by Penny S. Vincent

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 07, 2009

How to increase employee productivity

It is a popular opinion that if a person is paid more then he or she will work harder. However, many employers' experiences have proven otherwise. Unfortunately, higher pay and more benefits do not guarantee better work performances. However, there are some ways an employer can increase their employees' productivity levels.

In modern times, most companies in the United States have forgotten what it takes to keep employees being as productive as possible. The company's owners or Board of Directors are more interested in the money they make than the employee's welfare. Thus, instead of it being a win-win-win situation between company, employee, and consumer, it is now a win-lose-lose situation. In some cases, it becomes a lose-lose-lose situation. Either way, the employee loses out, which in turn makes the consumer lose out.

In order for a company to attain its highest productivity and highest quality of product levels, all of the employees must work at their highest capacities. Therefore, the employer must understand what the employees' strengths and weaknesses are. The employer must then utilize all the various strengths of the employees. Additionally, he or she must address the weaknesses and compensate for them. Moreover, the employer must examine and address the issues that are affecting the employees' productivity.

For example, stress levels can decrease productivity. Employees who are stressed too much can become sick and this increases absenteeism. It can also increase the job burnout factor, which leads to absenteeism. Stress related illnesses also decrease an employee's productivity even if they show up to work. Not only does stress related illnesses cause lost of productivity, it causes financial burdens for everyone.

Thus, a company that actively seeks ways to reduce the stress levels in the work environment will increase productivity. Reducing stress may be as simple as changing the lighting or noise levels, or introducing aromatherapy techniques. Giving employees more time to make personal calls can also improve work performance. Even just having the employees take short walks or do stretching exercises can help quite a bit.

However, the employee also has a life outside of the work environment. No matter how much an employee tries to keep personal business separate from work, it's going to affect the employee's performance. Therefore, making it easier for an employee to cope with personal problems, while working,

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