The entrepreneurs across the globe have been confronting challenges to revolutionize employee productivity and motivation. A survey confirms that approximately 80 percent of workers worldwide waste their working hours on unproductive activities with nearly 1 in 5 wasting three or more hours a day.
The internet is laden with tips and tactics to improve productivity but it is not a cinch to ascertain the ingenious and effective measures out there. There are numerous myths and half-truths which may be keeping you from getting the desired end result. This article discusses the illusions of workforce productivity and proven ways of increasing enthusiasm and efficiency at workplace.
Strategies To Increase Productivity in The Workplace
Let’s discuss about some Strategies and Myths to avoid to increase production, productivity at work places. But before that, we need to understand about some myhts, which should be avoided.
What are the Myths?
We all have productivity problems and this is because we look at it the wrong way. What follows are the myths about workplace productivity.
Long working hours equates to greater productivity
Americans have been spending more hours on work but it does not mean that they are being more productive. Being in office for hours does not mean that you are getting loads of quality work done. A recent research confirms that working long hours regularly increases the odds of stroke. Working long and without breaks negatively influences your concentration, creativity and motivation to work.
Incentives Boost Productivity
Another biggest misconception is that incentives and big rewards encourage employees to give their best to the company. In some scenarios, it can be true but to a certain point. The reward system roots a tiny boost in productivity but with gradually they tend to go back into the same productivity level they had afore.
Being productive means getting things done faster
Majority of employers is of the view that workers who complete their assigned task faster are more productive and those who take time in getting things done are good for nothing. A hastily-complete task may risk mistakes and potentially require to redo some or the entire task. It is better to work slowly with the best of our capabilities than to race through several tasks with least attention and carefulness.
Productivity increases under pressure
Most of the employers think that strict monitoring and pressure put a positive impact on the productivity level of employees. But continuous work and peer pressure can negatively influence concentration, creativity and motivation. Moreover, it can cause workers to suffer from depression, anxiety, stress and several other mental and physical health concerns.
What are the Truths?
What follows is the truth behind the employee productivity myths in the modern world.
Productivity is about working smarter not longer
The hours you spent at the workplace have nothing to do with your productivity level. An experiment was conducted by the Dray Diem Group with the help of time tracking software Desk Time, which found that 10 percent of highly productive employees do not put in longer hours and in fact they do not even work for complete eight-hours of the job. They take frequent breaks i.e., a 17-minute break for every 52 minutes of work. It means productivity is not about how long you work, it is about how you utilize time for doing work more efficiently and smartly.
Lead by examples
It is better to be an example for your workforce. Track your own time at work and workflow, and look for the ways that make you more productive. Lead and your workers will follow you. Discuss with them about your experiences of success and failure. Having frequent transparent and engaging discussions will make your employees more likely to be creative, productive and motivated.
Healthy workplace environment matters a lot
A workplace free from bullying and unnecessary peer pressure is more likely to create a motivational and healthy environment for work. Make sure to keep your employees healthy both physically and emotionally because a sick employee is less productive. Plan outdoor activities to encourage a friendly bond between staff. Healthy, fresh and mentally relaxed employees will be outweighed by increased productivity level.
Measuring productivity is crucial
There is no way to improve anything without first measuring it. If you want to improve the employee productivity, you will have to measure it to detect what is working well and what not. You can measure the employee’s productivity through software and pinpoint the areas where improvement is needed.
It can also indicate where the employees are devoting most of their time and what are the factors keeping the productivity level of an individual or team down. There are countless other benefits including improving employee efficiency, sidestepping workplace distractions, and reducing administrative costs.
Addison is journalist, social media expert and blogger. He is passionate technology writer and contributes towards mobile security and employee’s productivity. He manages TheOneSpy PC, Mac monitoring, employee cell phone monitoring app.