An efficient and cohesive workplace is all about building the morale and productivity of employees, while minimizing complaints, disruptions and distractions so everyone can focus on the work at hand.
However, this is easier said than done. Today’s workplace faces several challenges, including a large number of baby boomers that are contemplating traditional retirement, combined with a shortage of young people entering the work force. Not only are there less people entering the work force, many of those who do enter the work force are lacking the experience to replace those retiring baby boomers.
Also, we’re seeing a shift in demographics with more women in the workplace than ever before (nearly three-quarters of mothers with children under age 18 are working), combined with increasing customer demands and global competition.
“Implementing best practices strategies to achieve a workplace that improves the employer’s bottom line and the employee’s quality of life is a difficult task,” says Amy Broadbent, the vice president of JRG Advisors, the management company for ChamberChoice. “Given the diverse nature of today’s work force, finding solutions that create a win-win for both the employer and employee is challenging because there is no one-size-fits-all solution.”
Smart Business spoke with Broadbent about best practice strategies, how to implement them, and how they can lead to a more efficient and productive work environment.
What can be done to make a workplace more productive?
While the implementation of best practices varies by employer, there are commonalities that will lead to a productive work environment. Proper induction of new employees, a formal employee appraisal system, staff development and training, ongoing communication, and a competitive ‘family-friendly’ employee benefits package all help build and maintain a positive work environment that is free from discrimination and disruption.
How should new employees be properly brought into the fold?
Induction aims to provide new employees with information about the organization that will help them to be effective in their jobs. When possible, it is beneficial for new employees to have a mentor who can provide additional information and ‘hands on’ coaching. It is also important to ensure new employees know where to go for help or with a complaint on any issue.