15 Strategies To Increase Employee Productivity

Imagine how much you would get done in a day if you could operate at max productivity all of the time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker spends 8.9 hours working per day – compare that to 7.7 hours spent sleeping. Can you think of anyone who can maintain full productivity for almost 9 hours per day? We can’t. Your employees certainly can’t.

Yet, it’s every company’s dream to increase employee productivity. A productive team has the ability to drive profits, create happy customers, and promote company culture and employer brand. In a perfect world, we would be able to push our employees to full productivity capacity at all times, but it just doesn’t work that way.

It may seem logical to increase employee productivity through micromanaging and blatantly enforcing rules, but this is the exact opposite of what you need to do. Instead take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Put yourself in your employee’s shoes. What would motivate you to be more productive?

It’s your job to create a positive work environment that encourages high levels of productivity. Here are 15 strategies to increase employee productivity in your workplace:

1. Set Realistic Goals – Set clear and realistic goals that are obtainable for your employees to complete in a reasonable and timely fashion.
2. Provide Consistent Feedback – Feedback will help your employees reach their full potential. Be willing to give and receive feedback.
3. Open A Virtual Office – It may seem counterintuitive, but some employees will be more productive outside of the office. Set up telecommuting, remote, or virtual work options for employees who thrive in these environments.
4. Be Social – Organize and encourage social gatherings for your employees. When you build relationships between people you’ll see productivity increase.
5. Provide Direction – Be a guiding force that provides direction for your employees so they what to do and how to do it.
6. Limit Meetings – No one likes meetings. If they aren’t necessary, eliminate them for the already hectic schedule.
7. Provide The Necessary Tools To Do The Job – Offer training, supply materials, and invest in your team. When an employee has the tools to complete their work, it will boost efficiency and drive productivity.
8. Offer Flexible Hours – Not everyone is designed for the typical 9 to 5 work hours. Allow people to come in early or stay later so that they are able to work when they are the most productive.
9. Communicate Clearly and Concisely – Let people know what’s going on. Keep your team in the loop so that they understand the office environment.
10. Empower Your Employees – Don’t micromanage your team. Give them the power to make decisions by themselves.
11. Offer Career Growth Opportunities – People want to know they will ultimately climb the career ladder. If they don’t see this opportunity they will lose motivation and be more likely to quit.
12. Reward Employees – Everyone likes rewards. Reward everything with cool prizes. From a new car for the biggest annual sales to an online gift card for the most new customers signed up this month, rewards are a great incentive to increase productivity.
13. Build Your Employer Brand – Spend the time to create a respectable, fun, and loyal employer brand. When an employee is proud of their company, they will work harder.
14. Play More Games – It seems silly to take time out of the work day to play games, but a half hour cutting out work can ultimately help an employee boost overall productivity.
15. Show That You Care – If you care about your employees, they will care about you. Log some face time and get to know your team.

All of these strategies to increase employee productivity in your work place really do work. Take them and apply them today. You’ll be amazed with the results.