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But there are some ways that employers can help keep productivity afloat amid the winter doldrums \u2013 and throughout the rest of the year. By providing employees with increased challenges, offering training and development opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding your staff you\u2019ll likely see an increase in motivation as well as productivity.<\/p>\n
Below are 10 tips for increasing employee productivity during the winter months:<\/p>\n
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- Challenge your employees. \u00a0<\/strong>Lack of challenge can be de-motivating and will likely leave your employees disinterested. Challenge your staff and you\u2019re bound to see an increase in motivation as well as overall satisfaction. While a little challenge is a good thing, too much can have the reverse effect. As such, it is important to evaluate each employee\u2019s individual capabilities whenever assigning job responsibilities.<\/li>\n
- Develop your employees. \u00a0<\/strong>Today\u2019s workforce is seeking to develop themselves. By providing that opportunity to your employees, through increased challenges and career growth, it supplies them with the satisfaction and stability they are seeking. In addition to honing employees\u2019 skills through traditional\u00a0training and development\u00a0initiatives, employers should also look to facilitate employees’ professional development, whether its through college courses, seminars, conferences, a membership in a professional organization, or even cross-training for career moves within your company.<\/li>\n
- Cross-train. \u00a0<\/strong>Cross-training not only prepares the company to continue \u201cbusiness as usual\u201d when key employees are out sick or when emergencies arise, but it also benefits your employees. With the satisfaction that comes from increased responsibility, employee morale is often boosted and employee skills are enhanced.<\/li>\n
- Recognize. \u00a0<\/strong>Simple forms of\u00a0recognition\u00a0such as praise, \u201cthank you\u201d notes, and the like show employees you appreciate their dedication and hard work. Gestures such as these can help fuel employee productivity even during the typical winter lag.<\/li>\n
- Reward. \u00a0<\/strong>Not only is it important to recognize outstanding performance, but it is also important to reward it. Consider giving employees a few days off after completing a particularly stressful project, especially one they pulled off exceptionally well. This type of reward will benefit both you and the employee by preventing burnout, exhaustion, and frustration.<\/li>\n
- Seek employee input. \u00a0<\/strong>When employees have a part in what goes on within the company, they typically have a greater sense of ownership and pride in the work that they do. As such, it is important to ask for your employees’ opinions regularly. This may include asking what types of perks they\u2019d appreciate having, what sort of things could be done in order for them to be able to work more effectively, or ideas for new products or services. Just knowing their opinion matters is a strong motivator for many employees.<\/li>\n
- Set an example. \u00a0<\/strong>You can\u2019t expect employees to give 110% if your managers aren\u2019t. Managers are role models and have a strong impact on employee performance and productivity. Show your dedication and employees will likely follow.<\/li>\n
- Support. \u00a0<\/strong>Managers should continually work to set goals and provide employees with the tools and resources they need in order to succeed. After all, that\u2019s what managers are for. They are there to offer guidance, support and direction. Train your managers to be supportive and you\u2019ll likely see an increase in goal attainment and overall satisfaction.<\/li>\n
- Health and wellness initiatives. \u00a0<\/strong>Give employees the energy they need in order to sustain motivation by encouraging and supporting healthy lifestyles. Employees who take part in wellness programs are less likely to take sick days and are more alert and focused during the workday. So, what can you do to help? Consider organizing \u201cwalking groups\u201d during the lunch hour, encourage healthy eating by providing healthy options in cafeterias and breakrooms, or consider having a guest speaker come in and discuss health and wellness issues.<\/li>\n
- Have fun! \u00a0<\/strong>Work doesn\u2019t always have to be, well, work. Make the work environment fun by encouraging teamwork and fostering relationships amongst co-workers. Consider weekly luncheons, theme days, or competitive games focused around completing work projects. And don\u2019t forget to divvy up the stodgy work so it doesn\u2019t always fall on one employee\u2019s shoulders. By creating an enjoyable place to be, your employees will want to get out of bed in the morning and come to work.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
- Develop your employees. \u00a0<\/strong>Today\u2019s workforce is seeking to develop themselves. By providing that opportunity to your employees, through increased challenges and career growth, it supplies them with the satisfaction and stability they are seeking. In addition to honing employees\u2019 skills through traditional\u00a0training and development\u00a0initiatives, employers should also look to facilitate employees’ professional development, whether its through college courses, seminars, conferences, a membership in a professional organization, or even cross-training for career moves within your company.<\/li>\n