5 Tips to Improving Your Teams' Productivity

Companies are always looking for ways to improve the productivity of their employees. What a lot of them don't realize, however, is the fact that their management style and technique are a huge part of driving employee productivity. Studies continue to show a high number of non-management employees who are disengaged from the rest of the company, and therefore, not being as productive as they could be.

Below are five general, yet effective, tips on how management can help boost the productivity of their workers:

• Offer incentives for all levels of employment - Hosting friendly contests with valuable prizes can significantly motivate your employees to perform well. In addition, it is important to offer the same opportunities to different levels of workers within the company so others don't feel neglected or belittled by management.
• Give feedback and constructive criticism - Establishing some sort of one-on-one meetings on a periodic basis to give positive feedback and constructive criticism will help your employees feel like they are valued in the company and can make sure everyone is consistent on working towards the same goals. This is also a great time to let your employees talk to you about any issues they are having and strategize together on how to solve those problems.
• Provide continuous and adequate training - One of the biggest disconnects between management and their employees is inadequate training which results in the employees making costly mistakes and errors. It is crucial to take the time and effort to establish a well-organized training program for new hires and also a continuous education program for your current employees. These training sessions will also help your employees feel like they are being challenged and that they serve a greater purpose.
• Respect employees as individuals - A part of being a good manager is recognizing your employees as individuals who have personal lives outside of work. Sometimes a dramatic situation in a certain family can influence the productivity of that employee. So by knowing  what's going on and being understanding and accepting of the problem can help you better handle and avoid possible issues that may arise. 
• Keep an open mind - Be open-minded to changes and suggestions your employees make. Sometimes new ideas may be unique and non-traditional, but that doesn't mean it won't make your business operations better and more effective. By trying out or adopting your employees' good suggestions will show them that you value their talents, and in turn, they will want to improve their work performance.