5. Encourages Standardisation Across Teams
With structured, automated workflows, there’s less variation in how tasks are completed. This ensures quality, reduces errors, and helps maintain compliance – especially in regulated industries.
Example: Every customer service ticket follows the same path – initial triage, team assignment, SLA monitoring, escalation (if needed), and resolution – tracked consistently via SharePoint and Power Automate.
Common SharePoint Workflow Use Cases
At NetMonkeys, we’ve implemented SharePoint solutions for a wide range of business needs. Popular use cases include:
- Employee onboarding and offboarding
- Contract approval and renewal notifications
- Leave and expense request approvals
- Document review and version control
- IT helpdesk ticketing systems
- Health & Safety incident reporting
- Compliance checks and audit trails
Whether you’re a manufacturer, professional services firm, or growing SME, SharePoint automation can be tailored to suit your operational processes.
The Role of NetMonkeys: SharePoint Consultants Who Get It
Many businesses have SharePoint included in their Microsoft 365 licence, but fail to fully leverage it. That’s where we come in.
NetMonkeys offers:
✅ Consultation and workflow design – We’ll identify which processes can be automated and map out the best approach.
✅ Custom SharePoint development – From intranets to dashboards and document libraries, we build user-friendly systems that fit your business.
✅ Power Automate integration – Seamless workflow automation across Microsoft 365 tools and third-party platforms.
✅ Training and support – Ensuring your staff adopt the new workflows with confidence and ease.
✅ Ongoing optimisation – As your business evolves, so can your workflows. We stay with you every step of the way.
Real-World Impact: Results That Matter
Clients who adopt SharePoint automation often report:
- 30–50% time savings on manual admin
- Reduced error rates thanks to standardised processes
- Faster onboarding for new staff
- Improved team communication
- Better compliance and audit readiness
Most importantly, it frees up employees to focus on what they do best – building relationships, solving problems, and driving innovation.
Future-Proof Your Business with SharePoint Workflows
As AI and automation continue to reshape the modern workplace, businesses that embrace these tools will enjoy a clear competitive edge. SharePoint is already a powerful platform – but when paired with custom workflows and automation, it becomes a true enabler of productivity and growth.
Whether you’re just starting your SharePoint journey or looking to upgrade your existing setup, NetMonkeys is here to help.
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