how to boost productivity at your company: 5 tips.

When the topic of boosting productivity comes up, many assume it means pushing employees to work longer hours or take on more tasks. But true productivity growth comes not from working harder, but smarter. By making the most of the right tools and strategies, you can drive results without sacrificing work-life balance. Here are some actionable tips on how to boost productivity at your company without cracking the whip on employees.

1. go mobile

Mobile technology enables employees to work on business tasks from anywhere, at any time, increasing productivity and reducing unnecessary downtime. Even personal phone use at work can increase employee efficiency, according to recent research. Taking short breaks to connect with friends or catch up on social media improves employee well-being which, in turn, boosts productivity.

Tip: Most companies don’t have a solid mobile strategy. Mobile solutions simplify workflow, reduce travel requirements and speed up communication or decision making.

2. retain and retrain

Employees are your most valued asset. Investing in their training will improve their productivity and increase loyalty. Indeed, employees who receive training from their employer typically see a productivity increase of 5 to 12.5 percent.

Tip: Facing a skills shortage, you need to evaluate if it is easier to hire new employees or upskill existing teams. Which will take more time? Which will cost more money? You need to consider these questions on a case by case basis, but remember — someone who is already in your company knows your brand and believes in it.

3. meeting overload?

If you’re thinking about how to boost productivity at your company, cutting back on team meetings is another win-win. The more people you have in a meeting, the longer it takes to come to a conclusion, fully explain an idea and even start or end the meeting. Meetings can be giant productivity sucks, draining value from projects or souls from employees.

Tip: Keep meetings as brief as possible with as few people as possible. Always have an agenda, and consider standing meetings, which tend to be shorter and more effective. If you know what you want to accomplish and why all of the people are at the meeting, go for it. Meetings can clarify complex issues and build consensus.

4. healthy living incentives

Support workplace wellness by accommodating exercise habits. Good health helps reduce man-hours lost due to illness and is a powerful cost-saver. In the long run, better health improves productivity and reduces healthcare costs incurred through health insurance.

Tip: Healthy workplaces are as much about culture as they are about doctrine. If you want to see the benefits of an active workforce, lead the way.

5. listen to front lines

The people on the ground floor might know more about how to boost productivity at your company than you do. Outdated or complex processes can slow production, compromise quality and lead to employee burnout. Think of the TPS report from the movie Office Space. If it serves little purpose and can be done in a more efficient way, you may only learn about it by listening to your frontline staff.

Tip: Listening to your team and acting on their recommendations will make them feel more valued. If a team says there is an opportunity for cost savings, test it. If it works, make it the new standard.