Employee Productivity in the Workplace

Productivity and organizational growth work hand in hand to create a strong relationship.  To put it simply, the productivity of a company’s employees measures their effectiveness and efficiency inperforming their day to day tasks.  Sometimes however, these lines become blurred and their description feels too broad, making it difficult to find practical methods for improving productivity.


The corporate environment in every industry is becoming increasingly challenging. This cold hard fact suggests a constant need for employees to strive to achieve greater productivity in their daily work. 

Here are six tips to help you increase productivity.

#1: Personalize Agendas
Employees who develop their own daily agenda typically perform more resourcefully than those who are provided with a rigid schedule to follow. In order to keep a schedule each day, we can simply jot an "activity list" on a piece of paper which can easily be referenced throughout the day.

#2: Clump Small Tasks Together
Every working individual has a list of routine tasks to be performed on a daily basis. In just a few minutes, you can break down each responsibility into small tasks. When each requirement is taken on as a set of brief tasks, it's sensible to pick out and "group" the related items together. This prevents us from having to jump back and forth to the similar duties, hampering productivity.

#3: Monitor Agendas
During a busy work day it is very easy to steer off the beaten path.  When this happens it takes longer to recover and get back on track.  Employees often find it helpful to prepare a schedule that he or she can follow through out the day.  Once a set task is finished simply cross it out and continue on with the rest of your list.

#4: A Clean Desk Equals a Speedy Train of Thought
An untidy desk seems to have an impact on the owner's thought process. More often than not, finding things lost in the clutter also becomes time-consuming. However, there are some employees that firmly believe that they're more comfortable having a relaxed and casual way of working. The items on their desks aren't always a mess, and might actually be placed in a way that's easily accessible to them.  Either way, the number of things spread around the desk should be neatly placed, rather than in a clutter, in order to expressively reinforce work principles.

#5: Finish Disliked Tasks Quickly
Procrastination settles in during a regular day at work for several reasons. One common problem is the requirement to complete least-favorite tasks. The best way to put an end to procrastination before it even comes into the picture is to complete the tasks that we dislike. As soon as those are done, the remaining day becomes less challenging or more exciting, with greater productivity.

#6: Revitalize at Lunch or Dinner Hour
With increasing pressure at work, many people ignore breaks completely.  Taking a proper break for a meal offers positive medical and psychological advantages.  The practice of taking proper breaks from work is the best way to get an instant energy boost for the remaining workday.  Also if you can, go outside and take a short walk and get some fresh air.  This will help get your blood flowing and take your mind off of work for a few minutes. 

Using these six helpful tips will not only help productivity at work but will also make you a happier and more valuable employee.

Datalogic Skorpio Handheld Scanner

The Datalogic Skorpio™ is a rugged mobile computer particularly suitable for mobile commerce solutions in the retail environment both on store shelves and in the stock room. Thanks to one of the

best ergonomics ever seen on the market, Datalogic Skorpio™ reduces operator fatigue with no compromise in terms of reliability and robustness, resisting harsh environments, multiple drops, strong shocks and repetitive tumbles.

Its wireless communication capabilities (Bluetooth®, IEEE 802.11b/g) enable fast transactions and complete interaction with information systems including the newest RF security protocols such as WPA™ and WPA2™.  Moreover, Cisco Compatible Extensions CCX V4 certification permits all the advantages offered by the Cisco WLAN infrastructure to be exploited.

The Datalogic Skorpio™ offers the unique feature of integrated data capture technology combined with “green spot” feedback (Datalogic patent), providing a “good read” green dot directly on the code, where the operator usually tends to be looking.

The Datalogic Skorpio™ large high visibility color graphic display with touch screen helps users work more efficiently, while the practical 38-key “alpha & numeric” keypad allow data, codes and descriptions to be input very quickly.

Four Outlooks Every Leader Should Follow

It's not easy to talk about performance with employees. It can be awkward and downright tough to focus on someone's weaknesses.  Every leader has the opportunity and responsibility to be a catalyst for change within his or her organization, and that starts with knowing how to motivate and encourage employees.  For managers, it's important to have the right attitude before having these conversations.  There are four main outlooks that every leader should follow.

1. Lead with Behavior.  Don't let emotions get in the way.  Jot down a plan, that way, it makes it easy to stay on topic.  Make a list of the problems you would like to discuss and then explain how the employee's behavior directly affects the company and productivity.  Rather than telling the employee's what they should stop doing suggest to them what you expect of them.

2.  Eliminate Judgment.  When having these conversations you should put your judgment aside and focus attention on the performance issue.  If you start the discussion by accusing the employee the only thing that will end up happening is the employee getting defensive.

3. Ask Solution-Oriented Questions.  The savviest leaders allow employees to come up with their own solutions.  When employees are given the opportunity to create their own ideas they feel like they play an important role.  If there is something that you don't agree on you will be able to discuss the reasons why and be able to find a happy medium.

4. Give Them Ownership.  Through these conversations, you want to help the employee feel a sense of ownership over their performance and ability to change.  Putting the ball in their court gives them a better sense of control and responsibility.  Asking questions and receiving feedback is the best way to come to this conclusion.  Managers, as promoters for change, can help enable this by continually making expectations and goals clear and consistent and striking up these performance conversations regularly.

Dockside Seafood Marketplace Live With Store Management Suite

Dockside Seafood recently installed a new STCR-SMS Solution.  Dockside specializes in fresh seafood and meat with an assortment of groceries.  The store operates year round and features a fresh catch of the day.

In speaking with owner Tom Patrick, he noted how much easier it is to train his front end staff.  “Our cashiers picked up the register in 5 minutes” Says Patrick.  The ease of use has helped to make the store operate more efficiently.

Dockside will be expanding this summer to add a short order food stand.  Customers will be able to order food made from the same fresh ingredients that are found in the store.  Seating will be outside in a picnic area.