The future of work is evolving and will continue to adjust to the new reality of a society that’s advised and mandated to stay home. Even as mandates are lifted, many large corporations have said their employees can work from home permanently.
Whether it’s because of a mandate, or a company realizing the benefits of employees working from home, there still needs to be the same level of productivity no matter where an employee is working. That’s easier said than done.
A one-size-fits-all approach to team productivity doesn’t work anymore. Organizations are adjusting the way their teams interact, report, and produce. This means that a modern approach is required. Consider implementing a method that optimizes the current situation and places for the future of work.
If you looked at the data, individuals who work from home would spend ten minutes or less a day unproductive. According to Forbes, these employees work one more day a week and statistically are 47% more productive.
Here’s how to adjust and create a high-performance focused workplace that supports its team by giving them all the tools, technology, and education they’ll need to be successful.
Understand and optimize human performance.
Every human being has a unique physiology. They think differently, take instruction in the way that works for them, and implement it according to their behaviors. Employees have different learning styles, and that affects performance.
Investing the time and energy into understanding your team’s makeup and their different productivity styles helps you optimize overall performance. You’re able to tailor your leadership approach to what you know will produce the best possible workplace productivity.
You’re able to assign projects based on the strengths of your team members. You’re able to follow up in the timeframe and manner that’s best for each employee, which helps avoid bitterness and unspoken resentment. You are in tune with all the nuances that show you’re an attentive leader. All of this increases workplace productivity.
Utilize technology and software.
We live in the digital information and technology age. You hold the knowledge of the entire world in your hands if you own a smartphone. There is a piece of software created for almost any task that you can imagine.
It’s essential for leaders to optimize their efforts through technology or software to create a more productive workplace.
Want a more effective way to communicate with employees working from home? Consider starting an internal podcast. Podcasts are what employees tune into on their personal time.
An internal podcast is a great way to get an employee’s attention, communicate about new developments, and create more employee buy-in.
That’s just one example of using software and technology. Whether it’s to communicate, assign and track tasks, offer training, have meetings, or the hundred other things it takes to build a company — utilizing technology is one key.
Be intentional about clearly communicating.
You’ve heard it said that the confused mind does nothing, which rings true for your team. A lack of clear communication and instructions have employees guessing. Strong leaders are clear in their objectives and expectations.
Be intentional when you’re training, advising, and assigning your team tasks — especially as they’re working from home. A lack of clear communication will have them spending time on distractions rather than being productive for your company.
Clear communication starts with clarity from the leader. Spend time each week planning what’s coming, analyze what happened, and be subjective about what can be improved. Your team will appreciate authenticity. They’ll respect you more.
The future of work doesn’t have to be scary. It can be a time that’s even more productive if you’re prepared to optimize the available options and provide your human talent with everything they need to help build your company.
