How to increase productivity in the workplace

 

If you want to achieve increased productivity in your business then you need to be ready to embrace change even if that means shaking things up in the workplace. All employees will need to buy-in to a “smarter working mentality” to truly reap the rewards as happy employees means increased productivity, which ultimately leads to business growth.

Here are four of our top suggestions as to how you can increase productivity in the workplace:

 

Improve work place conditions

The environment that we work in has a huge impact on productivity. It is common knowledge that the lack of sunlight can be depressing for many people, so why do we look past such an important aspect that can affect morale?

 Consider the following to increase productivity:

  • Colourful and vibrant environment
  • Natural light
  • Greenery such as flowers or plants
  • Background office music (subject to relevant licences)
  • Break out space for employees to relax

 

Accountability

Accountability means take responsibility for results and it is vital that this is embedded into your company culture. The lack of accountability can result in things like missed deadlines and unfinished work which will have a negative impact on morale and productivity.

Employees need to be held responsible for achieving certain business goals or managing specific tasks as consistently taking ownership of situations builds trust amongst employees, and this is a key component of all high performing teams.

 

Less micromanagement

No one likes to have managers constantly looking over their shoulder as this can increase stress levels and cause people to make mistakes.

Consider allowing your employees to take ownership of how they manage their day. This means that employees will learn for themselves and understand which techniques works best for them leading to improved confidence and the ability to use their initiative.

 

Flexible working

Although this is dependent on the type of business, giving your employees the flexibility to manage “when” they work is just as important as “how” they work.

A recent study by Investors in People showed that offering flexible working could improve retention in the workplace, as employees are able to have more control over their working day and better manage their work life balance. Here are some examples of flexible working:

  • Working from home
  • Job sharing – two people do one job and split the hours
  • Compressed hours – working full-time hours but over fewer days
  • Flexi-time – employee chooses when to start and end work (within agreed limits)
  • Staggered hours – employee has different start, finish and break times from other workers.

 

If you would like to speak to us in more detail about improving workplace productivity in your business, or anything else recruitment related, please contact us on 01484 35 10 10 or at staff@stafflex.co.uk.