Engaged employees are perhaps one of the most important assets for most companies, but creating and retaining productive employees is also a challenge for many business owners. What creates greater productivity varies depending on the organization, but in many cases, it’s about corporate culture, leadership, community, involvement, opportunities for personal development, and more.
While there is no magic formula and method to be the best leader and boost your employees’ productivity levels, there are still many actionable things you can do to make sure your workers are headed in the right direction.
In this article, we’ll discuss five essential rules for creating more productive employees as a great foundation for future company success.
1. Create the Right Work Environment
Creating the right workplace environment is crucial when trying to make your employees more comfortable and efficient. Since most people spend almost as much time at work as they do at home, simple things like placing nice furnishings and decor in the working space can make everything a lot more homely. Having natural light in the office is also something that can significantly increase productivity and make your employees feel better.
Studies show that access to natural light improves employee well-being, creates less absenteeism, and improves work performance. In the long run, having enough light has a synergistic effect that makes employees happier and more productive.
There are many other tools you can use to optimize the environment for your employees.
For instance, provide multiple screens as they enable easy navigation between different tasks. Getting a whiteboard can also be a great way to show your employees important information and reminders. Use a whiteboard for visual brainstorming, explaining the daily tasks, and discussing upcoming meetings and events.
You should also consider having an open office landscape. Always having open doors and a more relaxed work environment can improve communication.
2. Implement Tracking Tools
A business owner or manager always expects their employees to be as much productive as possible when it comes to everyday tasks, work-related duties, and especially when important project due dates must be efficiently managed.
If you wonder how to efficiently boost productivity within your office, why not consider implementing employee tracking software. This type of software allows you to get a closer look at how much time your employees are spending on various tasks and projects, what they’re working on, and whether they’re completing their assignments promptly.
The software presents this data as actionable insights that you can use to continuously improve team performance and maintain high levels of productivity.
3. Work Actively to Create Employee Engagement
There are lots of benefits of investing in your employees and in creating engagement and there are lots of ways to work both proactively and actively to create high employee engagement which leads to better productivity.
Studies have shown that engaged employees are 17% more productive than their peers. Engaged employees tend to work more diligently and expend discretionary effort in their work, supercharging productivity and innovation.
A lot comes down to the little things that are part of the corporate culture. For example, you greet each other, respect each other’s time, and motivate each other to want to perform and achieve set goals.
The role of managers is, of course, crucial. Things like involving employees in decision-making, showing appreciation, creating joy and having fun, delegating responsibility, setting a good example, providing the right resources, setting direction, visualizing, and above all, investing time and resources in employee development, are things that have a direct impact on employee engagement.
4. Embrace a Rewards Program
In today’s competitive business landscape, employee motivation is key to success. One effective way to encourage and retain top talent is by implementing a rewards program.
By recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work, companies can foster a positive and productive work culture. A rewards platform case study shows that such a program can lead to increased employee satisfaction, improved job performance, and reduced turnover rates. With the right incentives and recognition, employees are more likely to feel appreciated and motivated to continue delivering their best work.
5. Become More Personal
Allowing your employees to tell a little more about themselves strengthens company relationships. This creates a much better dynamic and understanding within the group.
A tip that can lighten the mood a bit is to start each meeting by asking each team member in the room to tell something positive or exciting that has happened recently in their private lives.
You can also end a meeting similarly by asking everyone to share something they are looking forward to after finishing their long day at work.
6. Receive and Give Feedback
Getting and giving feedback is an excellent way to create opportunities for development and a good work environment. A common reason why employees choose to leave their jobs is that they feel managers don’t show appreciation for their work.
So, do not assume that employees know that you think they have done a good job, just tell them.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to analyze and identify what can be improved in the workplace is the key to creating more productive employees.
This might involve creating a better work environment, providing the right tools, boosting employee engagement, and simply being more personal and approachable.
