Team productivity is an important aspect, but it can be challenging to achieve in today's rapidly evolving work environment after the invent of AI ChatGPT. Outdated technology, remote work-related challenges, financial issues, and well-being concerns are some of the obstacles teams face in increasing productivity. 

As we move further into 2023, it is essential to address these challenges and implement effective strategies to improve team productivity.

In this article, we will discuss 11 expert tips and strategies that organizations can use to enhance their team's productivity. These tips cover a wide range of areas, from technology to team culture, and can be applied in various work settings. 

#1 - Address Equipment and Technology Issues

Technology plays a crucial role in team productivity. Outdated equipment and software can cause significant obstacles. In 2023, businesses need to invest in the latest equipment and technologies to keep up with the competition and ensure their team's productivity.

When asked, Keyla Norman, Founder of Jenkl shared, “One significant challenge of outdated technology is the increased time needed to complete tasks. Slow computers, outdated software, and unreliable internet connections can lead to delays and frustration, reducing efficiency and productivity.”

Upgrading to the latest technology can help teams work more efficiently and effectively. 

For instance, investing in faster computers, cloud-based software, and reliable internet connections can help team members complete tasks quickly and efficiently. 

Additionally, a project management software can help teams collaborate, track progress, and manage deadlines effectively.

Moreover, incorporating employee monitoring software can offer valuable insights into the productivity performance of your team, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal workflow efficiency.

On top of all this, picking tech that's tailored to what's required of your industry's needs is critical here. So if you need to enhance your brewery productivity, Ollie and equivalent specialized software tools have to be given priority over less focused alternatives. That way, even more fat can be trimmed from team operations.

Richard Adams, Lead Researcher at Within Home, says “Make sure to consider the specific needs of your team when upgrading equipment and technology. For example, if your team works with large files and data, it may be necessary to invest in high-end computers with ample storage space. 

Richard added, “Alternatively, if your team is distributed across different locations, cloud-based software and video conferencing tools can help team members collaborate effectively.”

#2 - Improve Communication and Collaboration

Communication of teams is foundational when it comes to productivity. However, remote work and distributed teams can pose challenges to effective communication and collaboration. 

One key strategy is to invest in the latest tools that can help your team communicate and collaborate effectively.

For example, team collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams or Slack can help team members stay connected and work together seamlessly, regardless of their location. These platforms allow team members to share files, hold virtual meetings, and communicate in real-time, improving efficiency and productivity.

Sumeer Kaur, Founder of Lashkaraa.com, also shares another important aspect of improving communication and collaboration: “Establish clear channels for communication. This can involve setting guidelines for when to use email versus instant messaging, or setting expectations around how quickly team members should respond to messages.”

For teams that span the globe, offering resources to foster personal growth is crucial. Encouraging team members to hone their German language skills or other popular languages through online learning can be a distinctive way to develop their talents while enhancing communication within multinational companies.

To address remote work-related communication and collaboration challenges, prioritize video conferencing and virtual meetings. These platforms can help team members build stronger connections, foster a sense of community, and allow for more effective collaboration.

Finally, fostering an environment of open communication and feedback can also be key to improving collaboration and productivity. Encouraging team members to share their ideas, offer feedback, and collaborate on projects can help create a more inclusive and innovative workplace culture.

#3 - Prioritize Team Well-being

Prioritizing team well-being is essential for the success and longevity of any organization, not just productivity. In today's competitive work environment, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to deliver results quickly, often at the expense of employee well-being. 

However, research shows that companies that prioritize employee well-being have higher job satisfaction rates, employee engagement, and productivity.

Robin, Co-Founder and Director of GoVisaFree shares, “To prioritize team well-being, we adopt a holistic approach that takes into account the physical, emotional, and mental health of our employees. This includes providing opportunities for employees to engage in physical activities during work hours, offering mental health support and resources, offering remote or hybrid work environments, and creating a supportive work culture.”

An example of an organization that prioritizes team well-being is Buffer, a social media management company. Buffer offers its employees unlimited vacation time, a $500 annual wellness allowance, and a remote work policy that allows employees to work from anywhere in the world. 

Buffer's approach to employee well-being has resulted in high levels of job satisfaction among its employees and a reputation as a top employer in the tech industry.

Take a cue from Buffer, and start developing strategies that address the unique needs of your team, so you can improve their well-being, and ultimately, productivity. 

