Partner Article

How to increase productivity in the workplace

When it comes to running a business, the most important asset to your company is its employees. Without a productive, enthusiastic workforce, you can’t achieve the goals you set out to meet.

So how can you make sure that your staff are productive? How can you increase the current level of productivity in your business?

Daily habits

Your employees may have trouble concentrating for long periods of time, and may even fail to meet important deadlines if their concentration levels are low. To combat this, you can look at changing employee habits. Offering flexitime to those who would benefit from working certain hours, or allowing your staff to take their lunch when best suits them can have a positive effect on the levels of productivity in your workforce.

Work more efficiently

To make sure you’re working in the best way possible, consider discussing how your business is currently operating. Analyse how your staff are presently structuring their day, how they’re prioritising their tasks and if they’re meeting their daily goals. You could consider giving your staff a workshop on how to plan and prioritise their work schedule for the day, and give some tips on list-making which is a useful way to stay organised. This can help your employees understand which tasks should be completed first, helping them to work more efficiently.

Don’t be afraid to delegate

As the owner, you might feel like the most important jobs should be completed by you. However, you’re just one person, and as they say – two heads are better than one! Give responsibilities to qualified employees and trust that they will perform the tasks well. Provide the opportunity for your staff to gain new skills and leadership experience that can benefit the company.

Reduce distractions at work

Implement a companywide rule that all non-work distractions are prohibited inside working hours. That includes turning off phones, staying away from non-work related websites, and keeping conversations to work related topics as much as possible. Although you want your employees to enjoy work and create friendships, it’s important to reduce distractions as much as possible.

Ensure you have all the tools and equipment you need

Having all the equipment you need in your workplace can save you precious time. Make sure that tools such as computers, printers and phones are all in working order to help your business meet its goals. You can consider equipment such as a multifunction laser printer, which doubles up as a printer, scanner, copier and fax machine, to increase your efficiency levels and free up some precious space in your office.

Improve workplace conditions

If your workplace is too hot or too cold, your employees can get distracted from their daily duties. The most comfortable temperature for an office building is between 20 and 21 degrees. Ensure that your room has proper ventilation in the summer, and suitable heating in the winter to give your employees a comfortable workplace.

Offer support to employees

As mentioned previously, employees are your most important business asset. To make sure that your staff want to remain at your company, you should offer them support when they need it. Setting realistic goals for your employees to meet can help them to feel personally productive and give them an incentive to work towards a target. If your workforce feel supported and valued, there’s a good chance they’ll enjoy working for your business.

Positive reinforcement

With everything going on in the life of a business owner, rewarding your employees can sometimes slip the mind. When it comes to supporting your workforce, you should encourage, motivate and reward. You should tell your employees they’re doing a great job, and give those that need it some constructive criticism so they can always improve. You could even consider offering personal rewards, such as a bonus scheme, for above and beyond job completion. Or if you are looking for non-financial incentives, an ‘employee of the month’ scheme is a great choice.

These are just a few ways you can look to increase the productivity in your business. If you’re looking to make sure your employees are working to the best of their ability, try out a few of these tips and see how they work for you!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Printerland .