If you own a small business or company, chances are you are always looking at new ways to increase productivity in the office. Whether it be an increase in sales that have left you busy, or trouble meeting deadlines, there are always ways you can improve. While it may be difficult at first, you’ll undoubtedly notice a difference by implementing a few techniques. In this article, there are seven ways you can improve productivity in the workplace.
Consider employee training
A great way to ensure your whole team is getting involved in productivity is to organize regular employee training exercises. This not only advances your staff’s skillset but provides them with new ways to improve efficiency. You can choose to get a trainer to come into the office or set up a webinar that everyone can watch together. There are many to choose from, including how to communicate, work as a team, and how to use new software. Most are also inexpensive, and are well worth it when you see how much information they provide.
Go digital
Gone are the days of paper! In today’s world, almost everything is digital, and new software’s are continually being developed. Going digital can improve productivity in the office as it is easy to use, with minimal risk of errors. It also saves time having to pass notes around the office, as you can send an email with the flick of a button.
Today there are many uses for technology. You can use a timesheet app for employees and even pay wages online. You can also use a messenger to keep in touch with all of your employees. Some applications even allow you to pass work through online clouds.
Communicate efficiently
Communication is critical as they say, and it is undoubtedly one of the most important steps to improve productivity in the office. How you communicate not only increases the mood of employees but can save time as well. For example, to pass on a simple message, you can send a quick email, instead of walking around the entire office.
How you speak also plays an essential part in communication. You want to create a positive work environment, where everyone can talk with ease, and there is little hassle. You should always respect one another, and if you need to, discuss issues in private.
Set deadlines
Setting deadlines is vital for any business, as it allows workers to have a specific time frame to complete work. This, therefore, makes them more productive, as they are encouraged to finish things quickly. When setting deadlines, it’s essential to be reasonable and fair, so that employees do not become stressed or overwhelmed. Try negotiating with your workers, and ask them how long it roughly takes them to finish certain tasks.
Design a productive workplace
You might not have realized, but your workplace’s design can actually impact your employee’s productivity. For example, a warm light has been discovered to improve stress levels, while a cool light can encourage efficiency.
Having a well-designed workplace with heating, cooling, and bright decorations can encourage workers to come in and give it their all. They feel comfortable and happy, therefore put all their energy into their work.
Offer a comfortable rest space
When workers take a break, it’s proven to increase productivity and their overall mental wellbeing. It also allows them to re-charge and de-stress as they have time to relax, eat, and drink, improving their overall job satisfaction. It’s vital to ensure that your business offers a comfortable break room for employees, with adequate facilities.
Try installing a coffee machine, and offer free healthy snacks to keep them full of energy throughout the day. Even installing some indoor plants has been proven to boost moods and de-stress some individuals.
Ensure your employees are happy
Your employee’s happiness is vital to your business and is what makes everything work together. By ensuring that your employees are satisfied in the workplace, you’re improving efficiency. Try offering perks and benefits, such as dental care, life insurance or even a gym membership. You should also make the effort to recognize all of your worker’s achievements. A simple kind message can go a long way! Happy employees make for a happy business.
By implementing some of these techniques into your office, you’ll be seeing an increase in productivity before you know it. Just remember, that changes won’t happen straight away, and you’ll need the help from your team and management to implement new changes. Good luck!