The 10 biggest barriers to workplace productivity

It’s 9am and your employees are at their desks ready for another 8-hour working day. Except one eye-opening survey suggests they’ll only be productive for a total of 2 hours and 53 minutes! So, what’s really going on during the other 5 hours and 7 minutes? And how can you turn things around to get the most out of your team today? YourGP’s Occupational Healthcare experts are here to help you get to the root of the issues so you can not only boost productivity and performance, but the overall health and wellbeing of your team too.

10 barriers to productivity (and how to overcome them)

1. Distractions
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes – from cluttered desks to social media notifications. Encourage a “tidy desk, tidy mind” approach to minimise distractions.

2. Interruptions
Unscheduled phone calls and colleagues casually popping by to ask questions can throw workers off their train of thought. Some people thrive being part of a ‘buzzy’ office environment, whilst others prefer a quiet space where they can properly concentrate. Pay attention to your employees’ needs and, where possible, ensure your workplace reflects those needs.

3. Insufficient training
Modern working life is fast-paced but that’s no excuse for skipping the basics. Make sure every new employee receives thorough introductory training as well as regular refresher training if required.

4. Lack of information
Sometimes workers have all the will in the world to do a good day’s work, but they lack the necessary information to fulfil their duties. In this case, communication is key. Arm your employees with all the information they will need to complete their tasks and ensure they have a point of contact if they have questions.

5. Inadequate tools and equipment
Every employee needs the right tools for the job. Whether it’s a laptop with up-to-date software, or an ergonomically designed chair to prevent stresses and strains on the body, make sure you regularly assess the ever-changing needs of your team.

6. Poor time management
Many roles are multi-faceted and involve an element of juggling tasks and responsibilities. But an inability to prioritise tasks can lead to missed deadlines, which will have a knock-on effect for the business. Thankfully, there are lots of time management tools available to help your team get organised. From project management software where specific tasks can be assigned to specific people, to time-tracking apps and scheduling platforms – they can all make a real difference to the working day.

7. Lack of motivation
When employees view their working day as simply “another day, another dollar” it’s easy to lose motivation. Help your employees find their “why”. What was the reason they accepted the role in the first place? What are the factors that drive them in their career and in life in general? Uncovering this information can help them rediscover that much-needed motivational boost.

8. Lack of recognition
A good workplace brings out the best in its workers. It recognises and rewards hard work. When employees start to feel like their contributions are not being acknowledged, it’s only natural that their productivity levels will drop. So, whether it’s a simple thank you at the end of the day, or a bonus at the end of the year – show your employees that you see and appreciate their efforts.

9. Workplace culture
Toxicity in the form of workplace bullying, perfectionism or presenteeism can soon take its toll on workers. Employers have a duty of care to protect the wellbeing of every employee and that means stamping out negativity and creating a healthy workplace culture. Team building days can be a great way for colleagues to connect on a more personal level to strengthen their working relationships.

10. Overwhelm, stress and burnout
We all feel pressure at work from time to time, but sustained stress can take its toll on an employee’s health and lead to serious consequences. Ensure every member of staff has a point of contact they can go to if they have worries or concerns, and create an environment where employees can talk openly about how they are feeling.

Speak to the Occupational Health experts at YourGP

If you’re interested in finding out more about ways to boost the health and wellbeing of your team, speak to the experts at YourGP about our wide range of corporate and occupational healthcare services. We’d be happy to tailor a package to your unique business needs. Simply call 0131 225 5656 or email occhealth@your.gp to make an appointment.