McGraw-Hill/Irwin 2010 Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 MAINTAINING A PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE Chapter 18

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 A Productive Workplace Productivity is the ratio of an organization’s inputs or its resources, to its outputs or the goods and services it produces. It is essential to maintain high productivity in the workplace. There are many ways to improve efficiency in productivity.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 ***A Productive Workplace *** Steps to increase morale to boost productivity: Understand the morale of the work environment. Let everyone know “what’s in it for them?” Get everyone in the organization involved in goal setting, individually and collectively. Let employees know that the company is dedicated to helping them succeed, and to be promoted. Encourage communication between employees, among departments, and within teams. Don’t relax on individual and group accountability.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 A Productive Workplace Other factors that improve morale: The manner in which employees and managers are appraised. Creative appraisal systems stimulate productivity by encouragement, two-way communication, and motivation. An appraisal system should be S.M.A.R.T.S. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results Oriented, Time Bound, Stretchable) “Stretch” the employee, giving him or her new goals, new horizons to grow into a new comfort zone.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 A Productive Workplace Productivity and task maturity One way to encourage productivity is to match an individual to the job that needs to be done. Someone with task maturity has the skill set for the job at hand. Task maturity does not refer to an employee’s age or seniority on the job.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 A Productive Workplace Avoiding self-sabotage Self-sabotage means damaging one’s own credibility or competence. There are many reasons people sabotage their efforts. Dan Neuharth found that procrastination is the main reason. Procrastination is also a major source of stress. Hidden benefits of procrastination also exist.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 A Productive Workplace Steps to stop procrastinating: 1. Get going on the task. 2. Make a plan. 3. Reduce the task to smaller components. 4. Think positive. 5. Reward yourself along the way. 6. Give yourself credit.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Time Management Time management means making effective use of available time, and requires planning. People often overload time or underutilize time. Procrastination is one cause of underutilization.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Time Management Time analysis tools help analyze use of time and become more efficient in time management. Noticing a pattern where people waste time can help manage time and set priorities. Creating a to-do list also helps.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Troubling personal situations arise for everyone. Individuals who don’t handle these situations well can affect the overall well-being and productivity of their workplace. Employees, managers, and entrepreneurs are all responsible for handling situations in their personal lives effectively.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Substance abuse (Alcohol and other drugs) One of the most common and expensive employee problems that companies face. Abuse of alcohol and other drugs together cost the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost workdays and lowered productivity. Physical and behavioral signs of alcohol abuse in the workplace.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Employee drug abuse and dependency What qualifies as drug abuse depends on the user’s dependence on the drug and how the substance affects behavior. Abuse is going on when drug use is frequent, compulsive, and intense. Abuse includes withdrawal symptoms or increased tolerance.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Employee drug abuse and dependency (cont.): Dependence can be physiological or psychological. Psychoactive drugs are categorized based on their effect on the body and the central nervous system – depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, designer drugs.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Effects of substance abuse in the workplace: A very expensive employee problem. Costs are mainly associated with lost productivity and health-care expenses. A substance-abusing employee may also go into withdrawal at work, which can cause distress for everyone in the workplace.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Marital, family, and other personal problems Lead to excessive absenteeism, unusual behavior, decline in the quality of work performance, trouble concentrating, and decline or change in appearance at workplace. Divorce is one of the most common problems. Family violence is another problem.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Financial problems Employees under severe financial pressure may experience difficulties such as low productivity and stress. Financial problems also make employees susceptible to stealing from the company (time or resources). Employee’s may also get involved in substance abuse or domestic violence.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Behaviors that Reduce Workplace Productivity Compulsive gambling The inability to control one’s betting habits. Some employees may get caught in compulsive gambling leading to depression and relationship problems in their personal lives or at work. It costs the economy in terms of lost productivity, criminal acts, lost jobs, bankruptcy, bailout costs, and even suicide.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Responses to Substance Abuse and Other Nonproductive Behaviors A supervisor’s main responsibility is to make the employee understand that his/her job performance is not acceptable. Supervisors should not try to counsel/advise employees themselves, but should refer them to: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Community counseling center Substance abuse professionals

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Responses to Substance Abuse and Other Nonproductive Behaviors EAPs can help with the following: Abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Mental health issues. Financial problems. Legal trouble. Poor physical health. Stress, depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Family and marriage conflict. Other personal problems or concerns.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Responses to Substance Abuse and Other Nonproductive Behaviors Workplace substance abuse policies Companies must determine their stand on substance abuse with input from various staff. Once the policy is developed, it must be clearly communicated to the entire staff. Train supervisors to recognize symptoms of abuse and understand how it impairs performance. Drug awareness education for employees. Counseling and referral component of policies.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Responses to Substance Abuse and Other Nonproductive Behaviors Employee drug testing The Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988 states that certain types of businesses must take action to make the workplace drug free. These actions often include drug testing, which can prevent as well as detect substance abuse in the workplace. While doing drug testing, companies must avoid lowering employee morale.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Responses to Substance Abuse and Other Nonproductive Behaviors What else can be done for employees? Understand factors that create/maintain a productive workplace. Learn methods of improving appraisal systems and morale. Learn strategies to improve use of time. Recognize substance abuse and other behaviors. Know what employers/employees can do to help.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Strategies for Success Warning signs of substance abuse : 1. Difficulty in recalling and following instructions. 2. Frequent tardiness or absence from work. 3. Frequent disappearances from the job location. 4. Taking too many cigarette or restroom breaks. 5. Taking extended lunch and work breaks. 6. Difficulty getting along with co-workers.

Parts taken from Human Relations 4ed Modified by Jackie Kroening 2011 Strategies for Success Warning signs of substance abuse (cont.) : 7. Difficulty getting along with co-workers. 8. Increased mistakes on the job. 9. Repeated accidents off the job that affect job performance. 10. Dramatic changes in personality or work performance during the day, especially after taking a break.