Last week, we discussed the top five things that zap employee productivity. But what can you do to improve your employees' productivity? There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but customizing these six steps can be a start.
Make sure you have strong leaders and managers
Easier said than done, but effective leadership is key to a successful business. Somebody—and hopefully more than one somebody—should have a clear vision of where your business is, and where it is heading, and be able to communicate that vision. Strong leaders ensure that everyone on the team understands the critical issues and essential tasks required for success.
Create a positive workplace culture
When you foster positive relationships between staff, teams and managers, you'll encourage employees to go the extra mile. When your employees feel included and appreciated, and when their insights and experience are valued, they'll be more motivated and committed to your organization—and your organization will become more innovative and productive over time.
Stay up to date with technology
Learn to use technology to plan, organize and connect your employees, as well as to provide better customer service. Employing tech-savvy people will also help all of your employees innovate and grow. And speaking of technology: Research has proven that allowing your employees a few personal Facebook breaks can energize them and make them more productive.
Invest in education and training
The more up-to-date skills your staff has, the more innovative and productive they can be. They'll be able to work more quickly with fewer mistakes. And, of course, helping your employees stay current with their professional training leads to higher job satisfaction and lower staff turnover. You can also consider rotating jobs to allow employees to become cross-functional.
Get organized
Too many policies and procedures can choke the life out of productivity, yet highly productive workplaces have structures and processes that enable them to grow and improve. Look at your processes to see which ones are helping and which ones are hurting your organization's ability to get the best out your staff and your technology. And remember: one of the simplest ways to empower people is to treat them like adults. Eliminate unnecessary rules and cumbersome procedures and allow employees some flexibility in scheduling, vacation policies, and even where they work.
Explore networking and collaboration
Whether through social media or real-life interactions, exchanging ideas and information with others in your industry can help you boost productivity. For example, you might discover new technologies or new strategies that you can try. And collaborating with others might also reduce your costs of doing business.
What tactics have you implemented to increase productivity in your workplace? Feel free to share your comments and opinions below!