Work smarter to deliver greater productivity

With recent government declarations heralding the end of the recession, now’s the time for small businesses to start shaping up for a more promising future.

But the aftermath – if it is that – of the downturn may well have left your staff ill equipped to step up and meet the challenge of brighter times ahead.

Much of this has to do with increased stress in the workplace and its direct effect on productivity levels. Recent research shows that 38% of UK employees complain of more stress than a year ago; correspondingly, productivity fell by an average 3.3% over the second and third quarters of 2009.

Doubling up responsibilities in the wake of staff cuts is not the way to sustain a productive and stress-free workplace. Instead, get your business working smarter.

Sit down with your staff and review each function according to SMART principles:

S is for Specific: Define the work objective

M is for Measurable: Chart the course

A is for Achievable: Agree the goals

R is for Realistic: Quantify the resources required

T is for Timely: Set the schedule to completion

 
Look to outsource administrative tasks that might otherwise be a burden and a distraction to key staff by checking out the cost effective and flexible support available from The Sanderum Centre.
 
By analysing each role in this way, your staff will feel involved rather than put upon which should result in a step change in attitude and performance.