Having focus as an organization will yield significant return over the life the company and its employees. But focus isn’t something that is inherent in every person, and because of that you’ll need to cultivate focus in your organization.
Here are 6 killer ideas for getting your employees focused. The best part is that you get started with these tips today by simply being more intentional, creating goals, and even using office water delivery!
Have Written Short-Term Goals
Having goals is proven to create efficiency among workers, and it should be implemented in every work environment. But have you ever tried writing out short-term goals? It could increase focus in your team overnight if you do it right.
There are many methods to short-term goals, but one successful method is the 5×5. Have your employees write down their top five monthly goals and tasks, and then ask them to break down their weekly work into their top five tasks. These should correlate back to the monthly goals they created
You’ll notice your employees will be more focused due to their planning and goal setting. You’ll also be more intentional with them by keeping accountability and being in the know with your team.
Encourage Breaks
Believe it or not, your employees may be scared to take breaks around a superior. It’s actually really healthy for your employees to take breaks to rest their brain from tasks. These small 5-10 minute windows allow them to recover and refocus back on certain tasks.
One way you can help them focus is by encouraging them to take these breaks! It could be starting a small conversation or taking them out for a quick coffee run. Your employees will feel relieved and will simultaneously be refocused on whatever it is they are working on.
Incentivize and Reward Focused Employees
Nothing is more incentivizing than rewards. Sometimes employees need a reason to go the extra mile, and some just want to be recognized for their hard work. Encourage your employees often and let me them know that their hard work is meaningful and making a difference in the company. If you can afford it, allow performance-based bonuses for extra-focused workers.
Keep Employees Fed and Hydrated!
No one is able to focus on an empty stomach. Help your employees out by having office snacks, drinks, and other energy sustenance. Food is linked to focus and its important you’re not losing out on productivity just because of hunger.
Coffee, energy drinks, and even water is helpful to have in the office as well. Employees will thank you for having hot and cold water dispensers nearby and you’ll be happy to see them hydrated. Office water delivery services can help you get a water dispenser to keep your employees feeling refreshed both physically and mentally. There are lots of health and mental benefits related to drinking water that your employees should be implementing in their work day.
Allow Flex Work
If your company is set up for it, allowing a flexible schedule can increase focus. Some aren’t able to work their best at a typical 9-5. Maybe allow employees to work 7-3, or 12-8. This doesn’t work for every company and you may need to instill an extra layer of accountability, but you may also find that it’s the missing key in getting employees to focus and work hard. Allow them to choose this if possible!
Watch Out for Time Wasting Activities
Sooner or later you’re going to have to address those that are wasting their time. This is exact opposite of focus, and it’s a trait that must be dealt with before it gets out of hand.
Things like social media, personal phone calls, and surfing the web all happen to the best of us. In fact, maybe that’s what’s needed for personal breaks to get employees to refocus. But eventually you’ll need to drop a hammer on those that are mindlessly wasting time on the internet or on their phone. No one wants to be this person, but your employees should know better. Accountability and removing time-wasting distractions will get your employees to soar in productivity.
Things like social media, personal phone calls, and surfing the web all happen to the best of us. In fact, maybe that’s what’s needed for personal breaks to get employees to refocus. But eventually you’ll need to drop a hammer on those that are mindlessly wasting time on the internet or on their phone. No one wants to be this person, but your employees should know better. Accountability and removing time-wasting distractions will get your employees to soar in productivity.
Lipsey Has the Office Water Your Employees Need
If you need water for the office, Lipsey water has your covered. Call us today and we get your office set up with a water dispenser as well as a 2-week free trial! Our water is refreshing, tastes great, and will keep your employees focused for longer.