Productivity has been on the decline, resulting in what some are deeming “curbed ambition.” But, does this come as a surprise? Since the pandemic, employees have been dealing with varying work-from-home policies – leaving them confused about expectations. At the same time, inflation has caused associates to see decreasing value in their salaries, retirement funds, and bonuses. Through all of this, however, the need for companies to continually outperform hasn’t changed. So, how can managers combat this productivity slump? Here are four suggestions.
When employees are unsure of expectations, it can be difficult for them to stay focused and productive. Make sure that everyone is aware of the company’s goals, as well as their own individual goals, and communicate these regularly. That said, it’s important to be understanding and a bit more flexible with your expectations during this hard season. Ultimately, it’s important that everyone is on the same page.
The key to working better? Working less. Well, in a way, at least. IIt can be easy for employees to get bogged down in their work and lose focus if they don’t take breaks occasionally. Encourage your team to take a break every hour or so, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help them stay fresh and motivated, and they’ll be able to get more done in less time.
Encouraging collaboration among team members can also help boost productivity. When employees work together, they can share ideas and help each other out with problem-solving. This can lead to a more efficient and productive team overall. Think about what individuals would work best with certain members on your team.
When your team achieves success, make sure to celebrate! This will encourage them to continue working hard and put forth their best effort. A little recognition can go a long way in motivating employees.
As the economy ramps back up, you may find the best way to increase productivity is to add additional members to your team. Contact us today to see how we can save you time, cost and uncertainty while optimizing your company’s performance in the recruitment process.
