Undoubtedly, one of the main concerns of an employer is always employee productivity. Employees form the backbone of any organization, and without them, it can be impossible for a company to progress. Apart from good pay, several other factors help improve employee retention, performance, productivity, and more. However, sometimes employers can unknowingly create working conditions that can be incredibly detrimental to employee progress.

Poor working conditions can take a huge toll on the employee’s productivity and mental health and immensely impact the company. It can be tricky for employers because some of these working conditions don’t necessarily have to be dangerous.

If you’re looking to improve your office’s environment and boost employee productivity, here are a few things you need to focus on. Eliminating these practices can help you create a healthier, much more productive work environment for all.

Workplace Bullying

When it comes to poor working conditions, workplace bullying and harassment can have the biggest impact on employees. Workplace bullying can come in many forms, and it doesn’t have to be restricted to physical harm. Instead, psychological bullying can have the most significant impact on employee productivity.

Workplace bullying can include abuse of power, imposing unreasonable requirements, overburdening employees, psychological harassment, online bullying and more. Unfair dismissals can also be a form of workplace bullying. Usually, dismissals require that both sides can have their sides heard. However, unfair dismissals offer no explanations and don’t let employees give their side of the story. Hiring unfair dismissal lawyers is usually the best way to resolve such disputes and help employers and workers alike address any foul play concerns.

Unfair dismissal lawyers can also handle many other issues related to workplace bullying and ensure a smooth resolution for all parties.

Bad Lighting

Bad lighting is one of the most powerful determinants of employee performance but often goes ignored. Employers often feel that traditional white lights are the best way to illuminate a workplace, but this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to workplace design, employers seem to think adopting fad designs such as treadmills and nap pods is what employees need. However, access to natural working conditions is one of the best ways to boost productivity.

47% of employees feel incredibly tired because they don’t have access to natural light in the workplace. No matter the industry, ensuring access to bright, natural light is one of the best ways to boost employee productivity. If access to natural light isn’t possible during night shifts, then using lighting that mimics natural light as much as possible can boost productivity. Switching to natural lighting can reduce the strain on the employee’s eyes and boost mood.

Lack of Technological Integration

Technology integration is vital in today’s day and age, where workplaces are becoming increasingly automated. Using technology can allow employees to work at a much faster pace and help them focus on challenging, engaging tasks rather than menial labor. Business software can automatevarious processes such as marketing, customer engagement and more. Without such technologies, employees can feel bogged down by tasks like sending out emails or updating schedules.

Technological integration is more important today than ever before due to the pandemic. With most employees now working either entirely online or in hybrid modes, technological integration helps employees stay connected and work productively. If you don’t provide your workers with technological systems that can help them access resources, their productivity will be greatly hampered. Moreover, offering employees the opportunity to work remotely can help them have a much more comfortable experience at work, thus boosting productivity.

Bad Hygiene

Bad workplace hygiene is easily one of the most significant factors which can impede employee productivity. An office space needs to be well-organized, clutter-free, and hygienically designed. When any of these factors are compromised upon, they can immensely affect your employee’s mood and productivity. Not only can clutter waste time as employees shuffle around looking for things, but it can also make the environment much more stressful.

Being in a messy, cluttered environment can lead to increased levels of cortisol which can impact mood, focus and productivity. Maintaining cleanliness in the workplace can be simple. Rearranging the layout so everyone has access to waste bins is one way. Additionally, ensuring that lunch areas and bathrooms are perfectly clean and well-ventilated can make a huge difference. Taking these steps is even more important during the pandemic, and failing to ensure workplace hygiene can lead to serious consequences.

Long Work Hours

In the contemporary world, where we’re more connected than ever before, it can be challenging for employees to disengage from their work. Employers often ask employees to take work home with them, as technology makes it easy to access all office resources remotely. However, overworked employees can have significantly lower productivity and workplace satisfaction levels.

Recent polls reveal that up to 25% of employees work up to 59 hours a week and stay connected to work even as they commute or have dinner. Working too long can lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia amongst workers.

Although it may seem counterproductive, encouraging employees to find a work-life balance can help them work much more productively. Achieving a better balance prevents burnout and helpsworkers stay much more focused at work. Allowing employees to take leaves, vacations, and disconnecting from work at home can help them recharge and perform much better at work.

No Recognition

Although pay and other benefits are essential in boosting employee productivity, recognition is equally important. Recognition can help employees feel that their efforts are being recognized, and that they have a chance of progressing in the job. Without recognition, employees can lack the motivation to perform as well as they have the potential to.

Public recognition doesn’t just motivate the employees who are already performing well, but can also push others to do better. Having an employee of the month can be one way to give your employees recognition, and personally applauding efforts of well-performing employees can boost productivity immensely.

Conclusion

Creating a better workplace condition benefits employees and employers alike. It allows employees to have a much more pleasant experience and helps them stay engaged and productive no matter what. Implementing these changes can be easy, and with time you can create a healthy work environment that protects your employee’s mental health and helps them work to the best of their capabilities.