The Right Tools and Resources Increase Engagement and Productivity

Employees are more productive when they have the right tools and resources to do their job. A recent Gallup poll determined that less than 40% of employees responded that they had the materials and equipment needed to do their job well. That means that 6 out of 10 don’t. It is not hard to imagine how that impacts overall productivity, employee engagement, and your company’s bottom line.

Research also shows that when employees are equipped with what they need, they demonstrate higher customer engagement and increased productivity, strengthening your bottom line. Equally important, safety records improve, engagement and results increase, and employees experience less stress. 

As managers, one of your primary focuses is on equipping your direct reports for success. This includes advocating to make sure they have everything needed to do their job well. Depending on your organization, this may involve recommending better tools and a stronger emphasis on technology to increase efficiency and communication.

The increase of remote and hybrid work arrangements has made resource management even more critical. When Covid forced workers to begin working remotely, often they were sent home with little more than their laptop. Many companies scrambled to put in place the technology and other tools required to help their employees be efficient and productive in new circumstances. Data shows that many employers will continue with some sort of hybrid arrangement, and employees will continue to work remotely for some part of each week. The importance of evaluating whether your employees have the tools and resources they need while working in different locations will continue.

Stress levels are reduced, and the mental health of your employees improves when they have the tools and equipment to do their job well. Your employees’ frustration and stress increase when they are tasked with a job and can’t provide the desired outcome because of a lack of resources. 

Best practices for you to follow as a manager include:

• Remember that what you do is more important than what you say. The most effective managers are vigilant in looking for new ways to make their team more effective – without being asked.
• Identify the equipment and tools that each employee needs to do their job effectively. 
• Create an inventory of the standard materials and equipment available to each of your employees. Identify and document what else is needed and work to procure it for your direct reports.
• Ask your team what resources and tools they need to be more productive and efficient in their work. Many times, minor, relatively low-cost accommodations make a significant difference.
• For employees working at home confirm that they have the tools they need to do their work. Even if you have discussed needs previously, it is worth checking in every few months. Items to consider include:
• Laptop – fast enough with enough processing speed? Have any functional needs changed?
• Monitor(s) – frequently working with two monitors increases productivity significantly.
• Webcam and headset for Zoom calls.
• Necessary software
• Internet service that is fast enough to make connecting to cloud-based platforms as seamless as possible
• A printer that is fast enough and a standard way to replace cartridges, etc.
• Adequate workspace, including a desk and chair. As well as having a desk at the office, making sure their workspace at home is efficient is a minor investment for increased productivity. Consider identifying coworking sites for employees’ use as an additional resource.

When employees have the right tools and equipment to do their job well, they are more productive and efficient. Equally, your teams’ perception that you are supporting them with the tools they need to do their job increases productivity, serves as an additional motivator, and helps with employee engagement.