Jefanie Genilla
The 8-hour working day has become a rule all over the globe, but is it the best solution for productivity? The reason why it was decided that 8 hours should be used is that everything more than that would be too much for the employees. Working less than 8 hours a day seems not enough according to the business owners.
However, it seems that the length of the perfect working day is actually dependent on the type of work in question. For example, working 8 hours in a flower shop or a boutique is not the same as breaking rocks for 8 hours in a mine. It’s also not the same as sitting in front of the computer for so many hours.
Instead of making your employees stay in the office for one third of the day, perhaps you should consider other ways to improve productivity? Here are 5 suggestions!
1. Getting Cutting-Edge Software
It is the 21st century and everything is done on the computer. You can get the most of your business by not making your employees work harder, but providing them with the best software possible. There are some financial and HR software that can help your employees do their job two times faster. And that’s not even the best thing about these programs – they are also not too expensive.
2. Getting Proper Hardware
You may notice that your employees are wasting too much time going from one office to another when they need to use the copy machine. The solution is simple – get one for every room in the building. These days, office equipment is pretty affordable, so getting new stuff like printers and scanners will not make you bankrupt. Additionally, to boost the morale in the office, think about buying the employees a coffee machine or a similar gadget that will make them feel happier.
3. Good Employee Equals Happy Employee
There are two types of motivation – positive and negative. You can make your employees fear you and make them work harder by threatening with suspensions and pay cuts. This approach will only create angst and make the employees look for a better place.
The alternative is to focus on positive motivation. Instead of punishing them for their mistakes, you should award them for their good moves. Knowing that the prize awaits for them if they do their job well, the employees will do their utmost to be efficient as possible!
4. Allow Work from Home
Some people simply work best on their own terms. They don’t feel comfortable working in an office or commuting is a big issue for them. Whatever the reason might be, you should let your employees work from home if that makes them be more productive!
5. Focus on Working in the Office
Although you should allow your employees to work from home, the office is still the best place for business. There are many reasons for that, starting with the fact that in the office there are no distractions, such as TV for example. A solution that will benefit all is to dedicate a few days of the week for work in the office.
