For years, businesses have tried to glean insight into the performance and productivity of their employees, whether through employee monitoring, tracking, data collection, evaluations or some other method. However, many employers are unsure of what can help their employees’ productivity. From the importance of your company’s culture to sharing an optimistic, supportive atmosphere, here are insights from HR leaders and executives into what impacts employee productivity.
The Right Tools
Don’t be stingy with the tools your company uses for the job. No matter how good your staff is at doing their jobs, they will be that much better with the best tools, resources and software at their disposal.
No matter what the job is, employees need to be equipped with high-quality tools in order to do things right. It may cost your business more upfront, but the return on the quality and efficiency of your daily tasks will more than make up for it.
There are plenty of places your business can save money, but the tools of your trade shouldn’t be one of them. Make sure your workers have exactly what they need to do their jobs painlessly and efficiently. If you want the best out of your employees, provide them with the tools needed to give you the results you’re after.
Max Ade
CEO, Pickleheads
Meaningful Work
When employees feel that their work is meaningful and has a purpose, they are more likely to be motivated. When employees feel that their work has a purpose and contributes to something with impact and value, they are more likely to be engaged, productive and committed to their work.
Tony Deblauwe
VP of Human Resources, Celigo
Communication
Make sure all lines of communication are clear and concise. Any teams or individuals that need to quickly communicate in order to stay productive should have a system in place that accommodates their needs. This can be important for jobs that rely on the input of others throughout the completion of tasks.
For example, if your designer needs you to sign off on their design ideas before moving to the next phase of a project, then every moment they’re forced to wait to get that confirmation is time they aren’t spending on getting to the goal. Proper communication channels will help you avoid wasting time, which will increase productivity throughout your company.
Max Schwartzapfel
CMO, Schwartzapfel Lawyers
Training and Career Development Opportunities
Each worker desires to advance in their profession, so it’s critical that they believe their manager cares about their progress as a worker and offers them the right educational options during their tenure with the business.
It could be a good time for you to create a workout program if you don’t already have one. Untrained staff members wouldn’t know where to go or how to perform it more effectively, which might have a detrimental impact on efficiency.
Microlearning is a useful method for supporting training sessions. This personnel management tool equips your new hires with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at work.
Samantha Odo
Real Estate Expert and Chief Operating Officer, Precondo
Team Culture
Employee retention is a major priority for my business partner and me. We fully understand how important it is to offer great compensation and benefits to our employees, but we also emphasize something else to help make our employees happy and productive. We believe in a team-first culture.
That is something that has become more challenging in the post-pandemic world. Our team is fully remote now, but we bring everyone together at least once per month for an activity. We will go to a Dodgers game together or rent out a space at a restaurant—or sometimes we just enjoy a happy hour together.
We encourage our employees to lean on each other and consult with each other. It’s easier to do that when they know each other, like each other and are friends with each other. That’s why establishing a team-first culture is so important.
Brittany Dolin
Co-Founder, Pocketbook Agency
Manager Support
If you’re working to increase employee productivity, make sure you are intentional about how managers are supporting their team members. It’s a crucial factor in driving productivity.
The best managers help establish priorities, have consistent one-on-one meetings, remove obstacles and celebrate day-to-day wins. If employees don’t feel that support, they’re less likely to give you their best effort.
Logan Mallory
Vice President of Marketing, Motivosity
Positive Morale and Motivation
Employee productivity highly depends on a variety of factors, ranging from job satisfaction and engagement to physical and psychological well-being. However, one of the most important factors for employee productivity is their overall morale and motivation.
Positive morale and motivation are essential for employees to feel empowered and inspired to achieve their work-related goals. Employees need to feel a sense of purpose and value in their work in order to stay motivated.
An employer should understand their employees’ individual needs, goals and objectives, and create an environment that is supportive and allows employees to reach their full potential. This includes providing appropriate training and development, as well as meaningful recognition for their achievements.
Additionally, employers should focus on creating a positive, collaborative and engaging work environment, where employees feel valued and feel that their opinions and ideas are respected.
Brenton Thomas
CEO, Twibi
Engagement
Make employee engagement a core value. Even if you haven’t seen the mountains of research and data about the impact of engagement on productivity, we all know that when we’re interested in what we’re doing, we’re more likely to be good at it—and that includes being productive.
Two things drive engagement. People need to know (and believe!) that they are doing worthwhile work, and they are more engaged when they have at least a few strong relationships with the people they spend time with.
Give your people clear visibility to WHY they’re doing whatever it is you’re asking them to do, and make sure they can connect it to their own values and priorities wherever possible. And create opportunities for people to connect on a human level with the surrounding people.
No, they don’t need to be BFFs with everyone. When we see and connect with others as people and not just intersecting job codes, it changes the way we work together, problem-solve together and succeed, together.
Sarah Ratekin
Chief Happiness Officer, Happiness Is Courage
A Sense of Community
Employee engagement is arguably the most important factor in employee productivity. Not only does it empower employees to work efficiently in their position, but it also fosters a sense of healthy community in the workplace.
After all, the workplace is where we spend most of our weekly waking hours, so it’s a company’s job to make its employees feel appreciated and recognized. Employees who feel appreciated for their contributions are more likely to apply themselves fully in every aspect of their position.
Team members who are engaged are also committed to collaborating within and outside of their department, which improves communication and collaboration across the entire company. Proper communication positively impacts the entire company, streamlining business processes and encouraging a healthy work environment.
Kathy Bennett
CEO and Founder, Bennett Packaging
A Healthy Work Environment
The most important factor in employee productivity is having a positive work environment. A productive and healthy workplace should provide employees with the tools, resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively.
A good working environment should be free from distractions and conducive to productive work. It should also encourage collaboration and provide employees with the flexibility to be successful.
Amy Lee
Medical Advisor, Nucific
Positivity and Clear Communication
One of the most important factors in employee productivity is having a positive and supportive work environment.
A positive work environment is one where employees feel comfortable, respected and supported in their work. This can come as positive feedback and recognition, clear communication of expectations and a supportive team environment.
Providing employees with the resources and tools they need to do their jobs effectively is essential for productivity. This could include the latest technology, access to training and development opportunities and a logical structure and process for achieving goals. These factors together create an environment where employees can be productive and successful.
Ray Schultz
VP of Marketing, Liquid Rubber
Image: Canva
