Few concepts inspire workplace satire like productivity, or its first cousin efficiency. As Homer Simpson quipped “… productivity is up 2 per cent, and it’s all because of my motivational techniques, like donuts and the possibility of more donuts to come”.
Underlying the workplace satire is suspicion. Suspicion that the bosses don’t think we’re working hard enough or we’re goofing off while “working from home”.
All that can erode trust and, D’oh!, productivity.
That’s why this week’s Economic Reform Roundtable – otherwise known as Productivity Summit – poses pitfalls for leaders around Australia.
Talk of productivity improvements is taken personally, partly because its abstract nature makes it threatening if not addressed thoughtfully. And when communication is personal and perceived to be menacing, people stop listening. Especially if there’s a backdrop of reorganisation and redundancy.
But there’s no avoiding the issue, with Jim Chalmers nominating the topic as the Government’s top priority for the next three years.
So let’s roll our sleeves up for the town hall questions:
In most organisations productivity is already a regular part of the conversation – contributing factors are just called by other names. Engaging your people in the big issues is just good business. Not as tasty as donuts (or Duff Beer) but better for the bottom line.
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