UTILIZATION OF MICROSOFT PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC PAPERWORK EFFICIENCY: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY IN BAROBO DISTRICT, PHILIPPINES

The increasing administrative and academic documentation demands in schools highlight the importance of digital productivity tools. This study examined the utilization of Microsoft productivity tools and their relationship with administrative and academic paperwork efficiency among teaching and non-teaching personnel in Barobo District, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, during the Academic Year 2025-2026. A mixed-methods research design was employed involving 191 respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed that Microsoft productivity tools were often utilized overall (M = 3.69), with Word (M = 4.54) and Excel (M = 4.39) receiving the highest utilization ratings, while Copilot was rarely used (M = 2.42). Perceived paperwork efficiency was very high (M = 4.47). Training (r = .57, p < .001) and overall tool utilization (r = .57, p < .001) demonstrated significant positive relationships with efficiency, whereas age and position showed no significant differences. Qualitative findings identified inadequate training, limited digital skills, unstable internet connectivity, and insufficient technical resources as major challenges. The study concluded that greater utilization and training were associated with higher perceived paperwork efficiency, underscoring the importance of sustained digital capacity building and institutional support.