Productivity in the Workplace

The main job of any manager in an organization is to improve the productivity. Be it the organization's employees or physical resources, a manager is expected to take certain steps that would ensure their maximum utilization, resulting in maximum output or productivity. Let's find out.

Methods to Increase Productivity of the Employees

Set Clear Goals
Set clear, realistic and objective goals. When the employees are clear on what they have to deliver or what is expected of them, they are much more likely to act in ways to ensure that they achieve their targets. The goals that are set for the employees should be achievable, precise, measurable and rewarding.

Communicate
Workplace communication, especially if it is on a one to one basis, can go a long way in motivating the employees and increasing their productivity. If the manager takes a keen interest in every employee, tries to know them beyond their work i.e. inquires from time to time about their hobbies, likes, dislikes, their families,etc. it helps tremendously in motivating them. The employees feel cared for and valued by the organization and this improves the employee performance considerably.

Appreciate the Employees
The most effective tool that he can employ is employee appreciation. Many organizations today use various methods, such as giving out gifts, celebrating employee appreciation days, having special events in office, for appreciating and motivating their employees. Such activities give the employees a sense of belonging to the organization and hence, they are motivated to work more.

Be Fair
The manager should treat all his employees fairly and equally, irrespective of who is contributing how much in a given project. Also, communicating to each and every employee and telling them the importance of their work in achieving the organization's goals, is very important too, as it makes the employees feel that what they do is indeed valuable and important for the organization.

Methods to Measure Productivity

Realizing the importance of productivity in the workplace, managers and employers employ various tools such as periodic assessments and appraisals. Performance Appraisals are usually carried out on yearly basis and in these, the goals set for the employee are compared with his actual performance. On the basis of the outcome of these assessments, incentives for employees, increments on salaries and bonuses, perks, etc. of the employee are decided.

Low productivity among the employees could be because the job that they are doing does not suit their temperament or qualities or skills. Through assessments and appraisals, managers are better able to evaluate an employee's skills and thus, can shift him to a department or a job that suits his qualities.

Besides the ways mentioned above, productivity can also be greatly improved, if the office space is well-organized. The office, cubicle or chair of the employee should be such that it makes him feel that it is his "place". Of course, it should be airy enough and with perfect lighting, so that work becomes easier. Providing the employees with the latest equipment and gadgets and good office accessories, improves their productivity too. Lastly, provide the employees with job security and enough money as salary. If all these measures are seriously adopted by an organization, they will surely increase the productivity by leaps and bounds.