In any workplace context, the absolute worst gaffe managers can make is to underestimate the value of staff performance. Every boss expects staff to perform to their full capacity. But the reality is that without a proactive approach, performance dips.
So, how can you ensure your employees operate in top gear, every day of the week? Here’s our rundown of tips on how to improve workplace performance, in any niche vertical.
Recognise and respect
When high performers fly under the radar, the incentive to continue their stellar work is put on the line.
Encourage persistent excellence by ensuring your top-performers are treated to the recognition and respect they deserve.
That’s not to say you should ignore weaknesses. Instead, try to create a balance that focusses on the good as well as the bad. This will boost morale, and ensure that employees don’t learn to shift the blame or hide their mistakes in an environment of constant criticism.
Empower your employees
Empowerment and efficiency are intrinsically linked, and every manager should appreciate the relationship between the two.
Offer employees a sense of responsibility, and they’ll reward you with heightened productivity. And in a best case scenario, innovation that’ll leave you shaking your head and wondering when Google will come knocking.
Encourage them to set their own strategies and goals, which will foster a culture of independence. Remember, if you want to empower your employees it’s essential to make sure they have the resources they need to take action. Think time, passwords, document access and if necessary, authority.
Be there
As a manager, it’s your responsibility to actively interpret the general team dynamic. This means paying attention to what’s going on, and taking steps to make your workplace environment as productive as possible.
From lifting your team up when they’re stuck in a rut to celebrating success, being present is a pivotal part of building a productive team.
Ask questions, and listen to answers
Employees are the beating heart of any business, and making an effort to understand their experience can be invaluable when it comes to increasing performance.
Source feedback via employee surveys, as well as other mediums like suggestions boxes, team meetings and one-on-one consultations. Be open minded about results, and make sure employees feel they can express their views, ideas and perspectives without criticism, judgement or negative consequences.
Ultimately, you’ll unlock a whole new outlook on the workplace you manage, and the staff that make it tick.
Embrace the right technologies
Technology has revolutionised the modern workplace, with purpose-built software solutions at the forefront of the movement.
For managers, embracing the right technologies can drastically improve staff performance. For example, in a retail context fronted by more than 50 employees of varying calibres, scheduling software can work wonders.
Underpinned by a belief that happy workplaces make for happy customers, Ento is a powerful workforce and human resource management solution used by businesses across Australia.
Engage and educate
Encourage your employees to look at the bigger picture by keeping them in the loop about facts, figures and other important details.
Make an effort to help them understand how their roles contribute to the company’s success, and why they matter. This will increase their sense of ownership and self-worth.
Bad news can also be shared, just be a little more strategic in your delivery approach.
Open communication
Keep conversation flowing by being proactive about your approach to communication. This means creating an environment where employees feel safe to question, criticise, suggest, analyse and even joke. This creates a cohesive team, and ultimately pulls up productivity.
Efficient communication platforms are all-important, with purpose-built team communication software always a good investment for businesses wanting to keep employees in the loop.
Measure results
Even the most brilliant workforce management strategies will fall short without the ability to measure results. Before setting any goals, make sure you have the infrastructure in place to track progress.
For example, simply asking an employee to increase their monthly sales is wildly inefficient. Instead, set a clear target, and arm them with the resources they need to achieve the goal.
Offer opportunities for growth
Regardless of how loyal an employee, the reality is that their motivations will always be intrinsically selfish. This means that if you want to get the absolute most out of your staff, you need to offer opportunities for personal growth and development.
From education and training opportunities to promotions and salary raises, supporting your staff with meaningful opportunities is a must.
Every workplace is unique, but ultimately increasing workplace performance simmers down to one common denominator. Yep, you guessed it. Employees. Focus on improving the employee experience, and we guarantee that performance will begin to climb.
For more inspiring advice and handy tips, check out some of our other workforce management resources on the Ento blog.