Johannesburg, 01 Sep 2020
The world has needed to redefine productivity. Recruiting firms agree that one-third of people worldwide will continue to work remotely long after COVID-19. If you are one of the businesses that have found that productivity has been reduced since working from home, perhaps it is time to review some of your policies.
1. Routine
The first step is to evaluate the type of staff that you have employed. For many individuals, it is imperative to amplify the office scenario within the home, so that a set routine is followed every day. Any fixed start times and breaks that were implemented in the physical office should be mirrored in each home. For the vast majority, the routine will make it easier to reach the expected productivity levels.
2. Check in and out
Step two is to make it easier to check in and check out using simple software. For some, this may be a biometric finger or facial device, while for others, this may mean a button installed on a desktop, tablet or phone. Many employees have found that checking in and out is encouraging, especially with the boss noticing that certain individuals have worked over the necessary times. While this is not compulsory to work extra time, it is often rewarding, particularly when results are identified.
3. Tasks and goals
Step three is to decide what motivates your team. Sometimes additional motivation can be reached by setting tasks or goals throughout the day, week and month. Achieving tasks regularly can be extremely motivating; however, it is critical that you don’t overwhelm everyone in the process and that the list of tasks is achievable. By giving tasks, objectives and goals, it becomes easier for everyone to reach expectations, since the expected outcomes have been clearly defined.
4. Distinguish between productive and unproductive
Step four is to consider a way that you can evaluate both productive and unproductive tasks. One way is to install software such as ERS Watchdog. An administrator can decide which programs are placed in which category, either seeing the program or site as time spent productively or unproductively. My computer, for example, has placed the entire Microsoft suite in the productive category, while any social media apps or Web sites are defined as unproductive. Reports are able to distinguish how behaviour can be changed in order to achieve more in a given time.
5. Weekly progress meetings
Step five is the final step within this process. It is imperative that we understand that anyone who has come from the physical environment and into a home office may find that they need confirmation that they are achieving the desired requirements. For this reason, weekly progress meetings become vital. When conducting the meetings, do not under-estimate your body language. Video not only emphasises any instructions, but also any emotions attached to it.
Following these steps has increased productivity by an average of 20%. Reports can be measured and new strategies can be both planned and implemented based on measurable events.
For more information on productivity management, visit www.ersbiometrics.co.za or www.erswatchdog.co.za.
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