When we think of productivity, we often think of long hours and overworked employees. But at its core, productivity refers to how well an organization converts inputs into outputs. In other words, productivity depends on how well a company utilizes people and resources to produce high-quality goods and services.
The goal is to get more out of your employees — in both output and happiness — by working smarter rather than harder.
Research shows that organizations with engaged employees experience better business outcomes. According to Gallup's meta-analysis on employee engagement, companies with engaged workforces are 21% more profitable than their competition. Their productivity levels are 17% higher and their customer ratings are 10% higher.
That's why it's vital to keep your employees engaged at work. But how do you do that?
Increase employee engagement.
Be a big-picture thinker. Learn how to keep your employees engaged by making them feel like valued team members. Engaged employees will be more successful and satisfied, and they will want to be part of a company's achievements.
Communicate with your employees.
It is vital that you communicate with employees about their role and how it fits into the big picture. Open communication channels allow employees to give feedback about how things are running, what is working, and what could be improved.
Provide training.
Employees who are given opportunities to learn new skills and develop professionally are more likely to be engaged and motivated at work. Training also gives employees the skills they need to work efficiently while keeping up with industry trends and developments.
Give rewards and recognition.
Rewarding good work can boost morale and make your employees feel valued. Recognition doesn't have to be all about bonuses or salary increases; verbal praise, awards, or extra time off can also boost employee productivity and engagement levels.
Emphasize teamwork.
A culture of teamwork helps people feel like part of a larger organization. In turn, they feel more responsible for their actions, because they don't want to let their team down.
Invest in the right tools.
The right tools can help your employees be more productive, and help you better manage your business. There are three basic types of tools to consider: automation tools, data analysis tools, and communication/collaboration tools.
Automation is important because it frees up your employees' time to do other things— like thinking creatively or collaborating with coworkers. Automation features are enabled in most of Zoho's business-critical apps for sales, HR management, marketing, finance, and more.
Data analysis is also critical because it helps employees assess their performance, and quickly identify areas they need to improve.
Communication and collaboration tools bring team members together so they can work more effectively. Most of the time, clear communication is the difference between success and failure.
The right technology can directly impact productivity, empowering employees to work both efficiently and intelligently by focusing on what matters most.
Technology is powerful, but it isn't all-powerful. The key to success is understanding how technology can work within your business to make life easier and more productive for everyone involved.
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