In this post we will explore employee productivity during the last 12 months. We will also discuss why organizations need to reassess their workplace environment. The workplace environment can largely contribute to increases in employee productivity.
The last year has taken all kinds of businesses by surprise. It resulted in the emergence of a remote working setup. With this, many business leaders wonder how they can increase employee productivity
. Firstly, they should accept that the situation will not immediately go back to normal. Considering the situation as such allows businesses to be adaptable to the circumstances.
Ten top tips for returning to the workplace
1. Start thinking about your Return To The Workplace strategy sooner rather than later.
2. Accept that it won’t be back-to-normal from day one.
3. Assess what has changed over the last 12 months.
4. Clear communication is key.
5. Consider which staff may need a re-induction.
6. The grand tour for new employees.
7. Nurture those who have started their career during a global pandemic.
8. Organize team-building/ team gathering opportunities.
9. Don’t underestimate staff anxiety about coming back.
10. Be prepared for and open to flexible working requests.
To increase employee productivity, another focus should be creating a flexible work schedule. According to business experts, creating a flexible working schedule eliminates hindrances to accessibility. In this case, employee productivity should increase.
“The key to making the future of work possible is flexibility. Leaders who are willing to consider alternative operating models that better fit the strengths of their teams may find that it unleashes a wave of creativity and fresh talent that can take their business to new heights.” Monte Repasky, Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP.
However, the pandemic accelerated a new generation of workforce. And with this, business leaders should also look into the possibility of overworking. In this case, they should consider new methods to humanize the workplace.
According to the annual Deloitte Human Capital Trends survey, 96% of respondents said organizations are responsible for employee wellbeing. However, 79% said that wellbeing is not incorporated into the workplace.
So, how can organizations ensure that employees are satisfied, purposeful, and engaged in the workplace? Prioritize humanization and collaboration for the entire organization starting at the top, provide employees with transparent goals and the tools and opportunities to achieve them, and create a forward-looking culture that inspires innovation.
Employee Productivity During the Pandemic
Contrary to the notion that employee productivity has declined, studies show that it remained stable. Research shows that employees can work better in a personalized working environment.
Employees have the freedom to choose their work attire and customize their workplace. They can even prepare their meals and bond with their pets. For workers who have no children, they can focus better as there are little to no distractions.
It is a matter of differences in the situation. Organizations should look into how the pandemic has affected the productivity of each employee. Understanding employee experience is crucial in creating a productive working environment. Another factor to consider, and one that affects employee satisfaction, is workplace flexibility.
Thriving companies have not wasted a single minute to keep their employees focused. Companies that communicated and collaborated effectively with their employees have maintained their productivity.
Workplace Environment Matters
As the journey through the COVID-19 continues, a post-pandemic review of the workplace is necessary. Employers need to reimagine the future workplace. They must ensure that the workplace and the employees’ working environment remain safe. Doing this potentially increases employee productivity.
In a recent interview, we look into how business owners can look into workplace and real estate designs. We interviewed Chris Kane, an author, advisor, and advocate specializing in commercial real estate. He is also the co-founder of Six Ideas, a community of independent workplace professionals aiming to promote innovation in businesses.
In this episode, Chris discusses how reimagining the workplace requires the courage to experiment. Organizations should strive to give employees a creative space free of oppressive hierarchical systems. In line with this, he also emphasized how a workplace should be about the place and its people. Additionally, Chris explains that your choices as a business leader should depend on three things:
– Constraints
– Context
– Choice
Employee productivity will only increase if the organizations value the efforts of their workers. They should know about the limitations their workers face. And this should be based on the context of their individual situations.
If you would like to learn more about how reimagining the workplace contributes to the welfare of your employees, check out our channel over at YouTube. Click here to subscribe. If you would like to listen to Chris and his opinion in reopening the workplace, watch the following video:
Now for your thinking time – take a few minutes and write down the answers to these questions:
1. Can you increase employee productivity while enhancing creativity?
2. How will you engage your employees in a healthy working environment that promotes teamwork?
3. How do you value employee experience?
Join our discussion on our Discord server via the following link: https://discord.gg/gbJ9Ta78JG
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