Understanding the steps we take to complete our daily work tasks is essential to increasing workplace efficiency by completing them faster and with less effort. 

Using reliable productivity tools to reduce friction, from interruptions to unnecessary steps, is of paramount importance, as they can significantly improve workflow efficiency.

This article explains why using macOS improves workflow through its built-in tools and how to go one step further by using alternative terminals to enhance automation, window management, and overall functionality.

How Terminal Tools Improve Workflow Friction on MacOS

There are certain habits we all possess that significantly reduce workflow efficiency. For example, repetitive actions waste time, frequent app switching distracts us by breaking our focus, and unmanaged windows result in both mental and visual clutter. This behavior is common in the workplace because we simply do not want to take the time to fix it. This is where MacOS productivity tools come in, as they offer specific solutions to these problems.

Using a reliable terminal that controls our computer’s operating system through a text-based interface significantly reduces the time spent navigating menus and finding what we’re looking for. This is helpful for everyone, not just IT users. By utilizing the best terminal for Mac, we can overcome MacOS limitations and improve our productivity. We each work in different ways, and the ability to customize our operating system to our needs will constantly improve productivity.

It’s a common misconception that MacOS for developers doesn’t need improvement. However, we all need the occasional tweak, especially ones tailored to the tasks we require.

What Does Automation Mean?

Simply put, automation means allowing software to perform actions that improve our workflow without requiring constant input. Common triggers, such as shortcuts or scripts, are entered into the terminal of our choice, and the terminal then runs them automatically.

Do not worry. Automation is not just for IT workers and computer wizards. Even a complete beginner with no programming knowledge can use a reliable terminal to trigger visual automation and use shortcut-based tools.

How do Terminals Help Developers?

Terminals have their place in every profession. If a developer uses a reliable terminal, they can build software that addresses complex workflow requirements. They can fully customize terminal tools to build automation chains that generate scripts, significantly reducing time lost.

What Is The Need For Productivity Tools?

Reducing the effort required to complete basic tasks is incredibly helpful. This is where Mac workflow tools come in. They help reduce task completion time, which naturally creates the space to complete more tasks. Furthermore, they reduce the load on our minds by eliminating the small tasks we constantly shuffle between tabs and windows, which disrupt our focus and create friction in our workflow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, labor productivity grew by 4.9% in 2025, highlighting how technological advances improve productivity. Hence, the automation tools, window managers, and shortcut utilities that a better terminal brings are simply beneficial.

What Does a Reliable Window Manager Improve?

The ability to control our Windows exactly how we need is something we don’t realize we’re missing out on, until we do. A tool that allows us to control the size and placement of every window open on our computer improves workflow efficiency through 3 main ways:

1. It allows for faster multitasking. With windows that resize automatically, we do not have to worry about having our focus impeded.
2. It creates a cleaner workspace. Recent studies have found that a cleaner workspace is directly related to productivity. Our focus and our desire to work skyrocket when we work in a clean workspace. 
3. It helps reduce distractions. Just imagine, we’re entirely focused and working more efficiently than ever before, and just like that, a random window pops up. It completely disrupts our workflow. 

Having a reliable window manager is essential, and a good terminal allows us to build custom window managers that cater to our needs. Our focus is all we have, and protecting it is essential.

How Does Cross-App Functionality Improve Efficiency 

When tools seamlessly work together to improve our workflow, that’s when we know we are utilizing cross-app functionality to its full ability. Shared shortcuts and data flow help reduce context switching. This means that when applications form automation chains and collaborate to minimize workflow friction, our sustained focus is at its best.

What Does a Reliable Terminal Do For Us

The benefits of a reliable terminal are straightforward. The table below presents how it improves workflow efficiency.

Choosing the Right Tool

Given the benefits of MacOS productivity tools, choosing the right one is essential. We must follow specific criteria to identify the options that work best for our workflow. The first step is to identify the particular problem we face so that the right tools can address it directly. The next step is ensuring it integrates properly with macOS. Finally, it must be easy to maintain and customize; otherwise, we would spend more time figuring out a terminal, which would definitely reduce workflow efficiency. The quality of our tools matters far more than the quantity. 

Final Thoughts

Optimizing our daily workflow to reduce friction and improve efficiency directly affects our productivity. Hence, using the right tools can lead to exponential gains in efficiency. Remember that these tools aren’t just for developers but for everyone who uses macOS, and that we can all improve our workflow habits.