Labor costs are the #1 expense for most businesses. With engaged employees, that’s just the cost of doing business. But unmotivated employees are a drain on your revenue. Nationwide, disengaged workers cause massive losses in productivity, totaling up to $500 billion/year (Mental Health America).
If you have just one disengaged worker, they might not be a good fit for your company. But if your whole team is falling behind, it’s time to reevaluate your culture. Employees who see their company culture as positive are 3.8x more likely to be engaged (Gable).
The best way to improve employee productivity is by giving your team the support they need from leadership. Use these tips to get started:
Embrace Remote or Hybrid Work
Studies show that people who work from home are more productive (Psychology Today). Of course, in a lot of industries, this just isn’t possible. Nurses can’t give patients medication remotely. But you may be able to find a middle ground, even if it only applies to some employees.
Offer Flexible Scheduling
Since 2020, work/life balance is a higher priority than ever. Employees don’t just want flexible scheduling; they expect it. By offering this perk, businesses can increase productivity and revenue (Business Management Daily). It’s also a great recruiting and retention strategy!
Open the Lines of Communication
65% of employees want more feedback from leadership (Zippia). Giving it to them fosters transparency and helps them grow – both as workers and as people. Also, remember that communication is a two-way street. Leaders can foster trust and transparency when they’re open to receiving feedback from their direct reports. You can run regular surveys to keep your finger on the pulse of company culture.
Set Clear Goals
When you define “success,” it gets much easier for your team to achieve it. Measurable goals help your team look to the future. They also provide a level of accountability, so you can easily track employee performance.
Recognize Achievements
Employees crave recognition for their accomplishments. 80% of employees actually say they’d work harder if they felt more appreciated (Zippia). Calling attention to your team’s great work can inspire them to reach new heights. Some HR tools can also allow them to publicly recognize each other, boosting morale without adding to your to-do list.
Invest in Employee Development
Today’s employees are tired of just working for a paycheck. They want fulfilling careers – and HR can support that. Give your team opportunities for on-the-job training. This practice boosts employee efficiency, engagement, and job satisfaction.
Prioritize Employee Wellness
One survey revealed that 62% of employees who participated in wellness programs were more productive (UnitedHealth Group). These programs could include mental health resources, gym memberships, and group activities like yoga classes. As a benefit, they can also improve recruitment and employee retention.
Streamline Workflows
By some estimates, workers spend 31 hours per month in unproductive meetings, wasting up to $37 billion per year (Zippia). HR leaders can boost employee efficiency by limiting meetings and giving employees more time to focus on their core objectives. You can use HR software to automate administrative tasks and reduce busywork.
Align Organizational Goals
Shared values are the cornerstone of a successful business strategy. Clear communication is key here. Make sure employees’ job descriptions and responsibilities align with your company’s long-term goals. This gives your team a sense of shared purpose. It can also foster better collaboration between people and departments.
Celebrate Wins
Acknowledge your team’s achievements, great and small. You can do this with online recognition tools, public announcements, or team-building activities.
Paycor’s Tools Improve Employee Engagement and Productivity
Paycor gives leaders the tools to support their teams. That includes employee well-being, job satisfaction, and ongoing job productivity. Our talent management tools allow you to track each person’s progress, give regular feedback, and communicate clear expectations. Paycor Pulse surveys give you detailed information about your team’s needs, so you can make informed decisions that improve company culture. Connect with us to learn more about how Paycor’s HR solutions boost employee efficiency and help businesses achieve their long-term goals.
