The phrase employee productivity hearkens back to an era where workers were seen more like elements in production lines than as living, breathing human beings. Today, though, smart employers know that productivity isn't just about measuring and increasing output. In knowledge-based fields, quality is as important, if not more important, than quantity, and organizations that focus exclusively on measuring volumes of output will almost always find themselves dealing with stressed-out, disengaged, and less productive workers.
1. Low Morale
Employees who don't feel valued in their companies or positions often report experiencing feelings of low morale. As a result, they become less engaged, less productive, and less likely to thrive in their office environments. It used to be the case that employers could hold office parties, meetings to celebrate accomplishments, and other events that helped to keep employees engaged.
These days, most organizations employ at least a few remote workers, which can complicate traditional methods of boosting engagement and morale. Employers can benefit from consulting experts in employee management that can help them Boost Employee Morale Remotely and ensure that team members who work from home won't feel left out.
2. Lack of Communication
Strong interpersonal relationships not just between team members but also between people in different departments is one of the keys to ensuring that workers have all the tools they need to succeed. In today's world of temporary and sometimes permanent remote work, communication issues have become commonplace. Finding and implementing the right collaboration tools can improve communication among remote team members and help to keep everyone on the same page.
3. Insufficient Grasp on Company Vision
Employees need to have a broad understanding of the company's vision, goals, and objectives to function effectively as part of a team and ensure that the work they complete aligns with their employers' expectations. Clarity regarding why employees are performing certain tasks and how their work helps to accomplish shared goals can help people prioritize effectively, stay motivated, and be more productive.
4. Feelings of Stagnation
Most office workers do not want to keep the same positions throughout their entire working lives. They want to be able to advance in their careers. The possibilities of promotions and raises helps to keep lower-level employees feeling enthusiastic and performing their best, while feelings of stagnation tend to drive high rates of employee turnover.
Even hard-working employees need some direction and guidance when it comes to developing and pursuing career goals. Establishing a strong mentoring program is one great way to combat feelings of stagnation and ensure that all workers have the resources they need to move forward in their careers. The best part is, there's no reason mentors can't work with their mentees remotely if need be.
5. Management Issues
Capable managers know how to help employees work effectively and achieve maximum productivity. They also know how important it is to develop strong working relationships with their teams to enhance workers' confidence in them and help to keep their stress levels low. If one or more of the company's lower-level managers aren't performing well and keeping employees on track, consider providing leadership training.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Not all businesses have it in the budget to maintain a full HR department. Those that can't afford to hire new personnel can take advantage of third-party HR services to get the help they need with developing new strategies for boosting employee engagement and productivity. It's worth the investment.
