When a boss encounters an unproductive employee, he should immediately begin to work on changing their attitude. What can decrease the level of employees’ productivity? Different things can affect their mood on a daily basis, but the fact is that people today spend up to 8 hours at work (some even spend more). That is more than most of them spend with their families.
Co-workers can affect each others’ mood greatly. Motivated employees back each other up and create a positive working environment, while unmotivated ones can act to demoralize. Every organization wants to improve employee productivity. Because of that, companies should examine their management practices, change and adjust them for attaining their goals.
This is how a business leader can manage his staff members and put them in a mindset that is more productive.
- Feedback
A cornerstone of effective management is providing feedback. The feedback information that is provided to employees should be helpful to them in a manner that encourages, not discourages. It should be provided on a regular basis and done thoughtfully. Of course that the feedback cannot always be positive, so it should imply to mistakes and suggest correction when needed, and encourage when a job is well done. This is one of the foundational management skills.
- Adequate training for management at all levels
Business leaders should not forget to focus on middle managers and supervisors, and provide necessary training to them. Many organizations tend to invest a large part of their funds in leadership training. However, training is most needed at employees’ early formative stages, not in the latter career stages when they have already prospered, and gained knowledge and experience along the way.
- Do not neglect incentives for employees on lower levels
Economic incentives should be designed in a way that employees at all levels can benefit from them. If you expect your staff to be strongly committed to the success of your organization, then you should not focus solely on senior-level economic incentives. You must structure your program carefully, so additional payouts reflect earning targets and clearly defined revenue.
- Respect as a motivator
It is simple, yet powerful. When employees feel respected and appreciated as individuals, in addition to their working position, you will most likely ensure them to “go the extra mile” in contributing to the organization’s success. Lack of respect, on the other hand, produces the opposite effect.
- Senior leaders are your employees’ models
If senior leaders in your company act in a way that the employees do not respect, their behavior will have a demoralizing effect. On the other hand, if a senior team is worthy of admiring, it will energize the employees into providing quality work and improving their productivity. Senior team members have to both “talk the talk and walk the walk”. Employees will always watch and judge their leaders.
- Provide support when needed
Company leaders can support their employees in various ways. If employees have problems with an outdated equipment, support them by replacing it with up-to-date technology. If they suffer from emotional problems, such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem problems, financial or health issues – support them in overcoming their personal issues. There are many good centers like Sydney Counselling that can provide a good employee assistance program for your staff. It will show them that you do not simply perceive them as workers, but value them as human beings. This will build employee loyalty and goodwill.
- Do not withhold praise
Praise and recognition can often be a more powerful motivator that money. Give recognition to those who deserve it, and it will show them that you value their contribution to the company.
A productive employee is a satisfied one. Instead of motivating and rewarding your staff with money, put some additional effort to alter your management practice. Make your employees feel that they are a part of the team. When they commit to your organization and take the company’s goals as their own, they will develop a passion for their work and maximize their productivity. This kind of management is not easy, but it is also not unattainable.
