5 ways to improve productivity in the workplace

Despite longer working hours, the UK has one of the lowest productivity levels amongst advanced economies in the world.

Why is productivity important?

Just last month, in his autumn statement, Chancellor Philip Hammond stated that the UK needed to improve productivity to save our economy. He backed this up with the announcement of a National Productivity Investment Fund of £23 billion to be spent on innovation and infrastructure over the next five years.

So what can be done to increase employee productivity now? Here are some tips…

Empower your team

Low staff morale can lead to sluggish behaviour which is a major factor contributing to poor productivity. Ensure workers know that you value them by including them in decisions, investing in their development and setting clear goals for success. Consider producing an employee productivity chart to help workers improve personal productivity.

Reward success

You might think a monthly pay packet should be enough of a reward but there’s a lot to be gained by adding small bonuses and incentives. Sometimes just some public recognition is the pat on the back that employees need to push forward.

Move!

Short coffee and lunch breaks are not a waste of time. Encourage staff to step away from their work stations to exercise and clear their minds.

Communicate effectively

If tasks are not being done as quickly or as accurately as you’d like, ask yourself is there something you can do about it? Sometimes you may feel you have communicated a straight-forward task, however your staff may be unclear. Where possible have an open-door policy to encourage questions and avoid confusion.

Avoid pointless meetings

Never take part in a meeting that doesn’t have a clear purpose, agenda and start and finish time. Enough said!