With the world of business increasingly competitive, managers can no longer simply rely on their employees to always work to the best of their abilities. In fact, it is their job to motivate, enthuse and reward staff in order to produce efficient workers and create profitable results. If workers are unhappy, productivity suffers and deep-rooted problems begin to set in.
Therefore, creating and maintaining techniques to sustain productive work is vital for any organization to achieve success.
Recognition is a key concept in creating a productive and satisfied workforce. This can be as straightforward as a carefully timed “well done” or as detailed as high-profile incentive schemes. Often, the simple act of listening to employees can achieve positive results. However a manager decides to recognize their staff, they must ensure it is inclusive to all in order to produce a workforce with common goals. Team building promotes participation and can provide ample opportunity for praise. Furthermore, it can lead to the formation of purposeful relationships amongst employees who enjoy coming to work. Limiting staff turnover is a major plus in maintaining productivity.
In addition to the emotional wellbeing of staff, employing up-to-date technology can save time and assist in overall productivity. Providing staff with the latest smart technology, be it phones or tablets and ensuring broadband is fast and reliable enables employees to make the most of their time. Managers have seen many benefits from investing in a time and attendance system for monitoring employees which offers something more than the traditional clocking in and out. Modern versions of this mainstay of the workplace include features such as data provision and payroll information. Moreover, they can monitor activity from shift to shift enabling managers to pinpoint areas of strengths and weaknesses when it comes to productivity. Up-to-date technology and machinery suggests to staff that managers are proud of both the office they lead and the workers that populate it.
Instilling a feeling of accountability amongst employees can result in a real sense of responsibility. Workers who are fully aware of their place and position tend to approach tasks in a meticulous manner which leads to fewer errors and considered decisions. Alongside clear guidelines and roles for staff, individuals must be given personalised and regularly reviewed targets. These targets must be focused on each and every person: generic targets will only result in a feeling of disillusionment far from the productive atmosphere desired. The best staff review systems will result in a shared group work ethic, an overall sense of ownership and ultimately increased productivity.
The best managers who achieve the best results respect their staff, their wishes and their skills. Taking the time to get to know all three can lead to a number of positives. And as it is a proven fact that productivity breeds profitability, no manager can afford to ignore the needs of each and every person they employ.