When you’re running your own business with a full staff, productivity is paramount. If your employees aren’t producing results, this will directly impact the company’s ability to remain in business. To avoid a catastrophic failure, get creative about the ways you work on increasing productivity within the workplace with the following tips.
Start with the Hiring Process
Because you can’t control adults, it can be challenging to motivate them if they’re not already motivated. If they don’t feel like working, they will likely be slow and waste time during the day. So, before getting to the point of having to fire employees, you want to do your best to find the right person for the position during the hiring process. You need to take a closer look at the people you are actually bringing on board and if they are going to be a hard worker. Look for people who have experience within the field or have demonstrated interest in the type of work they’ll be doing. Productive employees aren’t solely about the paycheck; they actually like what they do, and that makes the difference.
Avoid Micromanagement
When you are working for someone who is a micromanager, it can be a very degrading and paralyzing experience because when you’re a professional, you want your boss to respect your expertise. If you are constantly questioned and told to do it one way only, it can communicate that there’s no room for autonomy and that you’re only supposed to do as you’re told. This does not allow for growth in employees. Furthermore, when a boss micromanages their employees, it can lead the employees to second-guess their decision-making skills and abilities. In turn, this can lead to analysis paralysis.
Micromanagement is actually rooted in fear and insecurity. If you have a practice of micromanaging, learn to get rid of it as it can directly impact the brilliance your team can bring to the marketplace.
Develop Group Accountability
While it’s noble to keep yourself accountable, most people and organizations thrive within a system of checks and balances. In order to encourage increased productivity, develop small groups where employees report to each other about their progress on specific projects. In addition to reporting progress, this can also be a space where people talk about what they need, any issues they’re running into, and how the process can run in a more efficient manner. No one wants to be perceived as the weakest link, so if they know they’ll have to meet with their small groups on a weekly basis, they’re more likely to get work done.
Consider the Working Conditions
If an employee is sitting in an uncomfortable chair for eight hours each day, it’s going to be almost impossible to be as efficient as they would be if they were sitting in a chair that supported their body. Whether your office has uncomfortable seating, defective headsets, or any uncomfortable working conditions, it is important to make investments into your business office. You can start small with an upgraded wireless office headset for everyone and eventually purchase more expensive items such as new office chairs that provide back support. Be considerate of their working conditions as all of these factors play into how happy a person feels about their job.
Practice Good, Clear Communication Skills
Even though micromanagement is terrible, don’t confuse it with maintaining clear communication with your staff. It is okay to be clear and direct regarding your expectations of your staff. If something needs to be addressed, find a respectful way to do it in order to make sure both parties are empowered to co-exist in a better way. When you’re able to develop a strong habit of communicating with your employees, you’ll develop a level of trust. One of the most dangerous habits within workplaces involves backstabbing. If people know that their boss or manager wants them to win, it’s much easier to take them at their word.
Examine the Culture
Always take a look at the way your company culture can improve because when you’re working with people, it’s important to make them the priority. If a machine isn’t working properly, you prioritize proper care and maintenance, so take care of your employees by taking note of their needs. Whether that equates to higher salaries, a food bar, or weekly telecommuting privileges, open up your perspective to create a better culture that’s conducive to a better quality of life for your employees.
You’re in an interesting position when you’re managing a group of employees; they are adults who can’t be controlled, while you still hold a lot of power. As a leader, managing your power correctly in order to increase productivity will not only benefit your employees and the company, but it will also make you a better leader.
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