Employees may show up to work, but are they productive? Attention spans are getting shorter and it is a big concern.
Nearly 90% of employees say they waste time on the job every day. For most, it’s an hour or less, but more than one-fourth of employees admit to wasting two or more hours in the course of a workday.
Some managers may try to calculate the cost of wasted time and impose strict rules on their employees. They may assign more work or limit internet access to keep them busy. However, this is not a good solution. It can backfire and lower morale and productivity. Instead, managers need to find a different way to motivate and engage their staff.
To address the problem of focused time on the job, consider the following solution:
Help your employees see the big picture: Make sure your employees know how their work contributes to the overall success of the organization. Communicate your vision and goals clearly and regularly. Align their individual performance goals with the organizational ones. When employees feel connected to a larger mission, they are more likely to stay focused and motivated..
Help your employees work smarter, not harder: Equip your employees with the skills and tools to manage their time effectively. Show them how to plan their work, set goals, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination. Help them eliminate or reduce distractions that interfere with their concentration and productivity.
Make your employees happy and inspired: Build a work environment that supports and empowers your employees to do their best work. Promote a culture of trust, respect, and appreciation. Celebrate achievements and successes. Encourage collaboration and feedback. Make work fun and meaningful.
Leverage technology to boost productivity: Use productivity tools and software that can help employees work faster, easier, and better. Examples include tools that help employees organize their projects, track their time, automate their tasks, and communicate effectively with their team members.
Keep an eye on workload and work-life balance: Avoid overloading your employees with too much work, as this can cause stress and fatigue. Monitor and adjust workloads regularly to ensure a healthy work-life balance, which can ultimately enhance employee focus and productivity.
Encourage breaks and relaxation: Remind employees to take short breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate their minds. Breaks can actually improve productivity by preventing mental fatigue and improving concentration levels. Consider creating break areas or policies that support a healthy work-rest rhythm.
Listen to your employees and involve them: Create ways for employees to share their feedback and ideas on work-related matters and improvement opportunities. Involving employees in decision-making processes can boost their sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to better time management and productivity.
Monitor and address potential distractions: Identify common distractions in the workplace and take proactive measures to minimize or eliminate them. This could involve implementing policies regarding personal phone usage, restricting access to non-work-related websites, or creating designated quiet zones for focused work.
Support your employees’ learning and growth by investing in training and development programs that improve employees’ skills and knowledge. Continuous learning can increase engagement and motivation, making employees more likely to spend their time and efforts on meaningful work rather than wasting time.
Be a role model and set a clear example. As a leader or manager, show the desired behavior by managing your time well and avoiding time-wasting activities. When employees see their leaders prioritizing tasks and staying focused, they are more likely to do the same.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a more productive work environment where employees are motivated, engaged, and focused on achieving their goals, resulting in reduced time wastage and improved overall performance.
DaMar Staffing Solutions of Indianapolis is a full-service, contingency-based recruitment firm, focused on administrative and professional staffing for all industries. There are many staffing agencies, but you want a staffing agency that will work for you. With over 20 years of experience, DaMar Staffing Solutions has built a reputation for providing quality service, top-notch professionals, and flexible recruiting solutions for Indiana companies.