Your employees are the heart and soul of your business. They are your company’s best resource. To stay competitive and eventually succeed in your current market, you need your staff to be always happy and motivated, and to perform at their highest levels.
However, finding ways to improve employee productivity in the workplace is not an easy task. You need to assess every aspect of your business, from culture and processes down to workspaces and office lighting. Remember that each business is unique, so take the time to learn and understand how your company and staff operate on a day-to-day basis.
To guide you through the process, we have put together some useful tips that can help boost productivity in your office.
1. Re-think the office environment
The working environment plays a big part in people’s attitudes towards work and their ability to be more efficient and effective. You’d be surprised by how many small changes have a huge impact on productivity.
Here are a few things to consider:
Check the workspaces
Are your staff happy and comfortable in their workspaces? A quick audit can assess if your employees have their workstations set up in a way that will reduce strain or stress while sitting for long periods of time. Standing desks are also a great way to help employees take a break from sitting for too long, and get blood circulating properly.
Allow staff to work where they choose
People do their best work in places where they can relax, concentrate and allow creative juices to flow. Designated meeting rooms also help cut down office noise and stop unnecessary distractions. Even giving workers the option to work from home can help increase productivity levels.
Go green
Employees are becoming a lot more conscious of the environment and their impact on it. You can create a “green” office by reducing waste, recycling, increasing natural light, and adding plants around work areas. This will not only help keep staff inspired and motivated, but it would also create a more productive work environment.
2. Improve office culture & morale
Great office culture can boost staff morale, thereby significantly increasing work productivity. But what makes a great office culture? It’s one where people can be their best and feel they are making a difference. It allows them to be part of a winning team, provides excellent perks, and recognises people for the good work they’ve done.
Below are a few ways you can find ways to improve your employee productivity and culture:
Encourage staff breaks
It probably comes as no surprise that some employees often work through their break times. This can cause unnecessary stress and burnout. Ensure that staff are taking enough breaks to allow themselves to recharge and, in turn, work more effectively.
Provide some staff perks
Office perks can help relieve work stress, keep employees motivated, and increase job satisfaction. These can include perks like free yoga classes, gym memberships, and meditation sessions.
Create a reward & recognition program
Everyone wants to feel appreciated and recognised. Establishing a reward & recognition program not only shows that the company values hard work, but also inspires people to ‘go the extra mile’ in achieving their objectives.
Organise staff events
Rewarding your employees with fun activities and team events can go a long way in improving morale and productivity. This could be as simple as a team lunch or an event after work or over the weekend.
3. Provide the best technologies for the job
Technology is a big part of how we work; and without the proper tools, it might be difficult for your employees to get the job done.
Taking the time to review your company's technologies can help you to understand which areas need to be updated or improved.
Here are a few suggestions:
Audit workplace devices
Over time, computers can start to run slow, affecting employee productivity. Upgrade out-of-date machines and replace them with newer, faster models.
You should also regularly check your printers & photocopiers. When these machines break down and malfunction, your staff will take notice. Make sure your printers and photocopiers are up-to-date, maintained regularly, and meet your company's ongoing needs and expectations.
Consider using collaboration and automation tools
These online tools enhance team coordination, streamline processes, and simplify workflows. They can also help you quantify productivity by tracking progress on projects and tasks, with regular reports on team and individual outputs.
In summary...
How do you get your office running like a well-oiled machine? It all boils down to keeping your staff happy and motivated, which in turn, is the most effective way to improve employee productivity.
This involves improving the work environment, creating a great office culture, and providing the best technologies to simplify and streamline workflows.
Are business silos holding your organisation back from maximum agility and productivity? Download our Breaking Down Silos ebook to learn how to overcome collaboration challenges and accelerate business growth in your company today.
