After all, the efficiency of your staff ensures that your organisation remains competitive in today's business world and so is ultimately one of the major factors affecting profit or loss.

But it's all very well saying ‘improve efficiency'. Few people know how to do this effectively or are left wanting when it's time for innovative ideas. That's why we've come up with twelve different ways you can make your employees more efficient.

1. Enable true remote working

This obviously depends on the nature of the employee's position but mobile working is a great way to improve efficiency across your workforce. Employees who have the freedom to work on-the-move are far more efficient than those who don't.

Furnish your employees with laptops so they can make the very most of their time when travelling on a train or even working from home. The Toshiba Kira range of laptops are known for their quality and performance - definitely worth a look.

2. Develop training plans

Training is a great way to improve efficiency. Not only will your employees learn but they will also implement that knowledge in their day-to-day roles. This will increase their efficiency and also undergoing training can lead to boosted morale.

3. Promote an organised workspace

Trying to work on a desk that is full of clutter isn't good for efficiency. People often can't find what they're looking for and waste time in the process. By promoting organised workspaces you will naturally increase efficiency for everyone.

4. Encourage fewer meetings

Business meetings are inevitable but some companies call them for the smallest discussions. If a meeting might not be required and a chat will suffice, do just that - chat. Meetings can take up valuable time and resources.


 

5. Introduce a BYOD solution

BYOD or bring your own device allows your employees to use their personal equipment for business purposes. For example, one of your employees may have a smartphone that they use on a daily basis. By allowing them to send and receive their work emails on it you will not only benefit from reduced costs but also improve their efficiency. This is because they are familiar with the device and require zero training.

6. Learn to plan

Encourage your staff to plan their days. Even just 10 minutes each morning spent planning can lead to a much more productive day.

7. Prioritise tasks

People with task lists that aren't prioritised will not know where to focus and their day will be unorganised.  Encourage written lists and order tasks by priority.

8. Set deadlines

It might sound obvious but setting deadlines for every task is important. Without set deadlines employees may procrastinate and drag their heels on tasks. It's up to you to ensure they are given deadlines and that they stick to them.

9. Avoid micro-managing

It can be difficult not to get too involved but micro-managing doesn't boost efficiency.  In fact, constantly badgering your staff can lead to the opposite because they feel undervalued and demotivated.

10. Encourage and reward

If someone does a job well then tell them so. Receiving praise is something that we all enjoy and it acts as a motivator which can lead to boosted productivity and, therefore, efficiency.

11. Promote teamwork

Teamwork not only allows tasks to be completed more efficiently because of the different skills each person brings, but it also creates stronger relationships amongst your staff.

12. Provide useful feedback

If someone doesn't do a task to the standard that you need then tell them so. However, you need to be tactful and approach it in a positive way. Provide suggestions for the future so the person understands your expectations.