Labor productivity is the labor output level achieved in relation to the labor input level. Organizations need to measure and understand their labor input so as to determine if it requires an increase. After conducting an analysis of the workforce to find out motivation and productivity issues, you will also find out that there are numerous methods to improve productivity in labor.
In some scenarios, poor processes and inefficiencies slow down labor and productivity. These are solvable issues. This article will provide tips to help you increase the labor productivity of your business.
Examine Operations
The first step to improving labor productivity is observation. After observing and ascertaining the issues leading to the inefficiencies, implement actions or solutions that will result in an increased productivity in labor. A good starting point is to get a visual picture of the workforce. Here, you can observe body language and pinpoint the slowdowns during the labor process. Take note of anything important as you will need it later when implementing new processes.
Get Employee Feedback
After conducting the examination, get feedback from your employees by sending out surveys. Ask for specific feedback relating to the areas and roles where they see productivity problems. A little communication gap between departments can lead to hang-ups in production. A solution to this issue will most likely lead to an improvement in efficiency.
Build Better Processes
When you have determined the main problems with production and labor, the time then comes to either improve the existing processes or create new operational policies. The policy could be as simple as buying new equipment or hiring an inventory management consultant. It could also be as complex as restructuring the entire operational process.
In a lot of business models, reconfiguration of the business model or update of the technology is needed for the business to continue to survive. For instance, automation of jobs has become very popular in a lot of industries. Technologies like drones and robots have taken over some jobs. When a business starts to lose ground because its competitors have automated their production process, going the same route is the only plausible way of staying relevant in the industry.
Employee Training Programs
Making changes to the processes can only be effective if the labor force is actually trained and equipped to use the new system. Comprehensive training will be vital for improving labor productivity.
After building your processes, write them out in a clear manner and make a training manual that will reflect the changes in the labor roles. You should make use of video, text documents and mentors as references for the roles.
If the processes you currently have are adequate, but productivity of the workforce is still low, the time may have come for comprehensive training or retraining of your workers.
Motivate the Workforce
Processes themselves aren’t always the only hindrance to productivity. It could be a lack of motivation that is slowing down labor and productivity of your workforce. That being said, it is not always simple to motivate employees. Fortunately, performance incentives are usually failsafe motivators. Job benefits and security will also go a long way in ensuring that workers remain dedicated and focused.
The work environment also plays a part. Playing music in the break room can be a good idea. It could improve relaxation of workers which could translate to them improving their productivity. It would also create an environment that is fun and welcoming.