Monitoring employees is a necessary evil. No one likes to be monitored, but it’s important for your business’ success. The more productive your employees are, the better off you will be. However, how do you know if they’re productive? This blog post will go over some of the most common ways employers monitor their employees and what they should look for to determine whether or not an employee is doing their job well.
Use Desktop Monitoring Tools
Don’t hesitate to use a computer program. Many employers use time management software that tracks how much time is spent on different projects and tasks, but the biggest key here is to be transparent about it from the beginning.
You should let your employees know that you are using a time management program to monitor their productivity, and they will likely be more understanding if things don’t seem fair.
Monitor Employee’s Activities While They Are Working
Employers can also choose to monitor the activities of an employee while they are working in order to make sure that what they’re doing is actually productive. Employers can do this by setting up video or audio surveillance, either in the actual office or through phone monitoring.
Look For A Pattern Of Productivity
There are many ways to monitor an employee’s productivity and activities while they work, but no matter what you choose it should be done with a specific goal in mind: look for a pattern of productivity.
Check-in Meetings
Check-in meetings are a great way to make sure that your employees feel safe and comfortable about coming forward with their concerns. Make weekly or monthly check-in meetings mandatory, but also let them know that the purpose of these meetings is for you as an employer to listen more than talk.
If you notice something seems off or if they have a concern, make sure to address it in a compassionate and understanding way.
If you want your employees to be productive but don’t have the time or resources for constant monitoring, these are some of the best ways that you can monitor their activities without being too intrusive or obvious.
Time Management
Time management is important, but it’s not everything when it comes to productivity. Time management will help with better project budgeting and manage resources and costs. These parameters are crucial for keeping projects within budget and avoiding effort wastage.
Employee Training
Another way to ensure that your employees are productive is through employee training and orientation. It’s important for employers not only to train their new hires but also update their existing staff with any changes in technology or office procedures, as well as industry-related information such as updates on the company policies. This will help them feel more confident about what they’re doing, which in turn will make them more productive.
Employee Guidance and Collaboration
Pay attention to whether or not your employees are asking for help if they’re unsure of what needs to be done next, and be open about giving them that guidance. Maintain collaborative worksheets where your teams can work together. Check employee engagement on those platforms.
Work Satisfaction
Another aspect you should pay attention to is how your employees are feeling on a day-to-day basis. If you notice that they seem uninterested or unhappy with the work they’re doing, it’s more than likely because there is something wrong that needs to be addressed. Initiate regular feedback sessions with your employees. Conduct daily virtual stand-up sessions to keep track of project progress and employee morale.
Employee Feedback
You should always be open to feedback from your employees about where they think there might be room for improvement in time management and productivity. Suppose an employee notices that something isn’t working correctly or doesn’t seem very productive. In that case, it is likely because they are experiencing some kind of frustration with the system, so giving them a chance to voice their concerns is important.
Reward and Recognition
Employers should also be sure to reward employees for their productivity and hard work, whether it’s an extra break during the day or a nice lunch out with some coworkers. A little appreciation can go a long way in making someone feel good about what they’re doing on that specific day, which can then carry over into increased productivity. On the spot, recognition will boost a sense of ownership amongst your staff.
Focus on Employee Wellness
Lastly, never hesitate to contact your employees if you feel like they are struggling somehow or that their current work is not what it should be. A lot of people may not know this. Still, many employers will provide therapy services for their employees, so there’s no reason to worry about sounding crazy if you feel like someone needs some help to be successful.
Monitoring employees can be an uncomfortable task for both employer and employee. Still, it’s necessary to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal, which should always be a business’ success. By focusing on time management and productivity, you will find yourself with a very motivated team of hardworking individuals who will make your business a success.
