5 Ways to Improve Workplace Efficiency
Are you an efficient employee? If so, you’re in the minority.
According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace, only 15% of employees are engaged in the workplace
That means your co-workers are receiving raises and promotions they didn’t earn!
Workplace efficiency is measuring the amount of work output in relation to the work input. Talented and ambitious employees, like yourself, have plenty of opportunities to stand out and succeed. If you know how to work efficiently, you’re already in the top 15% of employees.
Feeling Inefficient at Work?
Finding a better way to communicate will automatically improve workplace efficiency. Time and clarity should always be considered. Choose platforms, and messages that save time and are clear to your audience.
Communicate With More Efficiency
Poor communication may be the reason you are feeling inefficient at work. E-mail is the most common form of workplace communication, but it’s not always the most efficient. Maximize your available time to complete tasks to stay efficient. Instant messaging platforms like Slack and Happeo are used to eliminate the time wasted sending and receiving messages.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”
– George Bernard
From the moment you first contact a potential employer to the moment you write a resignation letter, your communication is vital. Make sure your communication is always “two-way,” by following up and confirming that messages are being received.
E-mails between team members should use an “economy of words” to improve workplace efficiency. If it only requires one sentence to share important information amongst team members, then only use one sentence.
Employees often don’t have time to read unnecessary verbiage, plus excess words can lead to more confusion.
Collaborate with Others for More Efficiency
Find new ways to collaborate on tasks with others to improve workplace efficiency. Your co-workers are part of the company’s team, which means they’re also a part of your team. The most powerful asset you have could be a fellow employee.
Make sure your efficiency is not coming at the expense of a coworker’s efficiency. Performing a task in half the time is never good, if it makes another task take three times as long. Collaboration is meant to improve the company’s overall efficiency.
“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others succeed.”
– Napoleon Hill
Time Management Tools Make You More Efficient
Time is your most valuable resource. Since you get the same amount every day–no more, no less–you must dedicate your available time to getting things done. Better time management will automatically make you a more efficient worker.
And like everything else, there’s an app for that.
Search across the web, and you’ll discover a number of technologies that will improve your work efficiency.
Platforms that monitor how and where time is being spent are like having a personal assistant. A few of the most popular time management apps are:
Efficient time management is the single greatest benefit to workplace productivity. Time management tools will put every team member on the same schedule, and also inform team leaders how tasks should be delegated.
Time and energy are limited, so avoid wasting either of them. Consider your business’s time and energy, and how it is affecting your organization’s overall efficiency.
Monitor Your Energy Levels to Work Efficiently
The keys to working more efficiently are often surrounding your energy levels. Energy levels are directly related to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Workers often feel inefficient at work, without realizing that their energy level is the problem.
Many of the causes of these low energy levels are the same things you’ve been told your whole life. We all know the problems caused by heavy smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating. But you can overlook things like stress, work overload, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise.
Taking control of your energy level is the shortest route to a fully efficient workday. This means being active, even proactive. You should avoid sitting at your desk for too long, especially if you are not actively working.
Most people know what it’s like to have a sedentary (sitting) job and struggle to stay awake or alert. Schedule time into your day for some type of physical activity. Take every opportunity to be mobile and energetic, because often low energy can be a decision.
Watch What You Pay Attention To
Our most valuable resource just might be our “attention.” Think about how many billions upon billions of dollars the advertising industry spends to capture your attention. Your attention should be that valuable to you.
There are so many digital devices that take our attention away from the tasks at hand. One trap that many remote workers fall into is the freedom to distract themselves with a digital device.
This is usually a time-suck that you will never get back. The fact that there are only so many hours in the day makes your attention that much more valuable. Improve your work efficiency by limiting the amount of attention that you give to any digital device, especially during work hours.
These have been five simple principles for improving your workplace efficiency. No matter where you are, the goal is to be promoted; to another position, company, tax bracket, etc.
Do you feel stuck? Like you could use the partnership of a coach or mentor?
Feel free to contact us for an action call.
