The conditions under which a worker performs his or her tasks have a direct influence on his or her productivity. Because of this and many studies that support this claim, many companies have decided to invest time and money in improving the working environment in their offices.. One of the leading exponents of this new business trend is Google, whose employees have an infinite number of games and activities that allow them to multiply their motivation for work.
The work environment is a set of conditions of an office or workplace that directly or indirectly influence the people who work there. Some of the factors that are most influenced by the work environment are:
- Productivity
- Quality of life
- Health
The goal of a human resources team is to ensure that these three factors are positively influenced by the way a company works. That is to say, thanks to a work environment that favors employee motivation.
Tips to increase employee productivity
There are several reasons that are closely linked to the productivity level of a company's employees. Some of the most obvious of these are, of course, the salaries, the relationship with superiors and peers or simply the motivation. And it is precisely this last factor that is one of the most important to multiply the performance of a worker. Keeping the same motivation as the first day in a new job is complicated, since people are driven by emotions and we always have new concerns. And employment is, as a general rule, very routine.
Motivation is then presented as one of the best tools to create a better work environment. and, therefore, increase the productivity of all employees.
The key is to win back the employee's love and enthusiasm, so that he/she feels part of the organization:
- Mutual respect between all partiesThis is a basic concept that should be fundamental to start any project to improve the work environment. Respect among colleagues, as well as between employees and superiors, must be the glue that keeps this good working environment consolidated.
- RecognitionOne of the most motivating factors for employees is that their bosses recognize their merits. This fact improves the work environment and makes the employee feel more recognized, which directly influences their productivity.
- Conciliatory schedulesWork is important for everyone's fulfillment, but so is family and leisure time. It is recommended that companies that want to improve the work environment in their offices start by reducing or making working hours more flexible. Productivity is inversely proportional to the number of hours worked, so keep this fact in mind!
- New challengesInnovative, exciting projects that involve a constant recycling of tasks among employees is another way to increase their performance.
- Interest in the employeeThe fact that the director of a department shows interest in the work situation of an employee and tries to attend to his requests leads to a closer relationship of trust between the two. This fact provokes in the employee's mind a sense of duty towards that superior who takes an interest in his situation and increases his productivity in order not to fail him.
- CommunicationTo improve the work environment, it is important that there is good communication between all members of an organization. This is almost as important a factor as motivation, since interpersonal relationships are an inexhaustible source of good feelings.
- TeamOne of the best strategies to boost productivity is teamwork. Implementing this work methodology means setting common goals that all members of the company must strive to achieve. Leadership, harmony, cooperation and organization are fundamental aspects to carry out this type of projects. Thus, they become one of the best options to boost employee productivity in the work environment.
- Satisfaction evaluationsAt the end of each year, it is important to promote small meetings with employees to learn their opinion about their situation in the company and try to improve conditions on an annual basis. This type of initiative promotes a better working environment, since the employee feels that the company cares about his or her happiness at work. Loyalty, therefore, is also part of the motivation and results that the employee achieves at work.
- LeadershipThe productivity of employees depends to a large extent on the ability to influence and motivate their superiors, who must be inspirational references for the entire workforce. The key to being a good leader is closeness, through which personal relationships can be established with workers, as well as the application of positive persuasion techniques to achieve objectives.
- WorkspaceIn addition to all the conditioning factors already mentioned, which are directly related to human relations, there are other more materialistic factors that are closely linked to the work environment. Such as, for example, the distribution and decoration of the office. If a workspace is open-plan, has natural light, is well decorated and has natural ventilation, employees' desire to work is multiplied.
In short, economic conditions are not always the main reason why a worker performs more efficiently. In many cases the problem lies in the interpersonal communication with their superiors, which is usually almost null and the only thing that promotes is discomfort for both parties. If there is good communication, on the other hand, motivation increases and with it the interest in the work. And the greater the interest, the greater the productivity. It's easy!