Maximizing Productivity

Productivity is one of the most common workplace measurements, with respect to each individual employee’s contributions to the bottom line. These measurements are often done with many analytical and statistical tools, which can take the results down to their simplest form. True to our society, the number of distractions we face on a daily basis can cripple the effectiveness of work being done in the workplace. As a result, productivity suffers and worldwide, over $7 TRILLION is lost because of it (Stevenson, 2018). As part of our new year blog series on helping businesses better optimize themselves for success, we’re going to take a quick look at several ways in which businesses and employees can be more productive in 2019. Read on to see what we’ll focus on.

Being Productive Without Going Crazy
 
If one were to take a few minutes out of their productive day to do a Google search on ways to be productive, one would fine thousands of search results. Many businesses today have some type of instant communication system (e.g. Slack), which pops up messages and notifications as one goes about their day. Depending on the role that one has, this may be as infrequent as a ding or two every so often, or as often as if someone has their ear right next to a fire bell ringing like mad! For the sake of time, it can be assumed that phones of any kind are certain to apply here as well (Korkki, 2019). 
 
Strategies for Maximizing Productivity
 
The point here, is that distractions kill productivity, and there are ways to be more productive without wanting to scream as soon as one leaves the office for the day. There are simple hacks that both management and non-management personnel can apply throughout their daily workloads that can help them feel better, become more productive, and feel happier at work. From the research given, here are some of the most interesting points that we feel have the most impact for all:
 

1. Have the right tools in place (both electronically and non-electronically), so that work can be done as smoothly as possible and interruptions are minimized as best as possible.
2. Provide employees with an opportunity to take ownership in the work being completed, so that they not only assist with the outcome, but also reduce the workload that leadership has to take on themselves. Double win!
3. Especially specific to leaders, create a culture of transparency and feedback where all can be themselves and so their best work.
4. Strategically manage one’s day by scheduling mundane tasks (e.g. checking voicemail and email) early on in the day and after important tasks are completed or during meal breaks.
5. Create a dialogue with management to track projects and other tasks that help to eliminate inefficiencies and maximize productivity while holding all involved accountable.
6. Take regular (exercise) breaks (scheduled or unscheduled) because levels of concentration will improve significantly when not trying to plow through a specific task. It is suggested that work can be done in 90-minute intervals to maximize productivity.
7. Regardless of one’s workspace, have something nice to look at that can provide motivation to keep going (e.g. family picture, scripture, motivational poster, etc.).

 
Why Productivity Matters – The Benefits of A Productive Workforce
 
Having productive workers within the workplace certainly results in numerous benefits that are, in turn, the result of the minimal amount of effort that leadership teams would need to apply to make the aforementioned happen. Employee turnover is one such benefit that can be applied to a more productive workforce. Employees that are empowered and engaged in what they do are more likely to want to be there, as opposed to using company resources to find other employment, or worse, texting their boss to state that they’ve quit (Quickbase.com, 2013). As the company needs to grow, the caliber of talent required also goes up. Hence, companies can be more selective as to who they want to bring on board to maintain higher levels of productivity. Finally, if there is a culture of winning, then the overall mood of the company is far more likely to be positive. Happier workers are many more times likely to be more productive than ones that are buried in gloom and doom (Alright, 2019; MacKay, 2017; & Rampton, 2017).
 
Conclusion
 
Management and leadership personnel must understand that in order for a firm to be productive, everyone must be focused on a company’s vision to remain profitable and serve their clientele the best it possibly can. Encouraging the workforce to be productive through the ways provided here are quick and easy steps to implement. The benefits frequently outweigh the costs required to implement solutions to be more productive. Does your firm need assistance to become more productive? Great! Here at Integrity MCG, we’re ready to turn a business that is slow and sluggish into a rocketing, well-oiled machine. Give us a shout today to see how we can help out!
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References

• Alright, D. (2019). 11 Proven Strategies for Increasing Employee Productivity in 2019. Retrieved January 24, 2019 from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/business/how-to-improve-your-productivity-at-work.
• Korkki, P. (2019). How to Make the Most of Your Workday. Retrieved January 25, 2019 from https://www.nytimes.com/guides/business/how-to-improve-your-productivity-at-work.
• MacKay, J. (2017). 3 Simple Time-Management Tricks to Boost Your Employees’ Productivity. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/jory-mackay/research-shows-employees-have-only-25-hours-a-day-to-do-real-work-heres-how-to-fix-this.html. 
• Quickbase.com (2013). INFOGRAPHIC – 10 Ways You’re Making Your Employees Less Productive. Retrieved January 24, 2019 from https://www.quickbase.com/blog/10-ways-youre-making-your-employees-less-productive.
• Rampton, J. (2017). 10 Ways to Make Your Employees 10x More Productive. Retrieved January 24, 2019 from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/304220.
• Stevenson, M. (2018). $7 trillion in lost productivity: How an integrated employee experience program can save the workforce and money. Retrieved January 24, 2019 from https://www.hrexchangenetwork.com/employee-engagement/reports/7-trillion-in-lost-productivity-how-an-integrated-employee-experience-program-can-save-the-workforce-and-money.