Employee productivity is one of the most important factors in determining the success of a business. Unfortunately, it’s easy for things to get in the way of employees being as productive as they can be. There are some common things that can affect employee productivity, like ineffective managers and company culture. But there are some lesser-known factors that can have a big impact on productivity as well.
So, here are 3 underrated ways to improve employee productivity.
Eliminate Repetitive Mundane Tasks
One of the biggest productivity killers is having employees do repetitive, mundane tasks. This could be anything from data entry to sorting through emails.
Not only are these tasks incredibly boring for employees, but they’re also a huge waste of time. If you can find a way to automate or eliminate these types of tasks, do it.
For instance, if your IT department is still using manual means of responding to IT support requests, it’s time to consider customer service automation that can automate much of the process and leave them free for more important tasks like cybersecurity.
Here’s how to eliminate mundane tasks for your employees:
- Outsourcing is a great way to get rid of repetitive tasks.
- Use software to automate. There are now software programs that can automate just about anything, from social media posts to data entry.
- Hire a Virtual Assistant. A Virtual Assistant (VA) can take care of a lot of different tasks, from scheduling appointments to handling customer service inquiries.
Create a Comfortable Physical Workspace
The physical workspace is often underrated when it comes to employee productivity. But the truth is, employees who have a comfortable and ergonomic workspace are going to be more productive than those who don’t.
There are a few things you can do to make sure your employees have a comfortable workspace:
- Invest in ergonomic furniture. This includes things like adjustable desks and chairs, as well as standing desks.
- Make sure there’s enough space. If the workspace is too cramped, it will only serve to add to stress levels.
- Allow for personalization. Employees should be able to personalize their workspace to some extent. This could be anything from photos to plants.
Encourage Breaks
It might seem counterintuitive, but encouraging employees to take breaks can actually help improve productivity. Employees who take regular breaks are more likely to be refreshed and ready to work when they return to their tasks.
There are a few different ways you can encourage employees to take breaks:
- Set up a dedicated break area in the office where employees can go to relax and recharge.
- Offer incentives for taking breaks, like giving employees extra points in a company-wide wellness program.
- Encourage employees to use their vacation days. This will not only give them a much-needed break from work, but it will also give them something to look forward to.
By eliminating repetitive tasks, creating a comfortable workspace, and encouraging employees to take breaks, you can boost employee productivity in your organization. Try one or all of these methods and see what works best for your business.