Productivity might sound like an employee’s sole responsibility. But management plays a vital role in increasing it among their subordinates. After all, the company will benefit from a collective increase in productivity. So how do business owners or managers encourage their employees to be more efficient?
Set a Conducive Environment
An employee’s mood can be affected by their surroundings. Be thoughtful about the office interior design of your Melbourne office. An expert in this field can help you. Some important aspects to consider are the proper lighting, color, spacing, and storage. Nobody will be encouraged to work in a dismal and cluttered workspace. Office furniture such as chairs and tables must be ergonomic. If employees spend long hours in their stations, make sure that they are comfortable.
Some swear to a spike in productivity when they are surrounded with pleasant scents or of a touch of nature. See what most of your employees prefer. The noise level must be enough to keep a good flow of adrenaline rush but not to put pressure. A nearby refreshment area such as a vending machine can also be a good idea.
Secure Needed Tools
Take advantage of technology. There are many apps and online tools that cut the work time on a large percentage. Research on what your company needs. Some are free while some need payments. Do not skimp on such things if it will be beneficial in the long run. These online tools can cover areas in communication, time tracking, and listing tasks. When your employees are more organized in these aspects, they will have more work done.
Sharpen Skills and Potentials
Another area where you must not withhold is giving your employees appropriate training. Send them to seminars and conferences that will upgrade their skills. The trends in the business sector are changing at a rapid pace. Even your best employees with high potential can lag if they are not updated. Thus, help your team keep up with the changes. Provide them with excellent training and development. Whatever knowledge they bring home will also benefit the company as a whole.
Supervise with Respect
Some employees get discouraged when their supervisors are too lax or too strict. They feel that they should not perform to the best of their ability when supervisors do not seem to care. Thus, give them proper feedback. Point out areas for improvement. But micromanaging your subordinates will also kill their drive. They will feel that they do not have the liberty to do a certain task as they see fit. The best way is to create a balance. Make sure that you are there to guide. But, give them enough room to do according to their style.
Study Feasible Alternatives
The fixed hours can be detrimental to some employees’ productivity. People have different peak hours. Also, the exhaustion from the rush hour can affect a person even before they reach their desk. As a manager, you can look into flexible hours or even remote work. Test if your subordinates can produce better with such alternatives. Then, take it from there if you will embrace the flexibility of work hours and workplaces.
Business owners and supervisors can do a lot to increase an employee’s productivity. They only have to know their subordinates well to understand what will work best.