Employee productivity is not an exact science. There are many factors that may influence it, and if you want to ensure optimal productivity in your retail business, you have to address each of these factors. Here are some ways in which you can improve your retail employees’ productivity levels:
Arm them for Success
Even the most talented and enthusiastic employees will underperform without the right amount, and the right kind, of support. You can’t expect your employees to give it their all if you aren’t meeting them at least halfway with the tools they need for success. Arm them with training, tools, encouragement, and resources that will empower them to succeed.
Provide Incentives
If you want your employees to go above and beyond the bar that is set for them, then you need to go above and beyond their paychecks when it comes to providing incentive. You don’t have to sacrifice a lot of time or money to make this happen. Set up a simple bonus program, or run an in-office contest, to give your employees that extra inspiration they need to kick up their productivity a notch.
Improve the Workspace
Improving productivity generally involves some extent of improving the work environment. Certain environmental factors are more conducive to productivity to others, and you should keep these factors in mind when designing or redesigning your employee workspace. A productive work environment is clean, comfortable, and free of clutter and distractions. Pay special attention to things like noise pollution and inefficiently-arranged desk areas when sizing up the workspace for a productivity makeover.
Give Feedback
Your employees count on you, perhaps a lot more than you know, for motivation, guidance, and validation. It is your responsibility to provide these things, and in a way that promotes productivity. Give your employees consistent feedback on their job performance, keeping in mind that it’s always a good idea to begin with positive feedback, and apply criticism in a constructive way.
Communicate Effectively
You cannot expect your employees to be completely productive if they aren’t sure of exactly what they’re supposed to be doing, or of what your expectations are. It is up to you to communicate with your employees in a way that aids their understanding and inspires them to engage in reciprocal communication. Be very clear about the specific elements of tasks you assign to your employees—the who, what, when, where and how of what needs to be completed—and don’t forget that listening is an integral part of effective communication. Even having a simple scheduling system is an example of proper communication; and you can find out more about systems like that here.
Any business owner can hire and fire people. Bringing the best out of employees is generally accomplished by only the best managers. Make use of these methods when it comes to improving productivity levels in the work place.
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