The Workplace: Productivity

The current economic recession has brought forth astonishing realizations for the 60 million st rong assemblage known as Generation Y. Defined by a technology boom that showcased media and digital technologies unlike anything seen before, this peer-oriented group who went from Goosebumps to the iPhone overnight have postponed their career paths longer than any generation in history in favor of self exploration.

What awaits them on the other side is the search to prove self worth within a work force that has seen drastic drops in employment. Nevertheless, even in this economic turmoil, work force productivity is increasing. So the question is, how is productivity developed by employees?

Productivity, as defined by the US Department of Labor, is the relationship between real output and the labor time involved in its production. Milwaukee Public Radio notes that people actually work harder during economic challenges due to employees feeling a sense of purpose and believing their hard work can help their employer stay afloat.  In 2009, labor productivity increased at 6.6% the annual rate, the largest increase since 2003; however, as a direct result, labor unit costs plummeted by 5.9%, proving the theory that tough times equal tough competition.

So how do you enhance personal productivity? Below I’ve listed my recommended best practices:

• Become engaged: Engaged employees are passionate about the workplace, going above and beyond to help the business succeed.
• Think outside the box: Show your value and separate yourself from your peers. Companies thirst for new ideas.
• Log hours: Note the amount of time spent on each project. This is a simple way to track productivity.
• Ask for feedback: You do not have to wait for quarterly or annual reviews to be given for constructive criticism. Feedback is useful in stopping quick-forming bad habits, as well as indicating a proactive approach to career performance.

It has been said that history has a tendency to repeat itself. There was the Depression and now this economic recession. Yet, perhaps the reason Generation Y has taken longer to enter the workforce is because they are the ones destined to save it.

By: Jesse Garner, jesse (at) boltpr (dot) com