As a boss, it can be hard to find a balance between getting the best from your employees while also managing their wellbeing. Of course, it would be impossible for anyone to be 100% productive 100% of the time. After all, we are only human, but there are ways to get your employees working at their best while still maintaining a pleasant work environment. Check out these four ways to increase employee productivity and engagement in your business.
Create a Happy Workplace
No workplace on earth is always sunshine and rainbows, but creating a positive work environment is likely to have a beneficial effect on your employees. Positivity is infectious, and on the flip side, a negative vibe at work can drag everyone down.
A happy team is more likely to be a productive team, so it is worth spending some time creating that happy work environment, especially since we spend so much of our time in the workplace. According to research, happy employees are at least 20% more productive than unhappy ones. This proves that implementing ways to improve employee happiness is worth looking into.
Happiness at work often comes from the top. If you’re turning up for work in a lousy mood, grunting a greeting to your employees and then not speaking to them for the rest of the day, you are not creating the best example. You’re actually souring the workplace environment.
Engage Your Employees
While employee productivity and engagement are not the same things, they both have an impact on each other. Engaged employees are more likely to be productive.
Engaging your employees in the business could mean giving them more input into the ways things are done. This allows them the opportunity to put forward ideas on how they think improvements could be made. It also gives them opportunities to be responsible for specific tasks, making it their ‘baby.’
Show Respect
Some bosses get so caught up in the tasks that need to be done, they seem to forget their employees are humans with feelings and opinions. Treating every one of your employees fairly and with respect is an essential way of both maintaining and increasing productivity.
While some procedures, such as drug testing, may be a requirement for employment in the organization, your employees may find them an inconvenience. Showing respect and understanding by finding times and locations that are convenient for them, will demonstrate that you are upholding the company’s procedures while still being respectful to them as your employees. With the drug testing example, you offer different testing locations that your employees can easily get to. They will definitely appreciate it.
People tend to work harder for people they like and respect. If you don’t treat your employees fairly, it is likely to have the opposite effect that you were trying to achieve.
Encourage Breaks
Getting out into the fresh air and taking a break is always a great way to increase productivity. Taking a break not only divides up the day, but also provides an opportunity to clear your mind. Returning to the workplace feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next challenge makes everyone feel better able to tackle the work ahead.
Taking care of your employees can increase productivity and engagement. Try implementing one or more of these strategies and see the difference it can make for your business. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services athttps://infinitycoaching.net.
