Productivity is at the heart of any successful business and taking steps to improve the efficiency of your work force might be easier than you think. If you think your work environment could do with a shake-up but don’t know where to start, you’re in luck. We have put together a list of 5 ways you could boost your business productivity with very little effort. Sounds good, right? Keep reading to find out more:
1. Utilize office space
The office environment is the most untapped resource when it comes to productivity. Making the most of your work space can help keep you more focused on the job at hand. Opening blinds and windows will bring in more light and fresh air – helping your employees stay more alert. When it comes to space, the standard office layout doesn’t work for everyone. While individual booths might work for some companies, they’re not for everyone. If your team regularly collaborate, having them sit together could improve efficiency – but it could also encourage distractions. While sharing desk space may not be ideal for those who prefer their own work area, it could prove practical for teams who share resources. Figure out what works best for your team and adjust your office space accordingly.
2. Stand up meetings
Team meetings are great for morale, but they don’t need to be held sitting down. Get your team moving by holding your morning meeting standing up. This not only encourages a little bit of activity in the office but will kickstart your staff’s brain function for the working day. This is also a great opportunity for your team to discuss any problems they’re having or any particular positives about their working day. This team ‘huddle’ is a great opportunity to encourage each other to go about the working day with a positive mindset.
3. Keep hydrated
When it comes to keeping us alert, there is no better resource than water. Keeping our bodies hydrated means keeping our brains functioning properly and regular water consumption is vital to the day to day productivity and health of your workforce. A water coolerin the office is not only a great way to provide your staff with unlimited access to water, but the walk to the water cooler encourages short, regular breaks. Getting up from their seats and moving around regularly throughout the day will help keep your staff focused and prevent them from losing concentration.
4. Flexitime
It seems obvious, but outside of the office, not everyone works on the same schedule – so why should they at work? Flexitime is becoming more and more popular with employers as it allows staff to work on a schedule that suits them. Simply allowing your staff to have the option to start work an hour later means that they can tailor their working day around their lives. If you’re willing to accommodate the needs of your staff, the more likely they are to be productive at work – so it’s a win-win.
5. Keep staff moving
There’s no getting away from it – exercise is great for us. When you work in an office, it’s easy to get into a routine of sitting still for large amounts of time, but research proves that our concentration levels suffer when we’re stagnant. A subsidised gym membership could be a great incentive for your staff. Not only will they be more likely to use it because they’re getting a discount, but it will encourage them to get moving (before or after the working day) and improve their brain activity.
Damien Higgins is Marketing Manager Eden Springs, a leading supplier of environmentally friendly office coffee machines and water coolers to businesses and organisations throughout the UK, helping to keep your employees hydrated and productive all day long.