10 ways to increase productivity in the Workplace

Productivity levels in the workplace are incredibly important, no matter the industry. Low productivity levels often result in low profits, making them important to tackle. However, it can be difficult to know how to encourage employees to work harder. To increase your workplace’s productivity, try the following tips:

1. Identify areas of improvement

To ensure that your business runs efficiently, you need to identify where exactly your business can improve. Talk to your staff, get their feedback and opinions to figure out what can be improved to boost employee productivity. While people may be accustomed to the traditional ways of working, encourage them to be open and try new ways that can help them prioritise better and increase their productivity at the workplace.

2. Create a healthy working environment

Creating a healthy working environment will help employees to better concentrate. Start by setting the perfect temperature. Employees who are too hot or too cold will find it difficult to focus on their work. Think, too, of providing ample lighting. You don’t want your employees to have to strain their eyes while they work. This will cause issues down the road, and may result in resentment towards management. 

Installing ergonomic chairs and desks are a must in traditional office settings. But while working from home, these pose a major challenge and might even lead to a fall in productivity if the work environment is not conducive. Guidelines around setting up a remote work environment with a work-from-home allowance to invest in quality chairs and desks may be provided if your company is adopting the remote work environment. Your employees will use this furniture for eight hours a day, after all and it is a must to get the work environment right, if you want to see any increase in productivity. 

3. Provide the right tools to your employees

If you want your team to work well together, you may need to give them a little push. Providing them with collaboration tools is the first step towards increasing the collective productivity of your employees. Give them an easy way to send each other messages and ask questions. They’ll be able to discuss projects without the hassle, giving them more time to focus on work.

4. Focus on team building

Being part of a cohesive team can help greatly with workplace productivity. If your employees don’t like each other much, they won’t feel as committed to their jobs. Organise team-building activities, such as escape room experiences or sports days. You could even take a trip together. Travel is a great way to share new experiences and food. Your employees will love having a chance to relax, and they’ll be able to forge new bonds with their co-workers.

5. Delegate tasks to your employees

Delegation provides a sense of ownership and achievement to your employees, which is important for their morale and increased productivity. Delegate to people with a proven record and trust them to perform well. When you give your employees  new responsibilities and the autonomy to see it to completion, they explore new ways and skills that were hitherto unknown. It also gives you a chance to hone the leadership skills of the employee.

6. Hold regular goal-setting and review meetings

Stay on top of your employees tasks. With regular one-on-one meetings, you can set goals for your employees and, thereby, get an idea of your employee’s performance. Additionally, it gives a chance for course correction, both for the managers and employees. Are the employees happy with the task at hand? Does it align with their career goals and the company goals? Do they feel appreciated, or do they need an incentive? These are some questions that you can seek answers to. This alignment goes a long way to boost the spirits of your employee and increase productivity. It would also help you resolve any hurdles that the employee faces and lead to increasing their efficiency at work.

7. Offer rewards

Children work harder when they know there’s a reward in store… and so do adults! Set goals and offer incentives for those that reach them. Rewards might include days off, restaurant vouchers, or even extra cash or bonuses. There are plenty of apps and programs out there that ‘gamify’ work, too. With these, it’s easy to keep track of productivity levels. Additionally, people enjoy using them, as they make even menial tasks feel enjoyable. Do a little research and figure out which ones might work in your office and for your staff.

8. Encourage training and education

Education can help in inspiring employees, while training will help their confidence. There are plenty of ways to educate or train your employees. Invite them to attend conferences, or offer subsidised classes. They’ll appreciate the break in the routine, and they’ll enjoy learning something new. Training will help them to update their skills and also increase their efficiency at their jobs.

9. Recognise important achievements

Hard-working employees won’t be motivated for long if their hard work is never recognised. You could try a tried-and-true ‘employee of the month’ scheme. If that’s not your style, thank the most hardworking employees at the end of your weekly meetings. Even though this may seem like a minor gesture, your employees will appreciate it. Being recognised for their achievements will keep them satisfied. Ideally, their success will encourage others to work hard, too and it will not be long before there is a surge in productivity at your workplace, fostered by healthy competition. 

10. Value employee contributions

Your employees deserve to have their voices heard. Allow them to contribute their ideas, either in meetings or through suggestion boxes. If they feel that their opinions matter, they’ll feel more committed to the company. These opinions might be minor. For example, you might ask them what colour they’d like to have the office repainted. On the other hand, they might be major. You don’t have to implement every suggestion, but you might be surprised at the insight.

In conclusion, keeping your team in a physically healthy environment is the cornerstone to optimum output. When your employees feel comfortable at their desks or assigned office spaces, they’ll find it easier to concentrate and produce higher quality work. Incentives and bonuses will help motivate your employees to achieve their goals – and a strong culture of open communication and helping each other will ensure collaborative tasks go smoothly. 

Remember to ensure each of your staff members has access to the appropriate tools, resources, and training that they need to keep growing and learning in their role. Finally, the sure shot way of increasing your workplace productivity is to take the time to listen to individual staff feedback, and celebrate and encourage your team when they do a stellar job!