How to Increase Productivity in the Workplace

How To Increase Productivity In The Workplace January 11, 2023

Priyanka Bhadani

Writer

8 Proven Strategies That Will Increase Productivity in the Workplace

From measuring employee satisfaction to considering workplace wellbeing to ensuring teams have the right tools, there's a number of measures that can be put in place to benefit you and your teams. Whatever the nature, size, or scale of your business, learning how to increase productivity is important for business success.

Not only is productivity linked to employee engagement, but it can also impact on retention levels, turnover, customer, and job satisfaction scores. Furthermore, research by Gallup shows that businesses with high employee engagement rates are 21% more productive.

So then, what can you do as a business owner to motivate your employees and keep them on track in terms of productivity? Here are eight proven strategies to adopt today

1. The right tools for the job

From software to uniforms, transport to materials each individual and organization has a set of tools required to perform their job adequately. Without these, individuals are unable to reach their goals, which can lead to frustration and low engagement levels.

In a study into best management practice, providing employees with the right materials and equipment ranked in the top 12 most important tools.

2. Improve skills with training

Workplace training is vital on a number of levels. Not only does it keep teams up to date and skilled, but it also forms the backbone of employee recognition. It also demonstrates investment in colleagues, which shows room for career progression and growth.

At a time when lack of career growth' is one of the biggest reasons for labor turnover in America, this is an area that all managers should pay attention to.

3. Avoid micromanaging

If you're wondering how to improve productivity and morale in the workplace, look no further than your management approach. Are you a hands-on micromanager, or the sort that allows colleagues the freedom to get on with the job in hand?

As the saying goes, people don't leave their jobs, they leave their boss. With that in mind, be the manager you would want; supportive, available and not a micromanager. Teams respond to trust, and there's no better way to demonstrate this than allowing some self-management.

4. The importance of clear communication

We all know that clear communication can improve employee engagement. This means plenty of transparency and being upfront with colleagues. It also means regularly communicating with each other, be it through company meetings, or one-on-one meetings. Once again, it comes back to recognizing the important role that employees play, and taking them with you on your journey.

Overwhelmingly, 96% of employees believe that showing empathy can improve employee retention. Clear, frequent, and transparent communication is key to this.

5. Workplace wellbeing

Workplace wellbeing has become a buzzword of recent times. As we recognize the need for a greater work-life balance and protecting our mental health, so too have employers.

With the majority (61%) of employees saying they feel burned-out on the job, now is the time to review your workplace wellbeing policies. Allow flexible schedules and remote working, encourage colleagues to take time off for vacations, maybe even offer free gym membership or encourage eating lunch away from the desk.

6 recognize the role of social media 1592593085 5494

In line with honest and open communication, it's important for managers to recognize the role that social media plays within an organization.

Enforcing lockdowns and controlling social media output is not going to motivate your employees. Instead, if you're concerned about social media usage, draw up some respectful guidelines, perhaps even provide training on best practice techniques.

7. Increase employee satisfaction with great perks

It can be no coincidence that the most successful organizations put employee engagement at the heart of their business. Contrary to popular belief, salary alone is not a key motivator for employee satisfaction.

The latest findings reveal that 42% of employees consider rewards and recognition programs when seeking employment. Therefore, a vast array of business perks should be considered to keep teams motivated and engaged. This can extend from time off for voluntary work, to offering the option to work from home for remote employees, and free health care to subsided subscriptions.

8. Gain insight by measuring productivity

Much like any other approach to business, unless you measure and evaluate objectives, you don't know if they've been achieved. The same is true of employee productivity.

At a time when 39% of employees feel under-appreciated at work (and 77% admit they would work harder if they were recognized), it's more important than ever to measure employee engagement and productivity levels.

First, it's important to set the baseline your starting point. This is often set during employee performance reviews, allowing the manager to measure and reflect upon performance at intervals throughout the year. Another tested technique is internal surveys to measure employee satisfaction levels. If you truly want to root out issues and motivate your employees, it's important to recognize and encourage this two-way feedback.