5 Steps to Higher Productivity in the Office

Dixie Somers

May 20, 2016

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If you run an office, you know how tough it is to be in charge. Besides the obvious delegation obligations, there's the careful balancing of competing personalities. Every decision that you make can either positively or negatively affect how the office functions. To achieve a more harmonious balance and boost productivity, use these tips to make life easier.

Minimize Distractions Whenever Possible

While Facebook is often a serious time-killer, it's the little things that generally do more damage. A noisy AC unit can put staff on edge and chip away at their productivity. An entrance that's too close to cubicles can be cacophonous to those with sensitive ears. Do your best to minimize random visual and auditory annoyances.

Take a Page from the Feng Shui Manual

A productive office isn't always about people and furniture. Sometimes, something as simple as layout can have a drastic effect on energy. Try to align offices and open spaces in such a way that employees don't feel like they're trapped in a maze. Throw in some houseplants while you're at it for a fresh look that will help employees feel at home.

Invest in the Best Equipment Around

Giving your employees some new equipment to work with does wonders for many reasons. First off, they're better able to do their jobs with the new hardware. Second, it shows that you care about their happiness and are willing to invest in tools to enhance their productivity. The key is finding a good supplier, like Des Plaines Office Equipment Company, to ensure that your office is well-stocked with reliable equipment.

Schedule Downtime and a Little Playtime

If it jives with your management style, it's a good idea to have a 20-minute break every day when staff can unwind. It can either be scheduled or spontaneous, based on what works best for your office’s pace. Furthermore, a little adult recreation in the form of informal volleyball games after work never hurt office morale.

Encourage Staff Feedback and Act on It

There's a persistent myth that no one likes meetings. That's only true if the meetings in question are top-to-bottom directive sessions. If they're collaborative idea-gathering meetups, most employees are far more receptive. Use your meetings to build a community and get ideas for a more productive work space.

Productive Offices Aren't an Accident

At the end of the day, the productivity of an office or the lack thereof falls squarely on the shoulders of the manager. If you want your office to be a beehive of activity and achievements, you'll look outside the box and try every angle to get the job done.