Train Workers to Lift With Their Legs
Workers who are required to lift and move heavy objects on a regular basis should be trained on proper lifting techniques. The golden rule when lifting is to lift with your legs, not your back. Instead of bending over to pick something up, for instance, workers should bend their knees until their thighs are almost parallel to the floor, at which point they can pick up the item without straining their back. By following this simple rule, workers will protect themselves against back pain, which could otherwise have a negative impact on productivity levels.
Eliminate Distractions
It should come as little-to-no surprise that “distractions” are amongst the biggest productivity killers in the workplace. Therefore, you should aim to eliminate them from your working environment. This may include outside noise, TVs, social media networking, etc. If it’s distracting a worker from his or her job, it will have a negative impact on productivity.
Keep Your Workplace Clean
According to a study conducted by the Center for Facilities Research and co-sponsored by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), the cleanliness — or lack thereof — of your workplace will play a direct role in productivity levels. Researchers found that the distraction created by a messy workplace led to lower productivity levels when compared to a clean and tidy workplace. So if you are trying to squeeze a little more work out of the day, make it a point to keep your environment clean and free of clutter.
Recognize Hard-Working Employees
Of course, employers should also recognize workers who go above and beyond the call of duty, rewarding them with some type of incentive. The most obvious incentive is cash, but the truth is that a personalized employee-of-the-month plaque may work just as well. By recognizing workers for their hard work and dedication, you’ll encourage others to follow suit; thus, boosting productivity levels.
Foster Creativity
Last but not least, employers should encourage creativity in their workers. When workers are forced to follow a strict, linear path, productivity levels may suffer. This is easily avoided, however, when the employer fosters creativity in the workplace.