Workplace productivity has been central to the profitable execution of business activities for centuries. It is commonly known that not every employee produces the same amount of output per pound of salary, and that the correct working conditions and a degree of motivation can make a substantial difference in the value an employer can extract out of its workers.
Productivity really matters for most businesses: salary payments make up a very large part of the monthly outgoings for companies, so making sure you get the best value for your staffing expenditure is very important. Yet it is not simply about forcing staff to work harder – staff need to feel content, comfortable, and motivated. Here are some ideas to improve workplace productivity.
Communicate your goals and mission statement
A workforce that has a common goal and desire to succeed is typically more productive. Motivation can make a key difference in the amount of output achieved on any given day, and a group spirit that is in tune with a company-wide sense of purpose is an excellent way of achieving this. Avoid condescending mission statements, instead be realistic about what your company can achieve and get your employees on board.
Get the temperature right
Employees that are too cold or too hot will struggle to deliver their best. If it is too hot, your employees will not be able to concentrate and focus, which can make challenging tasks very time consuming. On the flipside, workers that are cold will feel unmotivated. If your office or factory is not at the right temperature, get in touch with a company that provides air conditioning and heater hire services to help get conditions right.
Train your employees
Productivity can see big jumps from even small improvements in skills. In today’s workplace, IT skills are crucial, but many employers neglect keeping their workers up to date with the latest capabilities on offer. Though sponsoring employees for full degree programs can be of enormous value, short courses and single training days will bring significant benefits too.
Open communications channels
Staff do not naturally offer suggestions on improvements and changes, but an open-door policy can help managers reach out to workers to see where a business can improve productivity. An open-door policy can also help to uncover a lack of motivation and areas in which workers are unhappy – if managers respond by rectifying the issue, workers are likely to be more productive.
Offer a wellness programme
A healthy worker is a more productive worker, which is why many employers opt to offer everything from sponsored gym memberships to on-site doctors and subsidised health insurance. A staff member that is in attendance every day can contribute all the time, whereas one who regularly has to take sick leave will be paid – but won’t be contributing to your bottom line.
There has been a lot of research into workplace productivity over the decades and many different management techniques have been developed in response. However, in essence, a motivated, comfortable, and healthy worker will contribute more than an absent and disgruntled employee. Look after your staff and your business will see the benefits in productivity.