Managing a team comes with many challenges – from facilitating collaboration and communication to managing recurring tasks . One of the most pressing , amid a looming recession and economic uncertainty , is that of employee productivity . How can employees be empowered and motivated to do their jobs as efficiently as possible ? It ’ s easy to do this the ‘ wrong ’ way , such as setting shorter deadlines for faster results and overloading employees with extra work , but long-term , this is only going to burn out your team . Treena Diebolt , VP People , Otter . ai , explains some sustainable , cost-effective and useful ways to boost your employees ’ productivity and motivation .

TAKING THE

TIME TO GET TO KNOW WHAT DRIVES YOUR

TEAM WILL INEVITABLY RESULT

IN INCENTIVES THAT KEEP THEM ENERGISED AND MOTIVATED TO

GET THINGS DONE .

Create a workspace that works for them

Small monitors , uncomfortable chairs and even poor lighting can halt productivity in its tracks . Because most of us spend hours at our desks every day , it ’ s crucial to implement a setup that works .

Don ’ t make assumptions : ask the individuals on your team about their preferred workspace style . Some may opt for a standing desk , while others would prefer an ergonomic cushion or dual monitor system . By making these simple adjustments ( within reason ), you ’ re reducing physical discomfort that can create barriers to productivity and a lacklustre workspace .

If your employees are remote , consider a work from home office stipend . This could be a oneoff payment to set up their home offices or monthly stipends that covers approved remote costs or both .

Allow schedule flexibility

Regimented rules are a barrier to workplace productivity . For example , one employee ’ s commute may already leave them drained by the time they arrive in the office , while another may be struggling to focus while at home .

If your business allows it , empower your team to suggest their ideal schedule , whether that ’ s arriving after rush-hour traffic has subsided or opting for a designated remote day .

As long as everyone communicates and deadlines are met , this gesture instils trust , reinforces healthy work-life harmony and helps everyone be as productive as possible in their own ways

Purchase plants for the office

It may sound like a whimsical solution , but research consistently finds that incorporating plants into the office increases productivity and boosts mood .

One study found that plants in the office increased productivity by 15 %. Elsewhere it was revealed that 10 % of employee sick days could be explained by a lack of natural light and plants in the office .

Prioritise workplace wellness

Afternoon or seasonal slumps are perfectly normal , particularly when sitting at a desk for eight hours per day . The science behind our post-lunch lull points to the ‘ sleepy ’ effect so many of the kinds of foods we eat have on our bodies , including white bread and most kinds of carbohydrates .

Seasonal slumps are usually experienced during the summer , the time of year when

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