How efficient is your business?
Whether you own a small business or a large business, it's likely that you suffer from inefficiency without knowing it. You can be wasting time, money, and resources through your normal day-to-day practices.
While you can get by this way, wouldn't it be better if you could streamline everything and create an efficient business?
We think so too. We want to help you out. We have a few tips on how to have an efficient business so you can start improving today.
Allow for Better Employee Communication
Do you encourage your employees to communicate with each other?
Depending on your industry, employee communication might be necessary for effective and efficient work. It's common for employers to ask employees to work in online chat systems and through email even if they work in the same building. Employees often work in rooms or pods with other employees in the same area of expertise.
But is this efficient?
When working on a project, employees need to be able to discuss things and problem solve with employees in other departments. If you want your business to run like a well-oiled machine, you want the parts to work together, right?
A great way to encourage this is by allowing breakout groups to form during the day. You can also use a hot-desking system to allow employees to move from desk to desk instead of being stuck in one place so they can visit whatever department they need.
Encourage Short Breaks
This might sound counterintuitive. Many people are under the impression that breaks "break up" the day to the point that employees won't be able to focus.
Research suggests that focusing on a repetitive task for too long decreases focus and productivity. This means that while the work may be done, it won't be done as well.
Taking brief breaks every so often helps the brain reset and get back into focus mode.
Don't Interrupt Employees With Secondary Tasks
While breaks are good, unexpected interruptions are bad.
We get it. You have something important for your employee to do and while they're already working on something, you're sure that they'll be able to multitask. What's the problem?
Multitasking is less effective than focusing on one thing at a time. Most people aren't able to multitask while completing both activities as successfully. It will slow both projects down and make them lower-quality.
When an employee is working on something, let them focus on that task.
Automate as Much as Possible
There are plenty of mindless activities that you're forcing on your employees that could otherwise be automated.
There's software for email lists, transcription, social media, parts of customer support, and more.
Your employees don't want to work on these tasks and they take up time that they could otherwise use for productive activities.
Do You Have an Efficient Business?
Business efficiency is essential for your success. Running an efficient business cuts costs, improves your use of resources, and makes for happier and more focused employees. Improve your business efficiency with our tips today.
For more helpful articles that can help your business thrive, visit the rest of our company site. Click on the Startup section of the Bootstrap Business Blog for further insights on running a more efficient business.
