When your employees are dealing with multiple projects and looming deadlines, they can easily get stressed and become unproductive. Check out this article for a few tips on how to improve workflow and keep them happier and more efficient.
Any seasoned business leader will tell you that in order to successfully run a company you need to always think about the bottom line. Businesses are only as good as their profit margin; and one of your most important assets is your staff. They’re working hard to accomplish the goals you’ve set for the company, so the quickest way to improve profits is to make an effort to increase the productivity of your team.
You don’t need a big budget – there are plenty of cost-effective tactics to use if you’re looking to make your staff more efficient. Offering financial incentives is always a wise idea, sure, but they could also cause employees to overwork themselves and experience burnout. Instead, focus on creating a more relaxing work environment which can impact your employees’ productivity in a positive way. Here are three ideas that will help.
Let there be music
Surprisingly enough, music has been proven to positively impact individuals’ productivity. If picked correctly, it can become a useful tool instead of simply just serving its entertainment purposes. Upbeat music acts as an energizer and can help increase your employees’ creativity and effectiveness.
However, simply buying a stereo system and blasting some Taylor Swift for the entire office to enjoy won’t work since everybody has their own views on what constitutes “upbeat music.” Fast-paced rhythms may work for some, while others prefer laid-back beats or heavier tunes. So, alternatively, allow them to spend time with their headphones on and don’t block their access to music-streaming websites. If music isn’t your employees’ ‘thing’, they can instead benefit from background noise sharing websites like RainyMood or Coffitivity.
Be warned though – music can also be highly distracting. If you notice that a certain employee isn’t performing as well as they used to before you allowed music in the workplace, cut them off.
Offer them a flexible work schedule
Baby boomers appreciate stability, whereas Gen X members and millennials prefer flexibility. That’s why offering them the opportunity to make their own schedule or work from home from time to time will help motivate them. It will give them the feeling that they are more in control of their work and more able to achieve a healthy work/life balance. Technology has also made telecommuting easier than ever – employees can be granted remote access to their workstations, they can use Skype to video conference with colleagues, and so on, making working from home a much more viable option.
This tactic can’t necessarily be used at every company out there – but if an employee doesn’t have to physically be at the office to interact with clients, take part in meetings, or use special equipment, you can allow them to telecommute, let’s say, one day each week. You can offer them this perk as a reward after their first year or first six months with the company.
Also, as long as there are no important client meetings or pressing deadlines, and they complete all of their assignments and put in the minimum hours required, give your employees the option to design their own work schedule. Some might prefer to come in early, while others are more productive in the afternoon. Allow them to listen to their internal clocks and you’ll be able to notice a spike in efficiency.
Set up a break room
Breaks can actually increase efficiency, so give employees the opportunity to take some every once in a while. Set up a special area where they can relax and socialize, which can also improve productivity. The investment doesn’t have to be huge – the kitchen or a room you’re currently not using can easily serve this purpose. Buy a few comfy chairs, a dart board, and some books and you’re good to go. This space will encourage face-time between employees, and help them bond and boost team spirit and company culture.
If you have a larger budget available, you can think big: a company basketball court, a pool table, classic Arcade games – whatever you think will allow employees to relax their brains and recharge their batteries for a few minutes. For a little inspiration, you can find some great examples of break rooms here.
A good idea is to also use your break room as a place to communicate. Dedicate one wall to posting shared messages that might interest everyone – future activities the company puts together, training opportunities, conferences people might be interested in attending, and so on.
As you can see, it’s not expensive to create a productive working environment. In the long run, these policies will have a positive impact on your employees – they’ll become more engaged, motivated, and efficient. Apply these tactics and start monitoring the performance of your staff. You’ll reap the benefits in no time.
Written by Jeremy Harwood
Source: 48 Days
No comments:
Post a Comment