EDITORIAL: Unity needed to boost productivity

Full cooperation between employers and employees is needed before productivity can increase in the workplace and impact positively on the national economy. And in this current pandemic, where many are being called upon to work in very different environments and under very different conditions than what would have been considered the norm, communication becomes just as important as cooperation.

To begin, it must be understood that productivity is more than a measurement of a worker’s level of commitment to doing the job, it involves effort by both employees and employers. Productivity is linked to the level of skill a person has and hence initial and continuous training is essential. Workers should therefore seek to gain knowledge and certification in areas of professional interest and employers must also endeavour to facilitate further education. Closely linked to this is the provision of adequate technology and equipment and accompanying technical support for staff, especially where staff are required to work from home – all a must for increased output.

Additionally, employers should seek to promote team-building and encourage participation, all the while fostering a level of communication that motivates and counsels. It is also imperative that employee incentive programmes are introduced, because when employees feel valued by their employers, they are likely to feel encouraged to put in the extra effort on a regular basis. Rewarding employees for their extra effort could result in a team of employees who are not only loyal and enthusiastic, but more productive overall.

It is understandable that in this current economic climate where businesses are fighting to stay afloat, that it may be near impossible to provide monetary incentives, but these do not always need to be monetary. Simply having consideration for the challenges that others may be having could move workers to give that extra ten per cent. For instance, consideration could be given in terms of time management – especially with parents being called upon to facilitate online learning with schools closed, and time restrictions with curfews meaning changed opening and closed times for businesses – and flexible work times arranged.

Furthermore, in these times of COVID-19 where social distancing is strongly advised, the scale with which productivity is to be measured must be made clear as the traditional time stamp of measurement would not always now be possible. Companies should therefore communicate clearly their objectives and targets, indicate each employee’s role and set a definite goal. Only then can productivity be measured, efforts rewarded and strategies reformed to improve processes in the long-term.

In the final analysis, greater productivity should benefit all by leading to higher profitability for companies, better compensation for workers and better quality goods and services for customers. If there is an imbalance at this point – for instance a focus on profit without putting money back into the company or giving rewards – then productivity may suffer as a consequence and this would have serious consequences on individuals’ pockets, as well as impact negatively on the economy.

Barbados Advocate

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