The Path to Productivity – What Employees Need to Thrive in 2020

Featured article by Caitlyn Bell, Independent Technology Author

The subject of productivity should be on the agenda of all businesses looking to succeed in 2020, with a staggering number of workforces engaged in unproductive practises spanning all industries. Leaders never set out to conduct business this way, but without the right tools and resources in their arsenal, it’s an inevitable state to fall in. If you’re serious about productivity and the fruits it bears, let’s discuss what your employees need to thrive in 2020.

Advanced equipment

A business cannot possibly ask for exceptional results without the right equipment in place, or they should expect the results in double the time. What does efficient equipment look like in 2020? It starts with the tools that furnish your office, like HP ink cartridges, ergonomic desk and chair, and the right software required to do the job. Manual processes that save money but add hours are not what you should be bringing into the new year, and often they cost much more to your business than what advanced equipment would. A well-resourced team is a high functioning one, so never undervalue the support these administrative benefits provide your employees.

Enhanced workflow through mobility

The 9-5 grind looks a lot different when compared to what it once was, with employees working flexibly throughout the week with a team that may not reside in the same office or even the same city. This is seamlessly achieved through the use of workflow apps that track project progress, facilitate instant chat and centralise information and data. It’s as much about leveraging technology as it is about creating some structure in the areas of work that may not have any. Mobility has become a key ingredient in productivity, so give your team access to workflow apps and platforms that will help achieve just this.

Additional training and upskilling

Education should not end when you secure your role, and you should be communicating this fact to your wider team. There are thousands of online classes and modules you can take across all interest areas, many of which are catered to full-time employees. By granting a financial and time allowance to skill up your workforce, they will acquire knowledge and insight that can assist with their day to day role. These sorts of work perks will also create positive morale in your workforce, with individuals valuing the fact that their employer has invested in their growth. As we have seen many times over, positive morale contributes to heightened productivity.

Clear business vision and values

It’s easy to cast doubt on your team, but often management needs to look inward and understand whether or not there are things that could be clearer to all employees. Many leaders will have trouble concisely articulating their business vision and values, but claiming that everyone would know what they are there for anyway. This isn’t always true, and it’s a missed opportunity to connect with your employees who are looking to tie their commitment to a cause or ‘why’.

Brianstorm and devise what this vision is, and then take it to your employees for feedback and support, honing in on a clear vision from there. Only then will you have a vision that is authentically shared among the ranks. Your productivity will benefit from this effort, and that will be seen across the board from high management through to your casuals.

Productivity is in reach for your business framework, but there will need to be a commitment on your end to set up your employees with the right tools, training and foundations to make this possible. Make 2020 the year of promise, where your efforts are more than made up for with output that would have been unimaginable in 2019.