Office productivity is crucial for every business. After all, a company is only as productive as its employees. Unfortunately, many factors can halt productivity in the office. One of the most common is a lack of communication.
When employees aren’t communicating effectively, it can lead to miscommunication, confusion, and ultimately a drop in productivity. Another factor is a lack of motivation. Employees who are not motivated are less likely to be productive. Finally, a cluttered or disorganized workplace can also lead to decreased productivity.
However, there is a lot more than these factors, and there are often some overlooked problems that can lead to lower productivity in offices. Here are some of the most overlooked factors regarding office productivity.
Dental Health
Surprised? Well, don’t be. Oral health plays a more significant role in your employees’ lives than you think. For example, a study from PubMed Central found that toothaches and TMD (temporomandibular disorders) are responsible for 27% of employee absenteeism.
That’s right, nearly a third of all employee absenteeism is due to dental problems. And while you might not think that this would affect productivity, it does. When employees are in pain, they’re not going to be as productive as possible.
Moreover, poor oral health can lead to other problems, such as gum disease. This can then lead to inflammation, linked to several chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. All of these can have an impact on productivity.
So, what can you do to improve your employees’ dental health? Well, you can partner with dental offices near you. An example would be Clear Choice Dental. They offer all sorts of dental services that can help improve your employees’ oral health. Some of them include dental implants, which can help aging employees in your company.
You can also offer dental insurance to your employees. It will help them cover dental care costs and make it more affordable for them. Finally, you can promote good oral hygiene habits in the workplace. This includes things like regular brushing and flossing.
Stress
Stress is another significant factor when it comes to productivity in the workplace. The American Institute of Stress found that workplace stress costs businesses about $300 billion a year in absenteeism, presenteeism, and healthcare expenses.
So, what exactly is workplace stress? It’s the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with the demands of your job. It can be caused by several things, such as a heavy workload, unrealistic deadlines, or a lack of support from management.
When employees are stressed, it can lead to many health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. It can also cause them to make mistakes and have accidents. All of these things can impact productivity in the workplace.
Reducing stress in the workplace is essential for boosting productivity. There are a few things you can do to help reduce stress in your employees. First, you can create a more relaxed and positive work environment. This includes playing music, providing snacks and drinks, and having regular team-building activities.
You can also try to be more understanding and flexible regarding deadlines and workloads. If an employee is having a tough time, see if there’s anything you can do to help lighten the load. Finally, you can offer stress-management training to your employees. This will teach them how to deal with stress more productively.
Sleep
Most Americans don’t get enough sleep. A study from the CDC found that one in three adults don’t get the recommended seven hours of sleep a night. This can lead to several health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
It can also lead to decreased productivity in the workplace. When employees are tired, they’re more likely to make mistakes, have accidents, and be less productive.
Better sleep can help improve productivity in the workplace. You can do a few things to help your employees get better sleep. First, you can offer flexible hours. It will allow them to choose when they want to start and end their workday.
You can also offer telecommuting options. This will allow them to work from home, which can help them get more sleep. Finally, you can promote good sleep habits in the workplace. Good sleeping habits include things like avoiding caffeine before bed and creating a dark and quiet environment to sleep in.
Productivity in the workplace is essential for businesses to succeed. However, there are many factors that can impact productivity, such as nutrition, stress, and sleep. By taking steps to improve these factors, you can boost productivity in your workplace.