Strategies to Improve Productivity

Many business owners wants a more productive workplace. Not only does a high level of productivity usually mean increased profit margins, operations also run smoother, and there’s less overall friction. Here are some practical ways to improve productivity and get the most from your resources.

Practice Employee Appreciation

According to a study by Name Badges International, “69 percent of employees said they would work harder if they were better appreciated/recognized.” That’s why it’s so important to give recognition and congratulate employees for a job well done. This could include:

  • Giving one-on-one feedback when an employee exceeds expectations
  • Acknowledging someone’s hard work and dedication in front of the team
  • Handing out small gifts or other perks from time to time

This type of positive reinforcement helps strengthen bonds between workers and higher ups, and can create powerful team chemistry. It can also lay the foundation for a loyal workforce who’s willing to go to bat for their employer. Rather than simply doing the bare minimum, they’re more likely to go the extra mile.

Use the Right Software

The same study found that “55 percent of employees relate their productivity directly to their software.” If your productivity is less than satisfactory, then you may want to take a look at your software, and see if it’s holding you back. For starters, you should ask your employees if they find it easy to use and intuitive to navigate, or if they’re having consistent difficulties.

Next, you should determine if it’s the right fit for your specific business or if alternate software would be more efficient. If it’s the latter, then it’s a good idea to look into other types of software to see if you can find a better fit. Many times, making the switch can result in a sizable increase in productivity and fewer headaches.

Minimize Formal Meetings

On average, “people spend 5.6 hours per week in meetings, but 69 percent feel that meetings aren’t productive.” If you’re holding meetings for any more than a couple of hours a week, then the chances are good that it’s hurting your productivity. That’s why it’s best to reduce the time spent in formal meetings as much as possible. Here are some ideas to accomplish this:

  • Send mass emails to your employees to announce updates
  • Speak with employees in small groups during regular working hours
  • Switch from weekly meetings to bi-weekly or monthly meetings
  • Reduce the attendee list, and reserve it strictly for workers who absolutely need to hear the information

By implementing one or more of these strategies, you can hopefully get the productivity boost you’re looking for and operate more efficiently. Reach out to our experienced staffing professionals for more information on improving productivity and other staffing resources.

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