You count on your employees to help keep your business running successfully. Your employees count on you for an excellent working atmosphere and the support of work-life balance. Never take the fact that your best employees go the extra mile for granted. As a manager, you can do your part using the following seven ways to help employees stay focused and productive.
A Comfortable Work Environment
It’s only human to have difficulty focusing when we’re uncomfortable. Consider the atmosphere your employees work in and do your best to make it as comfortable as possible. Here are a few ideas to help with comfort:
- Well-designed chairs
- Standing desks that you can get from Up Down Desk
- Relaxing break areas
- Motivating music
- Comfortable temperature
- Available snacks and drinks
For your remote workers, offer reimbursement for the best desks and chairs so those employees are comfortable at home.
Build Skills
Employees feel motivated when they learn a new skill. As technology and other aspects of your company change, continue training employees and help them learn new skills so they know they’re needed and remain productive.
Time Tracking
Time tracking is an excellent way to give employees the chance to see how their time is used. It also shows them you find it important to make sure they are paid correctly, and time is calculated to the minute. Take the time to properly introduce time tracking to your employees so they understand it is for them, not against them.
Eliminate Screen Distractions
For many positions, the smartphone is a necessity while sitting at a desk. Still, consider offering training and encouragement to avoid the extra screen, if possible. We are all easily distracted on our phones and lose productive time at work when it happens.
Recognize the Effort
Imagine yourself as one of your employees. Are you certain your extra efforts would be noticed? Make sure you’re recognizing those who are devoted and working hard. It’s the best way to help employees stay focused and productive.
Team Building
Employees are part of a team. It’s up to a manager to make sure team building happens so everyone feels like a part of that team. Team building activities build trust and loyalty, which in turn creates productive employees. Here are a few team building ideas:
- Quick games (guess the employee, name that tune, Pictionary)
- Cocktail hour
- Dinner
- Volunteer work
Encourage Breaks
As a manager, you don’t need exhausted employees who are unable to focus. Encourage your employees to take breaks, not only throughout the day but also using their vacation time. Time away from work is refreshing and employees come back ready to be the best they can be.
Follow these tips for helping employees stay focused and productive and your business will be successful thanks to hard-working employees.