#4 - Invest in Training and Development

Investing in training and development is a crucial aspect of building a successful and sustainable business. By prioritizing the growth and development of employees, businesses can not only improve the overall productivity and efficiency of their workforce, but also increase employee satisfaction and retention rates.

Douglas McShane, Operations Director at Sheffield First Aid Courses shares, “One way to invest in training and development is through providing ongoing education and training opportunities. This can include offering workshops, seminars, and online courses, as well as creating mentorship and coaching programs. By encouraging employees to continually learn and develop new skills, businesses can create a culture of innovation and growth.”

Furthermore, investing in training and development can also lead to cost savings in the long run. 

For example, by providing comprehensive training on communication and essential presentation skills for new employees, you can reduce the amount of time and resources required for onboarding and reduce employee turnover rates.

Matthew Smith, Digital Marketing Expert at Kinspeed summarizes, “Investing in training and development is a win-win situation for both businesses and employees. You can improve productivity and efficiency while also creating a culture of growth and innovation, while employees can develop new skills and improve their job satisfaction and career prospects.”

#5 - Be Transparent and Honest about Salaries

Being transparent and honest about salaries is a crucial aspect of creating a fair and equitable workplace. By openly discussing salaries and compensation packages, companies can ensure that their employees are being paid fairly and that there is no wage gap based on gender, race, or any other factor.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards salary transparency, with some companies publicly sharing their salary data and even allowing employees to view each other's salaries. This can help to eliminate the secrecy and power imbalances that often surround discussions of pay.

According to Alison Lancaster, CEO of Pressat.co.uk, “One of the biggest benefits of salary transparency is that it can help to promote trust and confidence among employees. When workers know that their salaries are based on objective factors such as job performance and qualifications, they are more likely to feel valued and respected by their employers.”

Rightfully. This can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction, motivation, and more importantly in this case, productivity.

Of course, there are also challenges to implementing salary transparency. Some employees may feel uncomfortable sharing their salary information with their colleagues, and there may be concerns about privacy and confidentiality. However, these issues can be addressed through careful communication and policies that respect individual preferences.

#6 - Hire Top Talent from All around the Globe

In today's globalized world, companies are increasingly looking to hire top talent from all around the globe. This approach not only helps businesses to diversify their workforce, but it also provides access to a wider pool of qualified candidates.

One of the key advantages of hiring talent from different parts of the world is the diverse perspectives they bring to the table. When people from different cultures and backgrounds work together, they bring their unique experiences and viewpoints, which can lead to more creative solutions to problems. 

Also, hiring talent from different parts of the world can help companies to better understand and tap into different markets, which can be especially valuable for companies looking to expand their global presence.

On hiring, Julio Gomez, Digital Marketing Expert at Raider Painting, shares, “Now, it has become so much easier to hire top talent. Using platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn, you can easily check resumes, review candidate history, do interviews, and onboard talented team members within a matter of days, if not weeks.”

With the right approach and resources, companies can benefit from the diverse perspectives and expertise of top talent from all corners of the world.

#7 - Hire People Smarter than Leaders for Innovating Quick Solutions

Edward Mellett, Co-Founder at TestHQ, shares an insightful tip on not only increasing teams’ productivity, but also overall growth of the workplace. He says, “Hiring people who are smarter than leaders can take your business to new heights faster. It might sound counterintuitive, but listen to this...when leaders hire people who are smarter than them, they create an environment that fosters growth and learning. By doing so, they are not only challenging themselves to grow and improve but also challenging their team members to do the same. This approach not only helps the organization but also benefits the team members by allowing them to learn from one another and grow in their careers.”

Take the example of Google, which has a reputation for hiring the best and brightest minds. Their hiring process is known to be rigorous, and they have a history of hiring people who are smarter than their managers. This approach has helped Google create some of the most innovative products and services in the industry.

Identifying and hiring top talent with diverse skill sets can be challenging, but there are strategies that organizations can use to make the process more effective. 

David Martinez, VP Enterprise & OEM Accounts at Cybernetman.com, says “One smart approach to hire a candidate is to use skills assessments during the hiring process to evaluate candidates' abilities and potential. Another approach is to use collaborative hiring processes, where team members are involved in the hiring decision-making process.”

Overall, hiring people who are smarter than leaders can lead to a more innovative team, ultimately, leading to a more productive workforce.  

#8 - Give Clear and Realistic Goals

Setting clear and realistic goals is essential for improving team productivity. When goals are ambiguous or unrealistic, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and disengagement among team members. 

