Ways to Increase Employee Productivity

Investing in your employees is one of the best ways to grow a business. By taking this step, businesses are able to ensure employees can easily achieve productivity, while helping them maintain maximum engagement in their roles. Here are six simple, tried and effective things you can do to take employee productivity to the next level within your business.

Provide the right technology tools 

Often, a business’ productivity levels are measured by the quality of tools that are provided. Ineffective digital systems, broken printers, and a lack of video communication and collaboration tools can cause a notable reduction in efficiency and motivation. This can subsequently dampen the employee experience within an organisation. Where possible, stay on trend and provide employees with contemporary tools that they are familiar with. 

Measure productivity 

To track productivity, avoid metrics that encourage busy-work, such as the total number of hours spent in the workplace, and track metrics that measure actual production. This way, you can offer incentives to your employees such as salary raises, commission, bonuses, or general praise, which will in turn continue to push numbers of production up. Employee recognition can have profound effects on business productivity, such as a stronger motivation to do their best, and a greater sense of being valued. 

Outsource 

Rather than overloading existing staff with tasks which eventually become less and less effective, business owners have the ability to outsource other companies or local freelancers for support. This means that you will be able to cut costs and improve efficiencies, all while ensuring that in-house teams are still focused on their own roles. For businesses such as those in the corporate and commercial markets, companies such as Flex Fleet, a leader in commercial pickup rentals can provide a convenient solution to completing projects.

Communicate 

Effective and coherent communication is essential. Discuss time frames for meetings, discourage “Reply to All” email usage, or use tools that streamline collaboration and encourage employees to feel part of a team. Actively listen to complaints regarding other employees to avoid harming morale and productivity within your organisation. This may mean directly addressing the disruptive employee, documenting any issues, and discouraging gossip among other staff members. It’s also important to stay competitive with other businesses through continuously re-educating and training your staff. 

Decorate the workplace 

Dull and cramped work environments often stagnate work productivity – encourage employees to make their work space feel like home with personalised items, make a fun corner such as a games area to unwind, and offer free food or coffee if possible. 

Weekly accountability

Stay on target with goals and check in with team members. Whether face-to-face or through digital means, this helps you to review their progress over the week. Poor performance should never be unaddressed – communicating targets can offer an opportunity for employees to improve and develop skills along the way which can contribute to rebuilding your team’s overall capabilities. Alongside the weekly accomplishments, it’s vital to ask employees what they have learnt, and what they commit to do for the week ahead. 

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