We all know what it means to be productive, right? You manage to get all of those smaller tasks done as well as those specific projects.
And by the time you’ve finished, you feel pretty accomplished for having achieved everything you wanted to. Not to mention that labor productivity can also make you feel pretty happy at the end of the day.
But this kind of productivity might only relate to you and your endeavors. So what is workplace productivity?
Sure, the term itself gives you an idea of its very definition. But it’s one of the most powerful tools that companies, businesses, managers, and workers can all benefit from should they understand the root of its success.
So, are you ready to process all of the deep work that goes into workplace productivity? (We promise, you won’t regret it!)
Definition of workplace productivity
At the core of workplace and employee productivity is efficiency. It’s the ability to complete tasks on your to-do list in a specific period of time.
Most ideally, within the least amount of hours possible. And the ability to stay focused during that particular period.
Employee productivity points to an individual’s ability to work efficiently. But workplace productivity is about the collective.
Think team productivity, like getting everyone on board to boost overall productivity. That’s most likely where the saying “like a well-oiled machine” comes from, don’t you think?
Ultimately, having a productive workplace and workforce is something all businesses strive to embrace. Because productivity in the workplace is so much more than just business success.
It’s an essential part of getting employees to contribute less time to their work. All without sacrificing the quality of their work.
And like any good thing, it comes with a myriad of benefits. That’s right, keep scrolling!
The advantages of workforce productivity
Take a look at these benefits and notice just how far productivity trends. Maybe you’re looking to improve one thing from the list below.
And if you are, then target how to improve workplace productivity instead. You’ll get more bang for your buck – and that’s what efficiency is all about, right?
See Related: What Is Employee Engagement?
Increased individual performance
Have you ever noticed how employees tend to feed off on one another? When one employee is slacking off, another employee feels like they can do the same.
But when employee productivity is an essential value of the organization, then workers are more inclined to put in the effort. For example, say you have an employee who’s been given a number of administrative tasks.
It’s not their favorite way to spend the day. But they notice other employees’ goal setting and managing their time efficiently, perhaps even with the pomodoro technique.
Seeing other workers care so deeply about their performance will automatically inspire them to boost their own focus. So, in a way, workplace productivity is a powerful tool that can boost employee productivity as well.
Healthier work environment
Some workplace cultures tend to glorify longer hours and increased stress. In other words, these kinds of companies prioritize time spent over efficiency.
This sometimes leads to a toxic work environment where employees battle out who can work longer while putting out the most output. On paper, this seems like it aligns with company values when it comes to gross domestic product.
But productivity means accomplishing tasks with efficiency, all without sacrificing quality. Sounds like the best of both worlds, right?
If you’ve noticed that toxicity in your workplace, suggest changing things up in the office. Maybe even get a virtual MC to come in and remind the gang that the workplace isn’t supposed to be a place of dread.
It could be just enough to get folks re-inspired. Then, as soon as the virtual session is over, it’s back to work.
Satisfied customers
Customers are, of course, an integral part of all companies. So it’s only fitting that the team put just as much effort into customer service as they do into product output.
Think of it this way. Customers are not only individuals who contribute financially to the business, but can also act as brand ambassadors should they have a quality experience.
So workplace productivity gains is all about seeing the opportunities within all services that a job can provide. It’s about maximizing productivity levels and accomplishing two tasks at one time instead of one task multiple times.
Higher quality of work
Some people think that when you increase productivity, quality goes out the window. Sure, that can happen, but that’s not the ideal scenario.
So when measuring productivity, quality should always be at the forefront of your mind. You can improve productivity and maintain the high quality work employees have been putting out.
You do not need to sacrifice one for the other. Every team will find that this process is unique to them.
But for now, you can consider some time management tools to help managers get the job done. All while supporting the team and ensuring that quality does not suffer at the hands of efficiency.
Greater output
Perhaps this one goes without saying. But we’ll say it anyway!
The most obvious benefit of productivity in the workplace is a greater output of goods. Whether you’re a software developer or a company that provides industry specific services.
A productive team in your field takes care in each task they achieve. And when you track hours back, you find that employees didn’t need overtime in order to be productive.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll even have time to treat the office to a clean comedian as a reward for their hard work!
Who knew that you could get the work done in a timely manner and with such high quality? (We did.)
Increased focus and organization
When you measure employee productivity and find solid results, you’ll see that focus and organization are often at the forefront of your productive employees’ radars. That’s because productivity is all about efficiency, remember?
For example, employees might manage to get a business endeavor finished by the end of the day. But what else did they accomplish other than that?
Nothing? Then they certainly didn’t organize to the best of their ability.
Small shifts in organization and focus can help a company refocus their efforts towards productivity. And they’ll also help employees develop valuable skills that they can implement in other areas of their lives.
The disadvantages of low productivity
Maybe you think that the employee productivity of your company is good enough. That nothing needs to change.
But check this list below to see if your business might be suffering from any of these factors. Maybe then you’ll find that employee productivity moves up the list of your priorities.
Increased labor cost
You can guarantee that low productivity will mean a negative financial impact. Most notably through an increased labor cost.
When employees take longer to complete a task, you’ll either have to pull more resources within the company. Or, you’ll simply have a lower output of goods to offer.
Bonus: How Does Positive Thinking Affect Your Performance?
More hours worked
Low productivity also means more hours worked for the business. Sure, a team at your company might like spending time together.
But they also have lives! Not to mention, you do too!
So rather than spending way too much time on a task, productivity allows you to get the job done. And get home for dinner in time.
Or, better yet. Getting the job done early will give you the extra time to hire a corporate comedian to entertain the entire office!
Lower output and performance
An ideal business model is high output with high performance. But low productivity will take up more of your resources and send your employees down a poor performance spiral.
That’s because productivity is linked to efficiency just as much as it’s linked to attitude. Productivity has a drive behind it – a motivation, if you will.
But when output is already low, that simply convinces employees that their performance doesn’t really need to shine. So long as they get the minimal amount of work done.
Low employee morale
Remember how we mentioned those happy feelings that accompany productivity? Well, there’s a direct link between employee productivity and employee morale.
We simply feel better when we get more done. Sure, every day can’t be the most productive of your life.
But consistent business means consistent and efficient work. And that only lends itself to some added mental health benefits as well.
Increased absenteeism
When a business isn’t doing so well, it has a pretty obvious effect on its employees. With low morale, employees may feel discouraged when they wake up in the morning.
And this might even manifest itself into increased absenteeism. It’s very much along the lines of a “what’s the point?” attitude.
And that’s the exact kind of spiral you don’t want your employees to suffer. So focus on ways to increase productivity just to save employees the headache of not wanting to get out of bed in the morning.
Something everyone can benefit from
Life is all about balance. Balance between professional and personal lives, work and relationships, etc.
And workplace productivity is an amazing tool to help you with those balances in your life. When you’re productive at work, you typically head home in a cheerful attitude.
That only benefits your loved ones, don’t you think? So when you think of workplace productivity, think of it as a tool to help you achieve happiness in all areas of your life.
You’ll not only feel like you’re doing the work well. You’ll feel like your time and efforts are well spent.
So use workplace productivity as the benchmark for you to achieve. Set small goals or even time yourself throughout the day to help with time management.
All of these small yet consistent changes will help you lighten your time in the office. And you’ll only have more energy in other areas of your life to truly enjoy the balance we all strive to create.
Keep Reading: What Is Workplace Communication?
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Adam Christing is a professional comedy magician, virtual MC, and the founder of Clean Comedians®. He is a member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and a popular corporate entertainer, magician, and virtual speaker.