In this post, we deep dive into some of the best tactics to boost productivity at work. Let’s begin!
An individual in a workplace provides input and expects the desired result. Now, this output can be a solution, a finished product or a service. However, to sustain, is the mere result enough? Or is there something more?
Here’s where the concept of “productivity” arises. Productivity, if in simpler words, defined, is a measure of the efficiency of an individual while completing a task, without degrading its quality. Productivity is achieved to the fullest when a certain amount of work is done strategically, consistently and at an average speed.
All of us aspire to complete as many tasks as we can. But it should be kept in mind that the number of tasks ticked off is not an indication of productivity.
Productivity will always be determined by the outcome of activities performed in a given amount of time.
Productivity at the workplace
An organisation can develop strong roots for long term functioning with the help of “Workplace Productivity”. This means using the right factors and tools to improve the efficiency of working employees. It is the measure of the total output of goods and services that is produced by the staff in a given period.
The productive outcome helps in increasing the profitability of the organisation, skills and morale of the employee. When productivity is kept as one of the crucial company goals, then more time is invested in value-added work and resources are used to the fullest. Profits see positive growth, customer services get better and healthy business relationships are created.
Now comes the question of “how to?”
What are the steps, methods and tactics which could help in improving and boosting overall productivity?
Let’s discuss them one by one.
Boosting workplace productivity
1. Communication is the key
For smooth operation and working, there should be little to no barrier to communication. Communication between employees can be carried out using a variety of methods such as emails, text messages, phones, etc. Access to each other should be hassle-free and time-effective. Only then can productivity be achieved.
Communication can also look like motivating each other to work better and celebrating achievements together.
2. Environment matters
It is a known fact that an unorganised workplace with no adoption of a framework could be a major distraction. A simple solution for it – redesign the existing space. We do not mean complete redesigning but rather making small improvements. Each given room/ space should be used for a specific purpose. It should be easily accessible to the working staff.
3. Time Tracking
One of the major factors which help us to measure productivity and efficiency is – time. How much work is done in a given time? How many hours does it take to complete one task? Keeping track of time reveals the position of employees involved. It gives a clear idea as to where training or testing is required and if necessary adjustments can be done!
- Is multitasking important? : “Multitasking can hurt your productivity by 40%.” Gone are the days when doing more than one task at the same time used to be promoted. Nowadays, organisations give importance to one core task at a time. Not only does this help in maintaining the quality of it, but also prevents errors and lack of concentration. This brings us to the next point, concentration.
- Concentration: Prioritise and focus on the objectives which need maximum attention. When an employee performs a task with sheer focus and concentration, a huge amount of time is saved. This time can then be consumed effectively for more work and hence, it boosts the overall productivity.
⚡ Interesting Stat: “Time tracking data revealed that the US economy loses 50 million hours in productivity per day because of unrecorded work activities. (Market Research Future, 2020)”
4. Latest tools and technology
“According to a study by Ultimate Software, 92% of employees say having technology that helps them do their job efficiently affects their work satisfaction”
Access to upgraded tools and resources provides an easy flow of work without compromising on time and the outcome.
- Breaks are necessary: Imagine working tirelessly to the point that the employee starts facing burnout. This level of pressure can push them to quit the job.
That doesn’t sound good, right?
That’s why it is the duty of organisations to provide their staff with regular breaks. Not only will it help them gain their energy back, but will also provide a fresher perspective once they start working again.
Giving breaks in between = Rise in productivity
“The average employee is only productive for 2 hours and 53 minutes per day.” the study says.
- Acknowledging the efforts: Last but not the least, appreciate the work your employees have done!
This is the biggest contributor to one’s productivity. Recognition of efforts can look like – giving the staff a personal gift, praising them in front of everyone, etc.
“Engaged employees are more productive, resulting in a 21% increase in profits.”
Acknowledging the employee’s work gives them a sense of satisfaction in their current job and pushes them to perform better.
Workplace productivity in the IT industry
The IT industry is quite tedious in terms of tasks performed. It is an unending cycle of application updates, connection and communication, fixing bugs, managing hardware and whatnot!
In this environment, the need for management and productivity skyrockets. And we have provided some ways for you that can be adopted and practised.
1. Space for growth
When we think about the IT industry, the scenario changes from time to time. There’s always a new opportunity waiting for something new to be achieved. Hence, your employees should be encouraged to participate in this change enthusiastically!
Motivate them to take up new challenges which would result in growth and development, both personal and professional.
Train them to work smarter, and not harder. Only then can workplace productivity be achieved.
2. Easy workflow
Imagine spending half of your time figuring out the information given by your superiors. Mismanagement of crucial information and improper explanation of guidelines are enemies of productivity. Because it affects the quality of outcome that the employee might give. A minor issue in the middle of workflow can hamper the whole process. And the chances to redo it might frequently occur.
Hence, this is something that should be prioritised primarily. As an authority, it is important to make sure that the flow of information, data and other important things is easy and understandable.
3. New methods and approaches
As mentioned earlier, the IT industry is ever-changing and to keep up with these changes, adopting new ways and methods is appreciated.
For example, with the advent of agile methods, the business teams have the liberty to participate more and the delivery team understands easily.
The outcome is hassle-free, good quality product or service within the decided timeline. One more step towards productivity!
4. Flexibility is important to boost productivity at work
Flexibility in terms of working hours and remote work should be promoted. An employee with access to limited options of working might not work to the best of their potential. Instead of making them work for prolonged hours, divide the time into smaller blocks of fewer hours with breaks in between. It will prevent the situation of burnout and lack of motivation. A productive staff carries out tasks enthusiastically!
As per a study, “65% of employees believe they’re more productive when they work outside of the office, and 47% wish their company provided this benefit.”
5. Avoid Micromanagement
In the book, “My Way or the Highway: The Micromanagement Survival Guide”, it is highlighted that 85% of employees feel demoralised by micromanagement – constant supervision makes them lose faith in their abilities, and they perform subpar.
It is highly advised to leave the employee alone once the task is explained and necessary guidelines are provided.
This would give your employee a sense of freedom and confidence to work more openly. The more you try to micromanage, the less productive an individual would be.
All these tactics are tried and have shown impressive results.
Workplace productivity is a non-negotiable factor in today’s organisational environment. With the effects of COVID-19 on the overall working, we are experiencing a transition from sturdy work systems to more flexible remote workplaces while getting the equal amount of work done as before.
It is now important for companies to carefully observe the new workplace dynamic which is slowly coming into existence.
New ways and strategies should be adopted so that the existing profitability and employee base aren’t compromised.
And all of this should be done while keeping the productivity level high!
Himanshu Mehra is a digital marketing manager. He helps businesses to generate more leads and brand value. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, he will be happy to hear from you.
