Bravery: the first step in the pathway to productivity
In order to boost performance, remain competitive and grow operations, Irish businesses have to be effective in terms of their culture, workspace and technology. By getting these elements right, organisations can create their own work-style footprint and drive the company forward. A cohesive and effective approach can enable innovation, empower people and enhance productivity. But first, business leaders have to be open to change and brave enough to adapt how they work.
Where to start?
The pathway to productivity isn’t the same for every organisation. First, it’s about understanding and implementing a strategy that best fits the individual needs of, and addresses any barriers within, the company.
Therefore, it has to start with people. Only through understanding what is important to the team and how they want to work can a business leader determine what workplace strategies need to be adopted and adapted. Of course, there will be different expectations and needs at every level and between generations.
This means sitting down with employees and having a conversation covering all areas of the business. This will make it easier to determine what steps will enable greater efficiency and output. After this, it’s time to facilitate change.
Why do it?
As well as creating an open, transparent environment where the views and requirements of employees are valued and prioritised, it’s important to find out what needs to be transformed or updated to better support collaboration, innovation and productivity.
A positive and proactive culture also unifies employees, offering a collective sense of direction and bringing people together to work towards shared objectives. If business leaders empower their people, they in turn will yield positive results for the organisation.
With five generations in the workplace, finding ways to engage everyone is crucial. For example, Gen X staff like to have the option of flexible working, which means the business needs tools to allow staff to securely and easily access work systems on the go, creating an agile workspace.
By meeting such requirements, business leaders can enhance productivity and profitability at both a micro and macro level. In fact, Ricoh’s Economy of People research found that organisational innovation is worth €3.4 billion in untapped GDP in Ireland.
What comes next?
The next step is optimism because the success of an organisation’s journey will depend on the enthusiasm and positivity invested. It’s about creating lasting change that brings benefits for people and the business as a whole.
Finally, business leaders evaluate what has worked and what needs to be improved. After all, change is a learning process.
Chas Moloney, director of Ricoh Ireland & UK, says: “There is much to consider when it comes to making changes in your business. While the execution may seem daunting and certain aspects will be complex, all it takes is bravery.
“The first step is identifying what’s important for your company and the people who drive it. That’s the hardest part, but it’s absolutely crucial if you want to successfully identify the strategies, technologies and initiatives that will transform and future-proof your organisation.”
To view The Pathway to Productive People guide, visitinsights.ricoh.ie
