Workplace productivity and business bolstering are not mutually exclusive scenarios. They’re intertwined, or rather, directly proportional to each other. With that said, you must understand that in order to convert a business into a productivity powerhouse, you must engage your employees. Disengaged employees bring a company down, causing operations to quickly come to a halt. But engaged employees take it upon themselves to ensure successful endeavours. They show up on time, even willingly stay longer if needed.
The main reason for this is that they are able to retain their interest, be initiative and take charge of things. Their overall performances reflect a positive morale. However, the responsibility of ensuring your employees are positively engaged lies entirely with you. Here are some key strategies to foster a culture of efficiency and productivity:
Offer adequate training to improve skills
Once you have properly screened individuals for having relevant interest and skills, the next crucial step is to offer corporate training. When employees are adequately trained, they are better able to take control of things. The confusion that keeps an employee indecisive and hesitant is kicked out of the way by him knowing what and how to respond to problems and unforeseen issues. Training enables spontaneity and establishes the ability to assess and initiate things independently.
According to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Science and Research, training highly benefits both employers and employees by yielding greater efficiency and productivity. This holds true for existing and new employees.
Make clear communication
After having clearly communicated specifics regarding office operations, you can easily leave the rest to the employees. Clear communication is key and this holds true for both romantic relationships and business projects. Without effective, two-way communication, you can expect to face obstructions resulting from uncertainty and ignorance. It is seen that managers who communicate clear expectations and responsibilities to their employees experience effective results.
Boost Employee Morale
Giving a morale boost to employees is key. When work requirements are too stringent, it is made to seem like a burden. Keep employees feeling their work isn’t just a job but a commitment that is valued and needed. It is given that human beings are inclined to be appreciated and want to feel that their work has a purpose. In the day-to-day grind, this principle gets lost or is underestimated. You should take time to celebrate the accomplishments of employees by setting rewards and incentives. This shouldn’t be a costly venture, in fact, small gestures of appreciation go a long way. If your employee, who has recently done a great job, is fond of chocolates, give him a surprise basket of chocolates with an appreciation note on his desk.
If you notice your employee, whose fond of coffee, for example, is distraught or cannot focus for some reason, get him his favourite coffee and leave a motivational note with it.
It’s natural to be drawn towards progress and focus more on what needs to be achieved rather than what has already been achieved. Taking out the time to recount all previous employee accomplishments will not only make the employees feel appreciated but will also motivate them to continue working with the same energy and vigour.
Grant projects according to the interest level
Individuals who are passionate about a certain thing are most likely to excel in such projects. When handing out specific tasks and duties, assess employee interest and abilities accordingly. Employees who get to work on projects they are interested in going out of their way to ensure quality. They don’t just view the project as being a job-related task but as something they are personally invested in. This brings the best out of employees and also creates a positively charged environment. Employees also develop a bond of trust with their management.
Allow leisure activities to balance the hectic work environment
There are many ways to pull the tie loose and relax a little. A person’s free time shouldn’t just start after his 9 to 5 job ends but he should be granted time off during work hours to get his mind refreshed and energized. Even if free time is not possible, employees should be allowed to unwind. The best way to do is to introduce unique methodologies and fun sessions.
Working employees enjoy a non-serious and happy go lucky environment. It allows them to release stress as well. You can consider hiring game show buzzers if you’re adding such activities in your work culture as a regular practice. Most importantly, these buzzers and activities have the potential to turn an office meeting or a seminar into something fun and enjoyable. A friendly yet competitive setting boosts interest and allows employees to put on their thinking caps and participate with robustness.
Encourage autonomy by minimizing micromanaging
According to a productivity expert, Robby Slaughter, an effective way to boost productivity is by encouraging autonomy. Employees can perform their best when they are not continuously nagged or interrupted by managers. When individuals are allowed to take ownership of their time and resources, they are able to manage better and operate independently. As a boss, you must grant your workers the freedom to control their work ethic and not the other way around. Constantly micromanaging becomes counterintuitive. In fact, when you manage less you yield better results as most people are motivated by autonomy. Autonomy can even be granted in the form of rewards. The better the employee performs, the more autonomy he can enjoy.
