This lesson applies surprisingly well to how many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) manage their people and processes today. They have fallen into the habit of ‘app-maxxing’.

The hidden cost of too many tools

Over the last decade, the workplace technology market has exploded. There are now specialist apps for HR, attendance tracking, payroll, communication, project management, and more. Each one solves a problem in isolation, and on the surface, the logic is simple: add the tool, fix the issue.

But over time, these tools pile up. Leaders find themselves jumping between systems just to answer simple questions. Employees struggle with fragmented processes that slow down their work. Finance teams see subscription fees growing every month. What began as efficiency ends up becoming digital overload.

The impact is more than just financial. Constantly switching between platforms eats into productivity, reduces focus, and creates frustration for staff. Instead of empowering people, the technology ends up getting in the way.

Why balance is better than overload

Just like fibre in a diet, technology needs balance. Too little and businesses miss out on efficiency. Too much and the side effects outweigh the benefits.

For SMEs in particular, balance means consolidating core functions into a single, easy-to-use system. That way, people management and productivity are handled together, giving leaders clarity and employees a smoother experience.

This is where Twikkie comes in. Twikkie was built with SMEs in mind. Instead of adding yet another app into the mix, it combines HR, workflows, and team productivity in one platform. The result is less admin, lower costs, and more time for leaders to focus on what really matters – their people.

Why SMEs must choose simplicity

Large enterprises may have the budgets and IT teams to manage complex technology stacks. Most SMEs do not. What they need is not more software, but the right software: something simple, affordable, and effective that can scale with them as they grow.

Choosing simplicity also supports better employee experiences. Staff no longer have to log in and out of different platforms just to complete basic tasks. Leaders get a single view of their teams. Processes become smoother, compliance is easier to manage, and the organisation runs more effectively.

A call for clarity

The rise of ‘fibremaxxing’ shows us that even good things can cause problems when overdone. The same is true in business. By stepping back and choosing balance over overload, SMEs can protect their budgets, boost their productivity, and support their people in a healthier way.

It is time to stop ‘app-maxxing’. For SMEs, the future of work is not about chasing more tools. It is about building clarity, balance, and simplicity into the way they manage their people.