By Tim Glendenning (OnTheClock)
Productivity is always a priority for businesses both big and small, especially when you consider that research shows the average worker is only productive for two hours and 53 minutes of their eight-hour workday. This statistic can be pretty frustrating, seeing as you’re paying them for the full eight hours. However, this issue usually goes both ways. Whether its a small business CRM software or just handy tacks around the office, here are some great ideas.
Yes, your employee should have the self-discipline to ensure they’re fulfilling their work obligations—including working productively—but you also need to ensure the foundation is there to motivate employees and keep them on track throughout the workday. At the end of the day, it boils down to the fact that happy employees are productive employees. So, how can you make sure your team feels supported, comfortable, and enjoys their work?
It doesn’t just mean giving them every perk imaginable, that would really drain your bottom line. But it does involve giving your employees the tools they need to succeed and do their work as efficiently as possible, as well as making sure they’re satisfied with their job.
Consider implementing some of these recommendations to help your employees stay engaged and as efficient as possible, which in the end will benefit your business overall.
#1: Switch to a Web-based Time Clock System
Punch clocks and time card machines are fazing out as digital time clock systems are becoming the norm for modern businesses. Whether your business is in-person or remote, using time tracking software through a human resource software can help ensure that hours are accounted for throughout the day, encourage employees to use their time more effectively, and prevent projects from being blown out of scope due to poor time management or procrastination.
Properly recording employee’s time is key to small business success and as you know, time is money. Being able to accurately track the time employees spend working can save your business money and also provide other great benefits such as:
- Accuracy – Digital time cards are more accurate and can be saved and accessed whenever needed. This can prevent time theft and problems with payroll.
- Less stress – Having a cloud-based system relieves stress and removes any uncertainty or confusion for employers and employees when it comes to scheduling.
- Efficiency – Being web-based streamlines the attendance process, increases effectiveness, and saves time during the payroll process.
Check out OnTheClock’s resource for more benefits of tracking employee hours for small businesses here. It’s time to ditch the time clock and go digital!
#2: Offer Good Benefits That Improve Employee Satisfaction
One of the most important things for people when choosing where to work is the benefits program offered. While healthcare, 401(k) matching, and other traditional benefits provide a lot of value, there’s more you can offer employees to make them happy and comfortable. And when it comes to covering the basics, don’t skimp on quality.
When choosing medical plans to offer, think about what your employees need and want—low premiums, HSAs, and access to telemedicine, and savings on their medical costs. Any value you can add on top of salary is a great way to motivate your employees. Some examples of other benefits and perks you can offer include:
- Mental health days
- Stipend for workstation enhancements
- Gym membership
- Health and wellness support
- Catered lunches
Studies show that employee happiness can increase productivity by 31%, so don’t underestimate the importance of employee satisfaction. With the right benefits, you can help your employees feel more at home and appreciated in the workplace, which contributes to better productivity (and your business’s overall success).
#3: Provide Opportunities for Employee Feedback and Innovation
Your employees are the ones with the most insight into the actual workflow of projects and inter-departmental processes. As such, you should leverage that knowledge to help improve company practices and ensure everyone is working as efficiently as possible. Plus, when employees feel heard, they are more likely to devote their time and best efforts to their work.
Host regular meetings where you can roundup employee feedback and get different perspectives on workflow issues. Whether they’re company-wide or department meetings, this is a great way to allow employees to share their opinions and ideas in a constructive way.
Or, if you don’t want to devote the time to meetings, you can have an employee feedback channel that allows people to share their recommendations. You’d be surprised what kinds of tools and solutions may come out of it that lead to major improvements.
#4: Recognize and Reward Hard Work
Along with allowing employees to contribute to workplace practices, it’s important to recognize the contributions that your employees have to your business’s success. This helps employees feel like their work matters and is noticed by those in charge, which is rewarding and motivating all in itself.
Recognizing employees can be as simple as verbally showing your appreciation during a one-on-one meeting or giving them a shout-out during a company-wide meeting. However, you can also take it to the next level with rewards like:
- Gift cards
- Bonuses
- Employee-of-the-week perks
- Lunch
- Employee Appreciation Gifts
- Points towards prizes
- Book an appointment for your employees with the best skincare expert in LA
Your creativity is the limit when it comes to rewarding your employees for their hard work and contribution to your company’s success. Usually, the bigger the accomplishment, the more significant you want the means of recognition to be.
Take Action to Make Your Workplace More Productive
Just like lead conversion and good cash flow management, optimal productivity is important to help your business grow and be as streamlined as possible. However, your employees are people, not robots, so they aren’t going to always be operating at 100%. It’s about finding that happy medium of productivity, good work-life balance, and employee satisfaction. These four hacks to keep your staff productive and successful, are a great place to start so your business can be more profitable, innovative, and effective.
About the Author:
Tim Glendenning, Marketing Manager at OnTheClock, has an extensive background in SEO, content management, and optimizing digital marketing platforms. His contributions can be found on numerous websites throughout the world.
