As a business owner, you know the key to a successful business is productive employees. According to a study by the International Association of Administrative Professionals, the average worker is only productive for 3 hours and 16 minutes daily. They also found that the winter months are the least productive, with an average drop in productivity of 10-15%.
So what do you do when winter comes, and your employees are less motivated? Here are a few tips to help keep your employees productive during the winter months:
1. Give them more responsibilities
One way to keep your employees motivated is by giving them more responsibilities. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them feel like they are valuable team members. If you can delegate tasks and projects, do so. This will allow your employees to show off their skills and talents.
But don’t overload them with work. You don’t want to burn your employees out. Find a balance between giving them enough work to keep them challenged and engaged but not so much work that they feel overwhelmed. Ask your employees what they think if you’re unsure how much is too much. They’ll be honest and let you know if they feel overwhelmed.
2. Make your office comfortable
Because we tend to spend more time indoors during the winter, making your office as comfortable as possible is essential. This means keeping the temperature comfortable, providing adequate lighting, and ensuring the office is clean and clutter-free.
You also want hot water for employees who wish to make tea or coffee. So a tankless water heater installation might be a good idea. This will provide an endless hot water supply, so your employees can have their favorite hot drinks whenever possible. You can also provide blankets and throws for employees if they get cold. Just make sure they are clean and in good condition.
3. Offer incentives
Another way to keep your employees motivated is by offering incentives. This could include bonuses, gift cards, or even paid time off. If your employees feel like they are being rewarded for their hard work, they will be more likely to continue working hard. Some companies also offer employees the opportunity to work from home on occasion. This is a great incentive for employees with long commutes or young children.
But whatever incentives you offer, make sure they are achievable. You don’t want to set the bar too high and disappoint your employees. Depending on your business, you may also want to offer different incentives for different employees. For example, if you have salespeople, you may want to provide a commission for every sale they make.
4. Encourage flexible hours
During the winter, it can be difficult for employees to get to work on time due to the weather. You can encourage flexible hours so your employees can come in when convenient. This will help them avoid battling the elements and get their work done when they have the most energy. If possible, you may even want to allow employees to work from home on days when the weather is terrible.
Ensure you have a policy in place, so employees know what you expect of them. And if you do allow employees to work from home, make sure you have a way to stay in communication with them. Don’t just assume they are working because they are at home. If possible, have them send you updates on their progress or set up video chats so you can check in with them.
5. Encourage breaks
While you want your employees to be productive, you also don’t want them to burn out. So encourage breaks throughout the day. This will allow your employees to take their minds off work and recharge. Maybe they can go for a walk, meditate, or just take a few minutes to themselves.
It’s also important to encourage employees to take vacation days. This will allow them to disconnect from work and come back refreshed completely. Just make sure they use their vacation days wisely. If they take too many days off, it will be difficult to catch up on work. Always encourage employees to take at least a few days off to recharge.
Following these tips can help keep your employees productive during winter. Many employees may feel overwhelmed during this time of year, but if you ensure your office is comfortable and offer incentives, they will be more likely to stay on track. And if you encourage breaks and flexible hours, they can take the time they need to recharge without falling behind on work. With some planning, you can help your employees stay productive all winter long.