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4 OKR examples for Workflow Automation

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What are Workflow Automation OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

How you write your OKRs can make a huge difference on the impact that your team will have at the end of the quarter. But, it's not always easy to write a quarterly plan that focuses on outcomes instead of projects.

We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Workflow Automation to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Workflow Automation OKRs examples

You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Workflow Automation. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

OKRs to implement simplified and automated work processes through expertise

  • ObjectiveImplement simplified and automated work processes through expertise
  • KRCreate and roll out automated systems for at least 50% of simplified processes by Week 12
  • TaskImplement automation for identified processes
  • TaskDevelop strategic plan and timeline for automation rollout
  • TaskIdentify which processes can be automated
  • KRApply expertise to simplify 70% of identified processes by Week 8
  • TaskIdentify methods for simplification of 70% of processes
  • TaskAnalyze and document the existing identified processes
  • TaskImplement, test, and refine simplified processes by Week 8
  • KRIdentify and document 10 existing processes that are prime for simplification by Week 4
  • TaskSelect 10 complex processes within the operations department
  • TaskDocument the step-by-step of each process
  • TaskAnalyze and identify possible simplification areas

OKRs to elevate overall operational efficiency

  • ObjectiveElevate overall operational efficiency
  • KRCut process time by 15% through workflow automation
  • TaskIdentify repetitive, manual tasks suitable for automation
  • TaskTrain staff on using the automation tools
  • TaskImplement workflow automation software in identified areas
  • KRReduce operational errors by 10% via implementing Six-Sigma principles
  • TaskIntegrate Six-Sigma practices into daily operational procedures
  • TaskTrain staff in the principles and tools of Six-Sigma methodology
  • TaskIdentify areas of operational inefficiency using Six-Sigma's DMAIC method
  • KRIncrease productivity by 20% through employee skill enhancement programs
  • TaskImplement an incentive program for continuous learning achievements
  • TaskDevelop comprehensive training modules for employee skill enhancement
  • TaskRegularly monitor and evaluate individual progress in skill development

OKRs to enhance operational efficiency in workflows

  • ObjectiveEnhance operational efficiency in workflows
  • KRTrain 80% of the team on new efficiency-focused strategies and tools
  • TaskOrganize training sessions for team members
  • TaskFollow up on the progress and understanding of trained team members
  • TaskIdentify appropriate efficiency-focused strategies and tools for training
  • KRCut down on unnecessary tasks by 15% through process reevaluation
  • TaskIdentify and list all current tasks
  • TaskEvaluate necessity and efficiency of each task
  • TaskImplement changes to reduce unnecessary tasks
  • KRReduce process cycle times by 10% using automation tools
  • TaskContinuously monitor and optimize automated processes
  • TaskImplement appropriate automation tools
  • TaskIdentify processes that can be efficiently automated

OKRs to enhance operational efficiency across all workflows

  • ObjectiveEnhance operational efficiency across all workflows
  • KRReduce task redundancy by identifying and eliminating 20% of duplicate tasks
  • TaskImplement plan to remove 20% of these duplicates
  • TaskIdentify duplicate tasks in existing workflow
  • TaskAnalyze impact of eliminating identified duplicates
  • KRReduce processing time by 15% for key operational activities
  • TaskImplement efficient technologies to streamline operational processes
  • TaskTrain staff on time management skills and faster work methods
  • TaskIdentify and eliminate unneeded steps in current procedures
  • KRImplement two new process automation tools to minimize manual intervention
  • TaskResearch and select two process automation tools suitable for our needs
  • TaskTrain staff on how to utilize these new tools
  • TaskPurchase and install the selected automation tools

How to write your own Workflow Automation OKRs

1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI

You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.

You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.

Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.

Watch the video below to see it in action 👇

Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool

If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.

AI feedback for OKRs in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

Tability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.

You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.

Option 3. Use the free OKR generator

If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.

Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.

Workflow Automation OKR best practices

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to track your Workflow Automation OKRs

The rules of OKRs are simple. Quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly, and yearly OKRs should be tracked monthly. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Workflow Automation OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

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