Boosting Productivity Through Innovative Workforce Management Strategies

In 2023, employees continued to feel more detached from their employers, with less clear expectations, lower levels of satisfaction with their organization, without boosting productivity. As well as less connection to its mission or purpose than they did four years ago, according to a Gallup survey of employee engagement in the U.S.. 

For workforce management leaders, heightened productivity in 2024 is essential in order to meet goals while maintaining a competitive edge. Thankfully, there are several strategies that can make a major difference in the long run — from revamping communication methods to the value of employee feedback and appreciation.

Boosting Productivity Through Revamping communication efforts

Communication within the workplace can seem like a non-issue in 2024, especially due to the role of screens within the modern work environment. However, out of 31 million employees interviewed, only 13% of their leaders practiced effective workplace communication, highlights Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2022 report. Workforce management leaders can further boost productivity by implementing effective communication. 

To underline the value of communication, it’s imperative to note that only 11% of workers report that ineffective communication does not have any effect on them, Forbes Advisor points out. It’s further noted that poor communication impacted productivity for 49% of respondents, while nearly 50% reported that ineffective communication impacted job satisfaction and 42% said it affected stress levels.

Forbes Advisor also notes that for over 40% of workers, poor communication “reduces trust both in leadership and in their team.” As a result, effective communication plays a key role in both productivity and within the workplace as a whole, and there are a variety of ways in which workforce management leaders can revamp communication strategies. 

Resources highlight the value of active listening. “Active listening means paying attention, showing interest, asking questions, clarifying doubts, and providing feedback.” As a result, leaders can gain a better understanding of the needs and perspectives within the workforce. While active listening is the cornerstone of conflict resolution, efforts to be clear and concise as well as communicating with empathy are additional values that can get to the root of communication challenges in the workplace.

Employee feedback fuels positive changes

Employee feedback is a valuable strategy that all workforce management leaders can benefit from, and it can go both ways. For example, Gallup data shows that 80% of employees who say they have received meaningful feedback in the past week are fully engaged. With that in mind, Gallup explains that the operative word is “meaningful.” In today’s fast-paced world, it’s noted that feedback that is a lengthy employee-manager discussion and as such, is often impractical, ineffective, and difficult to execute. 

“A more meaningful — and approachable — way to give feedback is quickly and frequently, which is why organizations might find it helpful to rebrand their approach to “Fast Feedback.”” This involves providing meaningful feedback more often while making use of conversations that offer feedback that is “inspiring, instructive and actionable.” The manager’s central role in a feedback culture, Gallup explains, involves continual listening, asking questions, and gaining context and promoting dialogue — all of which are elements that effectively align with a coach-like mindset.

Asking for feedback from employees on a regular basis is particularly beneficial in regard to hot-button topics that are conducive to workplace productivity, like the current state of the workplace. Through anonymous surveys, workforce management leaders can gain valuable insight as to what is needed in order to better guarantee worker satisfaction and productivity. 

The consideration of work schedules is just one idea. For example, the choice of options in regard to work schedules is one way in which workforce managers can show their appreciation for employees while providing options that allow for heightened productivity. This can be a powerful strategy in 2024 and beyond due to the value of flexible work schedules. Employees with full schedule flexibility, for example, reported 39% higher productivity rates than those without flexibility, highlights a Future Forum Pulse survey. Furthermore, it was revealed that employees with schedule flexibility also reported 64% stronger focus than those with rigid schedules.

Redefining goals — an underestimated tool for Boosting Productivity

The reassessment and redefinition of the goals within the workforce itself is a great strategy for any organization aiming to optimize productivity. This will not only allow workforce management leaders to reassess any shortcomings among the workforce as a whole, but will provide the opportunity to make adjustments that align with the realistic capabilities of the organization. 

According to one Business Reporter article, the implementation of realistic goals “gives employees something to work for, enhances their experience at work, and motivates them to work towards achieving their targets.” Not only will realistic goals foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, but will help prevent burnout while promoting improvement and innovation, the article highlights. While meeting and exceeding goals should be celebrated, the process of redefining goals as a workforce management leader doesn’t have to be a complicated process.

A strategic roadmap is just one way to successfully outline the vision, goals, and critical initiatives or projects of a business, and effectively serve as the bridge between an organization’s vision and the execution of that vision. Strategic roadmaps are a dynamic planning tool that allows businesses to align activities and resources in order to achieve various objectives while providing clarity on the path forward. 

For workforce management leaders, the application of a strategic roadmap can help redefine both smaller goals and the vision for the organization as a whole. After laying out strategic objectives, important elements of a strategic roadmap involve the evaluation of capabilities (via methods like stream mapping), determining execution initiatives, to highlight just a few.

Conclusion

Heightened productivity can seem like an impossible endeavor, especially with factors such as the ever-changing landscape of the workplace. As a result, revamped communication, the reassessment of goals, and effective feedback can all make a major difference in the elevation of workforce management.