15 Ways to Improve Workplace Productivity

Yes, it’s that time! Today, we’re going to talk about the one thing that every learning manager, HR or people team is asked about at some stage or other: Productivity! Whether it is fixing it or analysing it, it can be a bit of a challenging subject. Fear not, we’re on hand to help. If you’re reading this and you’ve been asked about productivity at work lately, you’re in the right place!

Whether you’re a small startup or a growing organisation, keeping everyone engaged and operating at their best can feel like a juggling act. That’s where we come in at uRoutine. We’re building a platform to help both individuals and organisations get their productivity on point, with social accountability and smart routine-tracking strategies.

In today’s article, we thought we would help you to perhaps go even further with productivity. We’ve collated our 15 favourite ways to improve workplace productivity and make work-life just that bit easier (and more rewarding) for everyone. Some of these are likely to only take a few minutes, whilst others may require longer-term engagement and investment but are worth it!

1. Foster a Collaborative Work Environment
Collaboration is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot, but there’s a good reason for it. When employees feel encouraged to work together, bounce ideas off each other, and share knowledge, it creates an environment where everyone thrives. Collaboration tools like Google Docs and Trello can make it easier to organise group efforts and keep projects moving smoothly. More importantly, promoting a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking for help boosts morale and engagement. When people feel part of a cohesive team, productivity levels naturally rise.

2. Set Clear Goals and Expectations
Let’s be honest: unclear expectations are productivity killers. At one point in most people’s careers, they will be asked for something with serious ambiguity around it. It’s hard to hit a target if you don’t know what it is. Employees perform best when they understand exactly what’s expected of them. At the organisational level, clearly communicating business goals helps employees see how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Goal methodologies and tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help map out goals and track progress, while managers can hold regular one-on-one sessions to keep everyone on the same page. Remember, if you’re looking for goal-setting methodologies then our article all about it might help. A clear sense of direction not only improves workplace productivity but also boosts employee engagement by fostering a shared purpose.

3. Implement Time-Tracking Tools
Time – we all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how we use them can vary wildly. Clue’s in our name – uRoutine! Time-tracking tools like Toggl or Clockify allow teams to monitor how much time they spend on specific tasks, giving valuable insight into workflows and potential bottlenecks. Be careful that these are seen as helpful, rather than cumbersome “tracking” and “mistrust” tools, though. For instance, you might discover that too much time is being spent on meetings or administrative tasks. At uRoutine, we help businesses create accountability systems that empower employees to take control of their schedules. The end result? More productive workdays and less time wasted on inefficiencies.

4. Embrace Flexible Working Arrangements
Gone are the days when being productive meant clocking in or out of the office at set hours. Thank heavens! Today, flexibility is vitally important. Offering options like remote work, flexi-hours, or even compressed workweeks can make a massive difference to employee engagement and performance. Flexibility allows people to work during their most productive hours, whether that’s early morning or late at night. Plus, it shows employees that their work-life balance matters, which can lead to greater loyalty and motivation. Just make sure to set clear boundaries and use tools like Slack to keep everyone connected.

5. Provide Continuous Learning Opportunities
If there’s one thing employees are increasingly crying out for (particularly Gen Z), it’s the chance to learn and grow. Offering training, workshops, or access to online courses not only improves skills but also keeps employees engaged. Think about it – when people feel like they’re developing professionally, they’re more likely to invest themselves in their work. At uRoutine, we’ve seen how creating tailored learning paths for teams can lead to significant productivity gains. Whether it’s technical skills, leadership training, or industry-specific knowledge, continuous learning keeps your workforce sharp and motivated.

6. Streamline Communication Channels
Communication is the lifeblood of any workplace. But too many channels can lead to confusion, while too few can create silos. The trick is finding the right balance. Streamline communication by using tools that centralise conversations, like Slack or Microsoft Teams. Encourage employees to follow best practices for communication, such as tagging the right people, keeping messages concise, and avoiding unnecessary CCs in emails. This not only saves time but also ensures that important information doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. A well-oiled communication system is a surefire way to improve workplace productivity.

