These five hidden productivity killers in the workplace cost businesses thousands of dollars, if not millions, each year. Listening to your employees and providing solutions to such problems will increase productivity, the bottom line and overall job satisfaction.
Image credit: Giovanni Sades | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Unnecessary meetings
Many employees feel that meetings are often unnecessary.
These meetings often result from organizers being unprepared, attendees going off-topic into long wasteful tangents, non-relevant participants being invited and too many meetings talking about the work that needs to be done rather than allowing team members to actually do the work uninterrupted.
Random interruptions
Today, people find that one of the most cherished and desired job attributes is to be able to have a significant amount of time without interruption. In fact, some studies show that more people would prefer to have dedicated periods of uninterrupted time rather than to work from home.
Some of the biggest interruptions stem from people stopping by cubicles for a quick chat and unnecessary emails, instant messages and phone calls. According to an article in Forbes Magazine, 61% of U.S. employees feel that loud colleagues cause the most interruption to their work.
Air quality
While air quality may not be as noticeable as a loud coworker as a productivity killer, it is, in fact, one nonetheless. DUCTZ, a professional mold removal service from New Orleans, shares that poor indoor air quality accounts for $63 billion in decreased productivity and health care costs each year.
That is a staggering impact for something that seems to be so inconsequential. But if employees are spending 8 hours in an office with poor air quality, their health is probably going to suffer. Bad health will lead to sick days and less ability to work effectively throughout the day.
Working in close proximity to the boss
Many bosses like to feel a part of the team and work in the open-office setting with everyone else. This has advantages. However, it may not be ideal for productivity in those who sit directly next to the boss.
Such individuals find it intimidating and difficult to concentrate on working efficiently because they are always worried about making a mistake in front of the boss.
Too much collaboration
It has often been thought that collaboration is the most productive tool available to a team. Meetings are held to generate ideas, work together to make decisions or to find solutions to difficult problems.
The same survey from Forbes Magazine shows that people are actually more productive and make better choices and decisions when working alone rather than in a group setting. A staggering 86% of U.S. employees prefer to work alone as opposed to in groups.
Productivity is essential to good business. Making your employees happy will improve the state of your company and decrease employee turnover. Take the time to resolve these potential issues and you will save money and establish long-lasting and satisfied teams.
hannah whittenly
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