How to Increase Employee Productivity In Your Colorado Business
The most important element of any Denver business is its employees. Productive employees are what make your business successful. Unfortunately, studies have shown that employee productivity is declining in many areas. In order to be successful, there must be both effectiveness and productivity. This means that instead of focusing on encouraging employees to simply be productive, you must also encourage employees to be effective in their production, in other words, poor production is as bad as no production. So, how can you increase productivity as well as effectiveness in your Colorado business? Here are a few tips.
Organize Team Building Activities
One of the most effective ways to increase productivity is by ensuring your employees function well as a group. Since the 1920s, team building activities have been an excellent resource for encouraging teamwork. Team building activities are an ideal way to learn the strengths and weaknesses of employees and how to work well together. Team building activities are also an opportunity to provide your employees with a break from their work environment and socialize with their co-workers.
Improve Workplace Communication
Communication is key when it comes to productivity and effectiveness. With effective communication, your employees will have a better understanding of their job. This, in turn, will help them to be more productive. Whether your business relies on email, telephones, or face-to-face communication, it’s important to be clear when establishing goals and performance. Another essential part of communication is learning to listen. Listening to your employees will allow them to be heard. It will also help establish whether they clearly understand what is being relayed to them.
Improve Workplace Conditions
Productive employees must have comfortable workspaces. If the workspace is dark, dreary, and lacking in proper tools and equipment, not only will it slow down production, but it may lead to numerous employee call-offs. It’s important that you ask your employees what they think needs improving and what changes should be made. The workplace should have plenty of natural light and fresh circulating air. Office spaces tend to have the best productivity when there is plant life in the office and colors on the walls.
Encourage Employee Self-Care
Healthy employees typically don’t call off, which means they will be present and well enough to get through their daily tasks. Therefore, it’s essential that you encourage employees to take care of their health, both physically and mentally. Medical professionals recommended that people over the age of 50 visit their doctor at least once per year for a physical/exam, so make sure to let employees know about any health benefits offered by the company, including routine physicals and vaccinations. Some self-care techniques are excellent for helping to deal with stress, and relaxed employees are more likely to be mindful of their work. Encourage utilizing time off and finding other ways to help manage stress.
Be Flexible
One of the most important things you can do for maintaining or increasing productivity is to understand that everyone has certain times during the day when they are the most productive. This means that maintaining a strict schedule or only offering work for employees that are available early morning may limit the availability of dedicated employees. Instead, offer flexible working hours.
For example, if your business is only open during traditional hours, consider having options for people who prefer to work early morning hours, then offer a long break before returning for the afternoon. This will help your employees to get an energy surge before dealing with the afternoon slump that many employees often dread. Some employees may be more productive in an environment outside the office, so offering positions for remote work may help to increase productivity for the company as well.
Many families, about 9.9 million, own timeshares, yet research has shown that it is common for employees to avoid taking their vacation time. Although it’s nice to have dedicated employees, not taking the time out to rest and relax can eventually lead to illness and/or burnout. Increased productivity depends on you encouraging your employees to take scheduled vacations.