7. Encourage Regular Breaks
Taking breaks might seem counterintuitive when you’re trying to boost productivity, but it’s actually one of the smartest things you can do. When employees power through without pausing, they’re more likely to experience burnout and decreased focus. Short, regular breaks can work wonders for mental clarity and energy levels. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique – working in focused intervals with breaks in between – are highly effective. At uRoutine, we recommend creating spaces where employees can unwind, whether it’s a lounge area, a quiet room, or even a garden for outdoor breaks. A refreshed mind is a productive mind.

8. Leverage Social Accountability
Social accountability is at the heart of what we do at uRoutine, and for good reason. When employees know their peers are counting on them, they’re more likely to stay focused and deliver quality work. This could be as simple as implementing daily check-ins or pairing team members for collaborative tasks. Group goals and shared responsibilities also create a sense of camaraderie, which can motivate employees to go the extra mile. By fostering accountability in a supportive way, you can create a culture where everyone takes ownership of their work.

9. Create a Positive Work Culture
Workplace culture isn’t just about free snacks, pizza, beers or casual Fridays – it’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported. Recognising achievements, celebrating milestones, and maintaining a positive tone in interactions all contribute to a thriving culture. A positive culture is infectious; when employees feel good about coming to work, they’re more likely to put in their best effort. We could write a whole article on this (*writes note to do so*) but really culture has to start with leadership.

10. Invest in the Right Technology
Technology is a powerful enabler of productivity, but only if it’s the right fit for your team. Outdated or overly complicated tools can cause frustration and waste time. Instead, invest in solutions that simplify workflows and make life easier for your employees. This could mean upgrading your project management software, automating repetitive tasks, or introducing AI tools to handle customer queries. At uRoutine, we specialise in helping organisations find the perfect tech solutions to supercharge their productivity.

11. Monitor and Evaluate Performance
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Regular performance evaluations give you valuable insights into how well your team is doing and where improvements can be made. But don’t just focus on metrics – make sure to gather feedback from employees about what’s working and what’s not. Tools like 360-degree reviews or anonymous surveys can provide a well-rounded view of performance. This feedback loop is essential for continuous improvement and helps employees feel heard, which in turn boosts engagement and productivity.

12. Minimise Distractions
Distractions are everywhere, from social media to noisy open-plan offices. While you can’t eliminate distractions entirely, you can create an environment that minimises them. This might mean providing noise-cancelling headphones, introducing policies on personal device use during work hours, or setting up quiet zones for focused work. Digital tools like website blockers can also help employees stay on task. When distractions are under control, employees can channel their energy into meaningful work.

13. Offer Incentives and Rewards
Let’s face it: everyone loves a little recognition now and then. Offering incentives and rewards for good performance is a great way to keep employees motivated. These don’t have to be extravagant; even small gestures like a shoutout during a meeting or a gift card can make a big impact. For larger achievements, consider offering bonuses, extra time off, or professional development opportunities. Recognising hard work not only improves employee engagement but also encourages others to step up their game.

14. Cultivate Strong Leadership
Following on from point number 9, leadership can make or break workplace productivity. Strong leaders inspire confidence, provide guidance, and create a vision that employees want to follow. Leadership isn’t just about giving orders; it’s about listening, coaching, and empowering your team. Regular training for managers can ensure they have the skills to lead effectively. We have seen how great leadership transforms workplaces, creating a ripple effect of positivity and productivity.

15. Align Personal Goals with Organisational Objectives
When employees see a clear connection between their personal goals and the organisation’s mission, magic happens. They become more invested in their work and more committed to the company’s success. Regularly checking in with employees about their aspirations and finding ways to align them with business goals can make a huge difference. At uRoutine, we help organisations bridge the gap between individual and company objectives, ensuring everyone feels part of a shared journey.

Improving workplace productivity and employee engagement doesn’t happen overnight – sorry! However, with the combination of tools and techniques referenced in this article, and the right strategies and tools, it’s absolutely achievable. At uRoutine, we’re passionate about helping startups and organisations unlock their potential so if you are keen to learn more, get in touch with us today. By implementing these 15 strategies, you’ll not only improve productivity but also create a happier, more engaged workforce ready to tackle any challenge. Good luck and let us know if we’re missing any from the list!

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