On the other hand, when goals are well-defined and attainable, it can motivate and empower teams to work more efficiently and effectively.

To give clear and realistic goals, use objective measures and data-driven insights. 

Tom Miller, Director of Marketing at FitnessVolt, shares a goal setting method used at his company, “One popular methodology for goal-setting Objectives and Key Results framework, (or known as OKR) which is used by us, and as well as bigger tech companies such as Google and Twitter. OKRs means to set measurable objectives that are specific and align with the overall company mission, and then identifying key results that will help achieve those objectives.”

If that sounds complex, another approach to goal-setting is agile methodology, which involves breaking down large goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. This allows teams to focus on incremental progress and adapt to changes more quickly.

In addition to these methodologies, communicate goals clearly and regularly, and involve team members in the goal-setting process. This can help ensure that goals are understood and aligned with the team's priorities, and can also help foster a sense of ownership and accountability among team members.

Research shows that setting clear and realistic goals can have a significant impact on team productivity. 

Scott Mack, Founder of Home Window Tinting says “Giving clear and realistic goals is crucial for improving team productivity, and this should be at the top of your key strategies for improving team productivity in 2023.” 

#9 - Foster a Positive Team Culture

Creating a positive team culture is vital for the productivity and success of any organization. When team members feel valued, supported, and respected, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive. 

On the other hand, a negative team culture characterized by low morale, stress, and conflicts can negatively impact team productivity, innovation, and overall performance.

One of the most significant factors that can negatively impact team culture is financial stress. In today's world, many employees are burdened with financial worries such as debt, living paycheck to paycheck, and lack of retirement savings. This stress can significantly impact their job performance and overall well-being.”

To address this issue, you can offer financial wellness programs to help employees manage their finances and reduce their stress levels. These programs can include financial education, debt management tools, and retirement planning resources. 

Additionally, time tracking for employees can provide employees with the flexibility they need to attend to their financial and personal obligations while still fulfilling their job responsibilities.

Alex from NC Cash Home Buyers adds, “a great way to foster a positive team culture is to recognize and reward employee contributions. Do this through employee recognition programs, bonuses, or promotions. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to be motivated to work hard and perform at their best.”

Finally, you can encourage team building activities and events that promote social connections and positive relationships among team members. These activities can include team lunches, happy hours, or even team retreats. Such activities not only boost team morale but also promote collaboration and innovation.

#10 - Make Work Engaging and Fulfilling

In order to build a team that’s super productive and engaged with their tasks, make work engaging and fulfilling for employees. This means creating an environment where people feel passionate about what they do and are motivated to go above and beyond. 

By doing so, organizations can see increased productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.

One way to make work engaging is by providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow. This can come in the form of training programs, mentorship, or even simply encouraging employees to pursue their own interests and passions.”

For example, companies like Google and Zappos have implemented programs that allow employees to spend time working on their own projects or areas of interest, which has led to innovative new ideas and products.

Warren Phillips, Co-Founder of Lantana Recovery, says “Creating a positive work culture is also key to making work engaging and fulfilling. This means fostering an environment where employees feel supported, respected, and encouraged to collaborate and share ideas.” 

Companies like Patagonia and REI have built their brands around a culture of environmental and social responsibility, which has helped attract and retain employees who are passionate about these issues.

#11 - Encourage Ongoing learning and Development

Encouraging employees to continually upskill and develop new competencies is key to staying competitive and driving innovation. 

David Owens, Digital Marketing & Growth Director at First Aid at Work Course says, “One approach is to provide employees with access to a variety of learning opportunities, from traditional classroom training to online courses and self-directed learning resources. This can include technical training to develop specific skills, as well as soft skills training to improve communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.”

Another key factor is creating a supportive learning culture where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their own learning and development. This can involve providing regular feedback and performance reviews, setting clear expectations for development goals, and encouraging a growth mindset, says Faizan Ahmed Khan, Sr. Content Marketing Specialist at UBUY Kuwait.

Ultimately, it helps teams become more productive at what they do.

Conclusion

Encouraging ongoing learning and development, making work engaging and fulfilling, fostering a positive team culture, giving clear and realistic goals, and hiring people smarter than leaders for innovating quick solutions are some of the key principles for effective management. These practices not only increase employee satisfaction and retention but also contribute to the overall success of the organization. Gerrid Smith, Director of E-commerce at Joy Organics summarizes, “As a manager, it is important to continually invest in these areas to create a thriving and productive work environment.”