A More Efficiently Run Office For The New Year

As we begin 2011 many firms are looking at improving the way they do business. Here are some steps to help boost productivity levels in your office this year.

1. Limit social media use among staff. Research has shown that a blanket ban can have negative effects on productivity levels so just introduce an office policy on usage.
   
2. Although some people consider meetings to be a waste of time, you can boost productivity by having meetings between individuals, different departments or even the entire firm. Make sure you have a flip chart or white board in the boardroom to note down the ideas you discuss. A monthly staff meeting could highlight new ideas that develop into new revenue streams for the firm.
   
3. Consider replacing older / malfunctioning office equipment. Slow printers that often jam could damage staff morale by frustrating workers and hindering productivity. It may be an expensive task, but an update could be an important step.
   
4. Make sure you always have a healthy stock of stationery and other office products available. From packaging supplies to envelopes and paper, it's vital that everything is there for when you need it most.
   
5. Consider offering more flexible working conditions to your staff. Flexible working hours for some staff may help them to get more done, so don't rule it out.
   
6. If some tasks seem to take up too much of your team's time, such as dealing with incoming calls or making sales calls, you may want to consider outsourcing it to another organisation such as a call centre.
   
7. One reason for an office's poor levels of efficiency could be low motivation amongst the team. Perhaps staff could do with a team building day in order to re-establish morale. Consider introducing new incentives. Communication is key. Let staff know that the firm is doing well and announce new client / new business wins. This will act as a “pick me up” for staff morale.