Productivity is a necessary part of a successful workplace. However, productivity is directly related to the atmosphere of the business and how the employees view it. For business owners who want to increase productivity, the best place to start is by improving the work place atmosphere.
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Here are five ways that business owners can help to improve productivity within the workplace:
Set standards for accountability
Most employees want to know that they will be held accountable for their actions. This gives them a sense of stability and standards that they should follow.
Business owners should let employees know that whether good or bad, they will be held directly responsible for their actions and the outcomes related to them.
Avoid micromanaging techniques
While it is true that employees should be managed, they should not be micromanaged. Business owners should offer direction, but should also allow employees, particularly experienced employees, to have some freedom to operate within businesses standards in their own style.
Freedom to have their own style keeps employees encouraged to strive forward and be innovative. Constantly hanging over an employee’s shoulder will cause them to feel constant anxiety and can lead to depression and loss of productivity.
Reward employees for good work
While it’s true that employees shouldn’t constantly need positive feedback, they do need occasional rewards for good work. Offering periodic bonuses, paid days off, or even just restaurant gift cards encourages employees to continue to work hard.
Invest in employee courses
Employees should be offered opportunities to improve their skills. While not all businesses can afford things like tuition reimbursement, business owners should invest in classes for employees to improve typing skills, software skills, and other skills that are vital to their productivity at work.
By allowing opportunities for employees to better themselves and perhaps seek promotions, business owners are breeding employee loyalty.
Improve physical work place atmosphere
Sometimes loss of productivity can be fixed by renewing or modernizing employee work environment. Things like musty old carpets and uncomfortable chairs do not encourage mental awareness and productivity.
In much the same way, sterile white walls and tight cramped cubicles don’t encourage much except for cabin fever. A fresh coat of paint, modern office furniture, and even better software and computers are a great way to modernize an office and boost employee productivity.
In addition to this, providing a break room stocked with good snacks and Nicolet natural Artesian water is a good idea. Employees love a place where they can just take a quick break and recharge so they can get back to work.
By following the five steps above, business owners can significantly increase employee productivity and efficiency.
tricia borren
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