Are your call times lagging? Are your profits lower than your investors would like? If you’re struggling to succeed as a business, you should know that there are ways to turn things around, especially if you’re willing to implement new policies focused on productivity. Here are just a few tips for getting more done around the office.
1. Set Specific Goals
If you’ve been telling your employees that they need to “increase sales” or “beat the competition,” you aren’t actually helping them achieve these objectives. Vague goals don’t give them a way to track, measure and celebrate their progress like specific ones do. Instead of asking them to just “increase sales,” ask them to generate a specific number of leads every month. Instead of telling them to “beat the competition,” ask them to perform a detailed evaluation on a rival company’s methods.
2. Utilize Project Management Software
Project management software like Acute 360 can be a big help to your R&D department. Not only can it collect real-time information on resources, materials and personnel, but some programs can also perform risk assessments or measure the progress of teams and goals. As a bonus, you can find project management software to suit every need and budget, so it’s just a matter of selecting the right program for you and putting it into practice. There’s something out there for everyone.
3. Go Paperless
The paper products in your office are dragging you down. They’re cutting into your profits with every order from the supply store; they’re slowing down important communication between your employees, managers and clients; they’re cluttering your walls and whiteboards with unnecessary disorganization. Do yourself a favor and switch to digital, paperless technology. Your business will operate much more smoothly, and you can also take pride in running a forward-thinking, 21st century company.
4. Give More Breaks
It might sound counterproductive, but it’s true: You can get your employees to work harder by giving them more breaks. The human brain isn’t an engine, and it needs regular periods of rest and relaxation in order to come back with all pistons firing. You can make sure that your employees are reaching their maximum potential by giving them a well-stocked break room with plenty of coffee, tea and energy-boosting snacks. You can also extend their lunch breaks so that they can hit the gym or visit a cafe in order to get in the right head space for the rest of the day.
These are just four ways to increase efficiency at the office. Whether you’re starting a new business or trying to whip an old one into shape, these tips can help you get the job done. Good luck!