The modern workplace is full of distractions — and it’s only getting more hectic. Employees are often split between attending meetings, answering phone calls and replying to emails — on top of other daily tasks that constantly demand our attention.

It’s easy for our employees to feel overwhelmed by their workload, or like they are unable to meet these ever-growing demands. However, there are things we can do to help reduce our employees’ stress levels and empower them to be more productive and successful — without getting burned out or feeling overwhelmed.

But how?

Here are three ways we can encourage employee productivity in the workplace.

1. Limit interruptions.

With so many demands on our employees’ time, it’s no wonder they’re struggling to stay on top of everything. One way to encourage productivity is to try and limit the amount of distractions and interruptions in the workplace.

According to recent data, a staggering 81% of employees spend a third of their week or less in meetings. And yet, 70% of employees feel that fewer meetings and emails would improve their productivity, with 43% of employees feeling that their meetings could be eliminated without any real consequences, according to research by Slack.

Start by evaluating how many meetings your team has a week. How long are they? How many need to happen weekly? Does the information being shared have to be communicated in a meeting, or can it be sent in an email? Consider how many meetings can be reduced in time or frequency or relegated to once a month. Start small by combining separate, smaller meetings into one larger meeting that is held once a week or even bi-weekly.

Be sure to also consider how many emails you’re sending on a regular basis, and how many of them are necessary for all team members to receive. Consistent communication is important, but too much can become white noise and distract your teams from doing the work that needs to be done.

2. Embrace new technology.

As the number of tasks and responsibilities increase, it’s important that we streamline our teams’ workflows. One of the best ways we can do this is by utilizing technology, especially generative AI.

Slack found that employees who are the most productive are 242% more likely to use AI and save an average of 3.6 hours per week by doing so. Employees reported using AI to assist in a variety of menial and repetitive tasks (like transcribing, editing and coding), freeing them up to work on other more essential projects.

Encourage your employees to take advantage of these generative AI programs. Promote ethical usage by establishing clear guidelines and operations procedures, hosting training sessions, and having regular discussions with your team about how they can implement AI in the workplace. By taking advantage of new technologies, you can empower your employees to make the most of their time and be more efficient, productive team members.

3. Prioritize employee wellness.

When employees feel overburdened, they experience more stress and are at higher risk of burnout, as well as mental and physical health issues. It’s crucial that we begin taking preventative measures and prioritize our employees’ well-being, both physically and emotionally.

Employees whose workplaces prioritize emotional well-being experience a 24% increase in productivity, with 70% experiencing overall better mental health, from recent data. Additionally, research shows that by focusing on improving physical health, employers saw a 10% increase in employee productivity.

Begin by having conversations about mental health with your employees. Check in with your team regularly and ask how they are handling their workloads, how they’re feeling and what you can do to help reduce their stress. Give employees time to exercise, spend time outdoors and connect with each other to help them unplug during the workday.

Discuss what benefits your company offers, including counseling, insurance plans, and even gym memberships. By taking steps to prioritize employee wellness, you’ll help your team be more productive and successful in their professional and personal lives.

Increasing employee productivity isn’t about trying to get a better bottom line — it’s about helping your team be the best versions of themselves they can be. By making an effort to help your employees be more productive, you’ll show them that you value them as individuals and want them to thrive, creating a healthy work environment where you can all succeed, together.

Related

• 5 Tips for Avoiding Distractions and Maximizing Productivity While Working Remotely
• How to Develop a Positive Company Culture
• 4 Ways to Achieve Balance Between Work and Your Personal Life
• Helping Employees Feel Valued: 5 Ways to Create a Better Workplace Experience
• Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace: 4 Reasons Why it Matters