Enhancing efficiency within the workplace: How productivity strengthens a team

The saying “Your team is only as strong as your weakest link” holds true within most corporations and small/medium-sized businesses. However, when it comes to building a solid team from the ground up, there are ways to hold yourself and your company accountable.

‍

CAKE Capital has created a list of seven easy and practical ways for your team to achieve maximum productivity. By taking these tips into account, you’ll be able to grow your team, improve your strengths and watch your business flourish.

‍‍

1. Communication in the workplace

‍

Effective communication in the workplace is an integral part of company success. With quality communication, both employees and management are able to eliminate unnecessary problems and delegate tasks more efficiently. With clear communication, it’ll be a lot easier for said companies to maintain good relationships with their employees, which will ultimately increase productivity and boost morale. Not only that, but it increases innovation. Think about it: If employees are scared to discuss their thoughts and fears, then they are more likely to become stagnant in their career. With an open line of communication, the chances of success rise, along with their levels of happiness. 

‍

2. Reward your employees 

‍

While work can get busy, it’s important that owners and senior management are able to acknowledge the hard work of their employees. Recognizing your employees for a job well done can lead to greater initiative, enhanced team efforts and motivate certain behaviours among employees and staff. 

‍

The recognition process needs to happen while it’s still at the forefront of your employees mind; not months afterwards, so that it doesn’t lose meaning. When employees feel undervalued, their ability and will to perform diminishes. At CAKE, we recognize that not every business might have different means to reward employees with, which is why we’re encouraging you to do so in your fullest capacity. Stay within your means when it comes to implementing recognition for your employees, but make sure to do so. 

‍

3. Discuss strengths and weaknesses 

‍

If an entrepreneur works hard to create their startup, it can be extremely discouraging to see it fall short in certain areas while excelling in others. You may be wondering how best to create a well-rounded, successful business. The secret? Discussing both your personal and business strengths and weaknesses with the rest of your team can really help to level out the playing field and create a safe space for all. It is imperative not to let your strengths stop you from improving on other areas of your operation that might need more attention. 

‍

By understanding where your business succeeds and where the cracks in the foundation lie, you’ll set yourself up for a better outcome overall, both in your personal performance and professional development.

‍

4.Hold regular meetings

‍

Workplace meetings are an important element of business management. By holding daily or weekly meetings, team members and management can contribute their business ideas or express any thoughts/problems they might be having at the time. Morning meetings, often known as huddles, create an environment of collaboration. Because these meetings set the tone for the day, it’s important to outline all tasks at hand, as well as check in with your entire team. The more meetings held, the stronger your team's morale will be, even by the end of each day. 

‍

5. Reduce micromanagement where possible

‍

It’s no secret that micromanaging creates a significantly stressful workplace, with damaging effects like burnout, stifled creativity and increased staff turnover. These demotivating effects are exactly what we want to avoid. Oftentimes, micromanaging occurs when management gets too invested in a team member’s work, not trusting them to do their job properly. Micromanaging habits can be monitoring a team member’s schedule closely, avoiding delegating tasks and letting employees doubt themselves and their skills. The excessive supervision can be exhausting and push employees to feel down about themselves. 

‍

In order to avoid micromanaging, management should focus on providing employees with positive feedback. They should also step back from bossing them around, which lets them know that they’re trusted and valued in the workplace. 

‍

6. Invest in training and development 

‍

As an employer, it is in your best interest to make sure that your employees’ skills grow and develop over time. It’s also important to make sure that they have the right training necessary to succeed on the job. For that reason, one of our tips is to provide employees with the resources they need to work as efficiently as possible. Upskilling your employees will not only widen their skillset, but can encourage them to do a better job. Make sure your employees understand what is asked of them; by making proper training a part of company culture, learning is encouraged and provides employees with a healthier mindset when coming into work.   

‍

7. Use productivity apps 

‍

Productivity tools should be used on an everyday basis to set goals and track progress, among many other factors. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have taken up a “work from home” or “hybrid” lifestyle, allowing employees to stay connected outside of office walls. As the need to stay in touch developed, so did the use of technology and productivity tools. Apps like Slack, OneNote and even group Gmail chats help employees to be active and available at the click of a button. Microsoft Teams and Zoom are meeting apps, designed to hold conference calls on the fly, for free. On top of that, there are numerous productivity apps that change the way you work altogether, you just have to find what works for you (and your corporation!) 

‍

At CAKE, we strive to make our workplace a safe space for our employees. With that, we hope you’ll use our tips to make positive changes to your workplace and work ethic. And we hope that by following our advice, you’re able to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, and exactly what will make for a healthier work environment for all. 

‍