Tackling the poor ratio between productivity and hours worked is vital if a business wants to make the most of its resources. One way to combat the issue might be to offer a shorter day in the office, which in turn would encourage employees to prioritise tasks more effectively and limit distractions.
The health benefits also noted in reducing hours worked can be seen in the fewer number of sick days taken by those who work shorter hours. Healthier employees will have more energy and be more alert at work, leading to increased levels of motivation and productivity. Healthy workers equal happy workers, and all of this lends itself to having an engaged and productive workforce.
Typically, the longer that an employee has to complete a task, the more they procrastinate. Shortening the number of hours spent in the office could have a positive impact on staff efficiency, and also give individuals more time to spend with friends and family. Giving an employee the opportunity to engage in other activities and hobbies they enjoy, and therefore improving their mental state, is a vital part of helping improve productivity for everyone in the organisation.
Another way to help improve productivity in the office is to listen to music. There are a lot of different ways that listening to music can improve productivity at work, depending on the tasks you’re carrying out. If you’re working on clear, repetitive tasks, for example, music can make mundane jobs that little bit more enjoyable as hearing your favourite music has been proven to reduce negative moods and anxiety. To find out more about the different ways in which music can impact productivity, check out this blog post.
It’s not only the number of hours we work that have an effect on our productivity, though, our work environment also has an impact. From bright lighting to having plants in the office, everything makes a difference. Find out more about how to boost your productivity and make the most of your working environment here.