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The Paradox of Productivity

Did you know that 70 percent of employees say they spend more than 40 hours a week in the workplace? And that's not just to get ahead and climb the corporate ladder, as nearly half say they work extra hours to finish the work they didn't have time for during the eight-hour workday.

As the work piles up higher and higher, the stress level increases

Burnout is common and it takes its toll on employees and employers alike as productivity plummets and employees look for new opportunities in better work environments. And while that may not surprise you, the solution may help your employees reduce stress by getting more work done. Yes, more work.

Workers today face more work-life integration than ever before, and its effects are exhausting. Stress levels need to be reduced so that employees feel energized and focused, making them more effective and productive at work.

What is productivity?

In its most basic sense, productivity is the amount of value produced divided by the amount of cost (or time) required to do so. And while this equation may seem simple enough at first glance, strategies for optimizing it have evolved dramatically over the past two decades.

Technology has enabled huge personal productivity gains - computers, spreadsheets, email and other advancements have made it possible for a knowledge worker to produce seemingly more in a day than was previously possible in a year. It's tempting to conclude that if individuals can do their jobs much better and faster, then overall productivity should increase.

5 Ways to Overcome the Workplace Productivity Paradox

1. Truly customise your wellness programme

Poll your staff and understand their goals. While installing an onsite gym may seem like the obvious answer, smaller changes, like the availability of fresh foods, can have a great effect on the office. Better health behaviours increase the mental, emotional, and physical health of workers and generate more effective and valuable employee performance.

2. Eliminate distractions with smart office design

Workplace distractions can get in the way of employees doing their best work. Noise from co-workers is still the top distractor at the office. Employers should offer a variety of workspaces conducive to different types of work, including private, quiet spaces for focus and larger areas for collaboration and group discussion. Also, tools like noise-cancelling headsets are very upcoming in the new office environments these days.

3. Provide employees with the technology they need to do their jobs

Even productive employees believe that the right tools and technology can help offices to become more efficient. Still many employers do not give their employees access to the latest technology that would help them do their job more efficiently. We strongly advise employers to talk with their employers and ask which equipment they would like to use.

4. Offer office benefits and encourage breaks

Employers should create a culture that encourages short breaks throughout the day and office gatherings to disconnect. The overbearing problem is that workers are reluctant to take breaks because of guilt. You can stimulate this with a simple tool called, WORK & MOVE. With this software tool, your employees will have a personal coach that will advise them to take a break and also helps them work smarter and increase their mental and physical health.

5. Recognise employees and help them be heard

Employees want recognition for their work, which can improve office morale. Recognition can re-energize employees, boost confidence, and improve motivation and productivity. Employers should also create an open-door environment where employees can speak their minds and be heard. People feel good when they are acknowledged and valued and will, in turn, work harder to reach company goals.