Less is More: We Need to Redefine Productivity
Sunrise is your big-picture guide to employee well-being. Designed for HR, internal communications, and corporate wellness leaders, we share actionable steps to positively impact your organization.
Topline
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• We are experiencing a generational shift in the employee-employer relationship. Younger generations are pushing back against traditional working norms.
• Employers realize they can’t just throw money at their retention problem.
• Chasing the Sun can help your teams realign and get back on track with upward-trending productivity.
*https://www.npr.org/2022/10/07/1126967875/quiet-quitting-productivity-workers-ennui-working-jobs
Employees aren’t responding well to bosses asking to “lean in,” “do whatever it takes,” and “be in the office every day.”
How is your team evolving?
The Challenge
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• In other words, we are finally acknowledging that we are tired.
• People are pushing back against the overused “we need to do less with more” management directive. Why should they do more than what they get paid to do? Why should they put in long hours to make up for staffing shortages? Why should they live to work instead of working to live?
• After all, many jobs can be done from anywhere. We have more options for employers - so why would we put up with conditions detrimental to our well-being?
• Until things change, we are seeing a decline in productivity. And that’s a risk to individual companies and the overall economy.
• Let us not fall into the trap of blaming “the next generation.” We are all just coming to terms with what is (and isn’t) acceptable in our work, which has been evolving for years.
• These problems are compounded by leaders’ attempts to manage remote teams. Employees are revolting against all-day webcams and intrusive monitoring software - for a good reason! Managers need to let go of the idea their employees need to be visible during their working hours or present in endless meetings.
• Our methods of communication are evolving. With flexible work arrangements and a global workforce, the bar requiring synchronous conversations must evolve.
• There’s no easy button for keeping loyal employees and maintaining high productivity. It goes beyond compensation and into career development, adapting to generational needs, and respecting employees’ autonomy.
We need to redefine productivity.
The Opportunity
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• We must bridge the disconnect between employees and employers regarding expectations, priorities, and deadlines.
• We keep endless to-do lists and walk around frazzled all day long. Employees burn out or give up when no clear dialogue exists.
• When expectations, priorities, and deadlines are aligned - productivity WILL increase.
It’s time to make a generational shift in how we work. Here are the first three things to do for your team:
The Fundamentals
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• During the interview process, managers should be clear on their communication style and should ask candidates about their communication style.
• While onboarding or training on new processes, we should offer both synchronous and asynchronous methods.
• When giving direction, we must consistently emphasize the end goal. This helps to communicate the overall purpose and the employee’s role.
• Understanding how we deliver feedback in a virtual environment must evolve.
Revise Standard Procedures
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• Re-evaluating the purpose of meetings and one-on-one discussions.
• Adapting to new ways of asynchronous communication.
• Creating flexible office hours for collaboration. Instead of a physical “open door” to your office, create a virtual “open door time” blocked on your calendar for real-time dialogue.
Mentor Future Leaders
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• Not all communication should be asynchronous. We should encourage the intention and benefits of real-time phone and chat discussions.
• Teaching the importance of firm deadlines. We can not assume employees know how to “manage up” and ask the right questions to deliver work that meets expectations.
• Imparting knowledge to college students through career centers and informational interviews.
As managers and leaders, we must understand how all generations communicate.
Clarity is key because misalignment in any of these areas will negatively impact well-being.
Work With Chasing the Sun.
We look forward to learning more about you and how we can play a role. Please fill out the form below, and we will respond to your request within 48 business hours.