If you manage people, then you should be very nervous after reading two recent studies.
Canada Life Group Insurance discovered that 85 percent of employees say lifestyle factors or personal worries affect productivity at work. These problems include:
- Lack of sleep
- Financial pressures from unexpected demands
- Uncertainty about how to keep up with the cost of living
The survey of 1,000 workers also found that they are working harder and longer, with 30% skipping a lunch break, in order to work at their desks.
These problems typically result in employees missing time from work and getting less done.
Why should you care? Consider the impact on your bottom line. That’s just happened in Australia, a country of more than 22-million people.
A study there found that overwork and stress costs Australia more than $30 billion a year. One out of three employees say having too much responsibility or “burnout” is a reason for them to take sick leave when they are not ill.
Are conditions that much different in the United States? We’re a much larger country…do the math.
During the past two to three years, raises have become scarce, responsibilities increased, and the price of just about everything has gone up. Is it a surprise that people feel burned out and are using as much sick time as possible?
As a leader, you can’t prevent the fallout of a global recession. But you can Clear the Path of some of the problems that are draining your team’s productivity:
Redefine Work: Decide whether productivity or time spent at work is more important. If an employee can get more work done with a flexible schedule, then should he or she be tied to a desk for 40 hours a week? The key is making sure the employee is accessible during working hours should a question or problem arise. In an era of smart phones and Skype, do they really need to treated like they’re working in an 18th century factory? If flexibility creates productivity, then you may want to rethink the work day.
Show Ruthless Accountability: So we go from being accommodating to employees to policing them? Yes, and here’s why: A product of burnout manifests itself in people bending the rules. They’ll say, “I work hard so I can come in late, take home office supplies, and goof off online during work hours.” All of these sins add up and can spread like a virus through your office culture. State the rules, state the consequences, and enforce them. Work is not a daycare for adults.
Restate Your Mission and Goals: Odds are that your mission statement may be collecting dust or is out of date. The world has changed a lot during the past few years. Make sure people know the goals of your organization and not just the catchy slogan that’s on your letterhead. If people feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, they’re more likely to to work harder.
Bottom line: Employee stress and decreasing productivity are symptoms of serious problems. Don’t ignore the disease.
