When businesses try to improve productivity, a lot of pressure is put on managers. While managers are often a great source of information for improving productivity, sometimes these front-line employees can't identify system-wide changes that can significantly improve productivity. Don't worry though because there's one department in your organization that’s up to the task. Next time you're seeking a way to improve productivity, ask your HR department for some insight into your workplace and employee productivity.
Get Better Employees
Productivity doesn't start after training, it starts with the right employee. An unmotivated employee will stay unmotivated regardless of the workplace, while a star employee will produce great work in even the worst working conditions. Seeking out and hiring a better class of employee is where all businesses need to start increasing their productivity and that falls to HR departments. HR departments not only recruit and interview potential candidates, but they have the ability to pick out the stars and leave the rest. Work with your HR department to not only cultivate a list of benefits that attracts top talent but create a hiring process that looks for motivated, productive employees.
Create Incentive Programs
Incentive programs can help businesses meet and exceed productivity goals because it gives employees a clear goal and reward for achieving system wide goals. HR departments can be at the forefront of these initiatives because they understand the job duties of each department and can craft incentive programs that can have a huge impact on the entire business. Sit down with HR to discuss what goals upper management wants to meet and start a dialog about incentive programs that can help meet those goals. HR can help adjust programs to hit each department individually, ensuring that employees have the means to actually achieve the goals that are set.
Encourage Flexible Schedules
Work-life balance is a huge attraction for younger workers. They want the ability to shape their work life around their home life and this has caused flexible schedules to become a benefit in most workplaces, not only because employees are happier but because businesses gain more from employees who are engaged during their work hours. HR is the best department to start working with managers to identify which positions and employees would benefit from a more flexible schedule. HR departments have an understanding of the overall staffing needs of the business and can help build a schedule that benefits both employees and employers.
Provide Better Data
If you're using a workforce management system, you know the benefits found from simply mining the data collected by the system. It can pinpoint the need for new staff, the need for cross-training, and whether business goals are being met. While managers may have access to the system, HR is the department that gathers and uses this information to present to upper management or track milestones throughout the year. Getting your HR department to not only collect but present this data to management can help managers get their employees on track for increased productivity. Simply identifying which goals are being met and which aren't can start a discussion and brainstorming session on how to achieve goals throughout the organization.
Your HR department is a powerful force within your organization and when used effectively, they can drive a significant increase in productivity. With the right direction and mission, HR can turn around your sagging productivity. Start by using these four strategies to get HR focused on productivity in your organization.
