The UK is 16%1 less productive than the rest of the G7 and, in the four years from 2013/14, sickness absence had risen from eight to 14 days and a rise in mental health-related absence was also noticeable.

A new eBook written by HR consultants Adviser Plus has revealed the UK’s issues with productivity in 2019, and how HR managers can start to tackle this problem in their own business.

Compared to other countries, the UK’s shortfall in productivity has long been an economic headache. Despite significant increases in employment levels, productivity has actually worsened, and even though the UK reportedly works long hours, valuable output is low.

So what is effecting these statistics and how can HR managers start to fight back against this trend?

Simplification

Simplifying and streamlining tasks and objectives for the workforce is a sure fire of way of improving wellbeing and productivity.

Efficiency

Making the most of the working day is at the core of productivity. When employees become less efficient, tasks can be delivered to a poorer quality and deadlines can be missed.

Engagement

Companies need their employees to be engaged, understand the work they do and need to be rewarded and recognised accordingly.

Data Insight

Maintaining and monitoring HR data insights allows professionals to make informed, data-led decisions which should lead to optimal outcomes for businesses.

Rory Jackson, head of marketing & customer acquisition from AdviserPlus commented:

“Productivity in UK workforces has been a problem for a few years now, and it’s clear that it’s going to take some strong action and creative ideas from businesses to solve the decline in output we’re seeing nationwide.

“Fortunately, organisations are starting to see success implementing strategies entwined with workplace wellbeing, technology and investment which are boosting not only productivity but revenue.