Being a manager isn’t always easy. Not only do you have your job to do, but at the same time, you need to keep track of your workforce and increase productivity.
This is why we designed WFM by Chronologic. It’s a workforce management system built from over 20 years of experience working with organisations on getting the most from their employees.
And today we’re going to use our experience to help you to increase your staff productivity.
It’s not as simple as removing distractions, it can be a whole management method shift.
Management productivity issues
The number one issue we find for management is time.
We know that paperwork alone can take days to sort. This alongside rotas to write, spreadsheets to update and all the other things that stop you from managing your team correctly.
But due to lack of time, bad workforce management habits can sneak in, and they could cost you dearly.
We’ll encourage you to invest in a system that automates tasks and accurately reports payroll data, holidays, absences and more. (like ours!)
But we know that’s not always possible. It could be due to managing budgets, or something else.
So how can managers manage better?
Prioritise and delegate. This might sound stupid, but when did you last truly think about what you need to do in the month and who needs to do it.
Employees could be given more responsibility, or admin staff could be tasked with paperwork.
How to put this into practice to increase productivity in the team
Once you’ve delegated, you’ll find yourself with time to help boost your workforce productivity.
Here is our top do’s and don’ts.
Do:
You must be familiar with your worker’s project or the task at hand, whether it is a regular contract for cleaning or needing to service a hospitality event.
Assess the skills and time needed and then you’ll be able to deploy the best employees for the job.
You will then also be able to make the best of the skills of your workers. When managers are well informed, they are more likely to do the right thing.
A top complaint of staff is unequal treatment. Avoid favouritism and make sure you offer the same opportunities to your staff whether it be for overtime, flexible working, or a promotion.
Workforce management means earning the respect of your staff and being fair is an essential prerequisite.
Being fair and transparent will ensure a positive working culture – and therefore better productivity.
- Know where your staff are
Do not be caught out by not knowing who is in and who is out. You can’t boost productivity if you don’t know your workforce.
Many days will bring unexpected staff absences, whether due to sickness or family commitments.
Invest in an absence management system that collects this data for you, or delegate attendance taking to an employee. You can then plug the gaps where needed and monitor any repeated absences.
Don’t:
Remember any commitments which you have made to employees and follow through on them.
Keep any promises made to staff whether it’s about obtaining protective clothing, increased salary or improving other working conditions.
Otherwise, you stand to lose your workers’ trust, a key factor in keeping a positive and happy workforce.
- Get involved in idle gossip
While ‘water cooler’ moments are important for bonding with fellow workers, do not get drawn into unprofessional chitchat especially if it’s about other workers and the ‘higher-ups.’
A big no-no should also be ‘banter’ which may be offensive. You are all being paid to work and as a manager, you should set a good example in this area.
It takes courage and assertiveness to say ‘no’ to some employee requests – it could be for time off, more money or doing things differently.
It is one of the most unpopular tasks of workforce management. However, it’s important to strike the right balance.
Be constructive when you need to refuse a request, giving the reasons why not and, if appropriate, offering another time when that request could be considered again.
Conclusion
Workforce management is one of the most important yet challenging aspects of a business. Getting it right can be highly rewarding for you, your staff and, ultimately, the company bottom line.
Make sure you equip yourself with the best tools for the job – and remember, keep it constructive and stay positive – that is the best example to your staff to keep them performing well.
If you want to equip yourself with more time to manage, have a look at our WFM system and what it can do for your business.
To book a demo and find out how we can help you increase productivity – click here.
