The feeling of belongingness in a workplace goes a long way in shaping a company’s success. As the years progressed and as society evolved, people started to look at productivity in a different light.
Recently, more studies have shown that productivity is more than just tracking the hours that employees put in. It is achievable by providing people with a conducive workspace and considering their welfare.
This blog post will give insights on how New Zealand-based offices can transform their workplace into a productivity hub.
Table of Contents
Defining Workplace Productivity
Factors that Disrupt Workplace Productivity
Seven Ways to Enhance Productivity in the Office
Conclusion
Defining Workplace Productivity
Workplace productivity means how well work gets done in a company. When you have a workplace where people are productive, it can lead to better profits and happier employees.Many businesses find it challenging to have a highly productive team. Figuring out the best ways to boost productivity and explaining the benefits of being super productive can help everyone understand workplace productivity.
Factors that Disrupt Workplace Productivity
Workplace productivity is a delicate balance, subject to various influencing factors that can tip the scales in either direction. This section delves into the elements that can potentially disrupt any organisation's efficiency and effectiveness. These factors encompass leadership dynamics, the role of technology, and the emergence of artificial intelligence in the modern workplace.
Leadership Structure
When employees feel they need more confidence, trust, and respect for their boss, it's easier to expect them to work well. And morale will likely suffer if their leaders are mean, overly controlling, and can't tell them what to do.
In both situations, the outcome is clear. When leaders aren't doing a good job, it makes work less productive, and people are less happy. Don't be surprised if employees leave when leaders are making big mistakes.
Technological Tools and Software
Teams that work remotely or focus on technology must ensure that their software and digital tools are working well. This often leads companies to look for new apps and systems to make their tasks easier and faster.
Even when people work together in the same place, having suitable machines and equipment layouts can make a big difference in how quickly products are made. But if the tools are old or not very good, it can greatly slow things down and lower productivity. So, it's crucial for companies to regularly test and update their essential tools to avoid these problems.
Having inconsistent or outdated tools, like old computer mice, software, or screens, can cause work to be slower. That's why managers should ensure employees have the right tools to do their jobs well and be more productive.
The presence of AI
We often talk about how we're in the age of machines doing lots of work. It's true that we're using more and more automated systems to do jobs that used to be done by people. However, it's important to remember that people are still at the core of almost every business.
Technology can help businesses do more, but it's the people who use it and improve the final product. So, the workers' skills and honesty significantly impact how productive a business can be.
Seven Ways to Enhance Productivity in the Office
In the bustling hub of the modern office, productivity is the ultimate goal. It's the key to achieving organisational objectives, maintaining a motivated workforce, and delivering exceptional results. However, the path to peak productivity is often laden with challenges, distractions, and inefficiencies.
Practice Work-life Balance
Balancing work and personal life is good for your company and employees. It makes employees healthier, happier, and more productive. People feel content and satisfied when they balance their personal life and work well. This helps reduce health problems and lowers the chances of stress, high blood pressure, heart issues, and other health problems caused by lifestyle.
Minimise Disturbances
To make your workplace better, start by finding out what's causing distractions. When you look around various offices, you'll see many things that can divert your attention, like coworkers talking or smartphone alerts. So, spend some time figuring out what's causing these distractions. Once you identify them, find ways to stop or reduce those disruptions. Creating a comfortable and well-designed workspace is also a helpful solution.
Consider a renovation or redecoration
The environment where your employees work can affect how well they get things done. You can make small changes to your office's design and layout or completely redesign it. Simple adjustments like changing the colours, adjusting the temperature, and improving the lighting can make a big difference.
Implement strategies for inclusion and communication
Open communication is vital for success, promoting innovation and agility. It also builds trust and respect. Encouraging individuality and expression in employees boosts confidence and idea sharing. Moreover, diverse and inclusive companies, regardless of race, religion, gender, etc., create a happier, more engaged, innovative, and loyal workforce, enhancing adaptability and reputation.
Acknowledge and celebrate small wins
Teresa M. Amabile, a renowned researcher in organisational dynamics, highlights the importance of the "progress principle" for workplace happiness and productivity. According to Amabile, meaningful work doesn't have to be grand; it simply needs to be valuable to the person doing it, like providing useful services or quality products. To boost your team's happiness, ensure they see progress in their work and recognise their role's significance in your company.
Use Natural Light Wisely
Good lighting is crucial in the workplace. Low light can make us feel tired, give us headaches, and reduce our focus. An office with poor lighting is more likely to have sleepy and less efficient employees.
On the other hand, overly bright fluorescent light can also be harmful, leading to migraines and eye strain. To create the ideal lighting, use a mix of natural and artificial light. Balanced lighting can help you concentrate on your tasks and stay productive.
Manage Workplace Air Quality
People often overlook the importance of clean air in the office, which can cause health problems and lower productivity. Research from the World Green Building Council shows that having clean air at work can increase productivity by 11%.
To improve air quality, ensure no indoor smoking or set up designated smoking areas. Install air filtration systems, monitor humidity levels, and ensure regular office ventilation. If there's no cleaning staff, assign team members to clean the workspace regularly.
Utilise Electric Standing Desks
By allowing employees to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, these desks encourage movement, which can boost energy levels and focus. Additionally, standing while working can increase blood flow to the brain, leading to improved cognitive function and creativity among staff. Agile offers a great range of options to help with this.
Conclusion
No longer limited to counting the hours clocked in, today's approach to productivity encompasses a holistic perspective that considers the environment and the workforce's well-being.
From promoting work-life balance and minimising distractions to considering workspace renovations and championing open communication, each strategy has the potential to transform your office into a productivity oasis. These practical insights offer a blueprint for New Zealand-based offices to enhance productivity while prioritising the well-being of their employees.
In pursuing a more productive and fulfilling work environment, let us remember that the path to success is not solely measured in output but also in the well-being, contentment, and personal growth of the individuals who shape the heart of our organisations.
