Purposeful Productivity
Most of my clients are starting to return to work in a hybrid fashion or planning for a return to work this fall. Interestingly enough, many of the same concerns raised last year at the beginning of the pandemic are coming around again as potential issues in the new hybrid work environment, with productivity at the top of the list.
Several clients have shared they anticipate a drop in productivity as employees begin to return to work and begin catching up and socializing with their colleagues. In many instances, team members will be meeting for the first time in person! Productivity may also be impacted by employees with increased distractions and challenges as they navigate what a return to the office looks like, how it may impact their families, the stress of commuting, and time management and boundary pressures.
In our Purposeful Productivity workshop, Michelle Sinon Jones and I discuss how leaders need to be very purposeful in how they approach the tension they face in balancing getting results with the reality that people may be distracted, tired, nervous, and unable to focus as they normally could as they reacclimate to working in the office again. In our program we share how to integrate purposeful and compassionate leadership while boosting engagement and productivity, and we take participants through the 6 Es for increasing engagement and productivity:
1. Empower your team
2. Encourage open communication
3. Evaluate goals and meetings
4. Ensure Expectations are clear
5. Set the Example
6. Make the work more Engaging
This workshop is full of tangible tools and practical tips that leave participants with actionable steps toward making their teams more productive. With intentionality and purpose, leaders can put a plan in place to keep productivity dips to a minimum. Leaders are also encouraged to create some fun activities where employees can let loose and have a good time without expectations for productivity.
What’s on your mind as you consider a return to the office? What concerns do you have about productivity on your team? I’ll be happy to talk through them with you to help you plan a successful transition.
