3 ways to boost productivity in the office

Employee productivity remains a hot button issue, with retention rates still low and efficiency at times even lower, many employers want to know how they can increase worker output without creating stress or hindering a proper work-life balance.
Some businesses have begun allowing employees to work from home, oftentimes on their own terms and time. According to a new study though, this has to be executed in a better manner to promote the most productivity possible.
The study, published in the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest, found that working from home is most effective if implemented in a way that meets the needs of both the worker and the employer.
“There are a variety of factors to consider, such as job responsibilities, individual desires and capabilities, and organizational needs and practices,” Dr. Tammy Allen, an organizational psychologist at the University of South Florida and co-author of the study, said in a statement. “It is important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”
Some of the more positive benefits were recorded when employees were given flexible schedules, able to choose when and where they worked. Flexible timelines in terms of submitting work for the day were also noted. There are many issues employees face though when working from home, including family duties, longer hours that may result in overworking and lack of face-to-face interactions with coworkers.
How can businesses boost productivity in the actual workplace? Keep the following three tips in mind during your next weekly meeting or monthly development training:

• Budget out time appropriately: Although it may seem like a refreshing idea to take a 20 minute walk during the first hour you’re in the office, it may not be the best idea. Take a few minutes to think of when you’re most productive, and least, and create a schedule around that timeframe. By planning out time for “high value activities” beforehand, your day will often be more productive and less stressful.
• De-clutter work areas: If desks in your office are covered in stacks of paper, seemingly endless cups of coffee and unused books, it’s time to make a change. A messy workspace may seem like a viable work area, but it can often detract from productivity, causing employees to lose focus or not gain any to begin with. A recent Harvard Business Review study found that people with neater offices are more persistent and less wary than their counterparts.
• Engage your workforce: A recent Gallup poll found that companies who engage their workforce see a 65 percent decrease in turnover and a 21 percent boost in productivity, as well as a 10 percent increase in customer ratings. Energizing staff through positive feedback, development training and refresher training can boost overall happiness, as well as productivity.

Whether your employees are working from home or at their usual desk, their productivity is important. Be sure your employees are aware of training opportunities, are taking breaks when necessary and understand their job role completely for the best productivity possible.
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