Safari Solutions Newsletter
October 2007, Volume #36
Productivity is a crucial component in the success of a company. Read on to learn tips and strategies to increase employee productivity!
Ann Clifford
Dos and Don'ts
A "working interview" is when a candidate comes to your office and performs actual work. Are these legal?
See answer provided below.
The 80/20 Rule
Have you found that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers? The 80/20 rule also applies to employee productivity! Studies indicate that the top 20% of employees accomplish 80% of the work. Attract more top performing candidates and you will significantly increase overall productivity.
Follow these steps to make the most of your company's Top 20%:
Eliminate poor performers quickly. Top performers prefer to work with other top performers.
Be prepared to make process changes. Productive workers do not want to follow unproductive procedures.
Reward for performance. Encourage mediocre employees to improve while giving the best employees more reason to stay.
(By Allison Witmeier, Safari Solutions, HR Consultant)
10 Essential Needs & Motivators
Two key factors effect employee productivity: Basic Needs & Motivators. Basic needs are necessary requirements that must be met to maintain minimal performance. Motivators amplify productivity to a higher level.
|
Basic
Needs: |
Motivators: |
| Comfortable working
conditions
| Opportunity for
advancement |
| Interpersonal relations
| Recognition of achievements
|
| Supervision & guidance
|
Responsibility & trust |
| Competitive salary |
Balance in workload |
| Flexibility & variety
|
Feeling part of a team |
(By Ron Giles, HR Consultant, Safari Solutions)
Safari Interview Tip
Ask candidates questions about specific steps they have taken to be more productive. Little will be learned by asking a candidate if they are productive! But valuable information will be gained by asking, "What innovative procedures have you developed to help save time?"
Safari Success Story
Safari Solutions assisted both Chancellor Learning Systems & Jackson Controls in hiring Inside Sales Representatives within the last month! With top notch reps on board, both companies are positioned to reach their growth goals!
Did You Know
Researchers at Synovate, one of the world's top research firms, found that individual performance increases 25% when an employee uses an ergonomically designed work station.
Safari Quiz
What is the best way to increase employee productivity?
A. Higher Pay
B. Comfortable Working Environment
C. More Time Off
D. Flexible Schedule
See Below for the Answer.
Answer to Today's Dos and Don'ts
A "working interview" is when a candidate comes to your office and performs actual work. Are these legal?
Yes, having candidates perform the work that a job entails can provide valuable insight in making a hiring decision. However, if the candidate is performing actual work, you need to pay them. Because of the payroll issues that may arise, it is best to limit this practice to final candidates. Better yet, consider a simulation where candidates spend a brief time doing work that will not actually benefit the company or your clients. In this case, the working interview can be treated as an assessment and you need not pay them for their time.
(By Allison Witmeier, HR Consultant, Safari Solutions)
Answer to Safari Quiz
What is the best way to increase employee productivity?