How to improve workplace productivity

Is our approach to solving the productivity crisis all wrong?

It feels like barely a week passes without a new headline about a productivity slowdown. Since the 2008 financial crisis, productivity growth in the U.S. has remained sluggish, averaging around 1.4% annually. This is despite the widespread adoption of digital tools, automation, and flexible work models.

Why we must address the productivity crisis

Productivity is one of the two key drivers of economic growth, the other being workforce expansion. But with an aging population and a tight labor market, U.S. businesses are under pressure to do more with less. Economic uncertainty and budget constraints demand higher output from fewer resources. While AI and automation offer promise, they have not yet delivered the sweeping gains many hoped for.

How to improve business productivity

Improving productivity is not just about squeezing more out of existing processes. It requires a broader view that includes organizational structure, employee engagement, and smarter ways of working. Boosting productivity goes beyond simply refining existing processes. It calls for a holistic approach, one that rethinks organizational structure, prioritizes employee engagement, and embraces smarter, more agile ways of working.

Our Engagement Guide explores these strategies in depth. Download it now to start transforming how your team works.

Curious what top-performing organizations are doing differently? Here are seven proven strategies that leading companies are using to drive real results—read on to see how you can apply them too.

Here are seven strategies that leading companies are using to drive results: 

1. Target what matters: redefine how you measure productivity

Speed does not always equal productivity. In today’s quality-driven economy, it is time to rethink what we measure. 

Pearson, a global learning company with a strong U.S. presence, shifted its focus from output per hour to customer service quality. This change led to smarter outsourcing decisions and improved first-line support, with 90 percent of help desk calls now resolved at the first stage.

2. Reorganize processes: identify time consuming tactics

Outsourcing remains a powerful way to streamline operations and boost productivity, especially for tasks that are repetitive or resource intensive. However, some companies are also looking inward to simplify how work gets done.

At Pfizer, CEO Albert Bourla initiated a company-wide effort to cut through complexity. Managers were asked to identify internal processes that consumed excessive time and energy. The biggest culprits? Meetings and emails. In response, Pfizer formed volunteer teams to develop practical, quickly implementable solutions that reduced these inefficiencies.

This dual approach—outsourcing where it makes sense and optimizing internal workflows—has helped Pfizer free up capacity, accelerate decision-making, and empower employees to focus on high-impact work.

3. Revise roles and responsibilities: highlight your most valuable players

Bain & Company research shows that top-performing companies are over 25 percent more productive due to how they manage talent. These organizations identify high performers, assign them to mission-critical projects, and remove barriers to collaboration.

Rupert Morrison, CEO of Concentra Analytics, notes that most large companies do not know enough about their employees or what they do. Better visibility ensures the right people are in the right place at the right time.

4. Offer high-value opportunities: invest in professional development

Investing in learning, diversity, wellness, and mentoring not only boosts morale but also reduces the anxiety that often accompanies productivity initiatives.

5. Identify workforce needs: offer flexible solutions to retain the best talent

Flexibility is a proven productivity driver. Companies that offer remote or hybrid work options see higher retention and lower recruitment costs.

Juliet Turnbull, founder of 2to3days, emphasizes that adapting to employees’ needs leads to happier, more loyal, and more productive teams. Retaining talent reduces the productivity loss associated with turnover and lengthy hiring cycles.

6. Use technology: seek new tools and skills to streamline processes

Automation can streamline repetitive tasks and improve accuracy. But technology alone is not enough. Companies must also invest in the skills needed to implement and maintain these tools.

Pfizer, for example, automated many HR functions using Workday. They also prioritized change management, giving employees time to adapt and see the benefits of new systems.

7. Expedite your hiring process: seek support to speed up recruitment

Hiring delays can cripple productivity. U.S. companies are turning to Managed Service Providers to streamline recruitment and onboarding. By outsourcing these functions, internal teams can focus on strategic work, reducing downtime, and improving output across departments.

Partner with a Managed Service Provider like Hays to streamline hiring and boost productivity. Contact our experts today to get started. 

Take a multi-pronged approach to improving productivity in the workplace 

There are many different ways to improve business productivity. The best approach for your business will depend on the needs and expectations of your employees.  

Whether automation, outsourcing, revising roles and responsibilities or adapting to workplaces, employers must forget their old ways. Instead, boost productivity through a much wider range of drivers to maximize their effects on staff, productivity and output. 

Read more advice for how to improve business productivity:

• AI in recruitment: Understand the impact 
• HR technology: Innovations to MSP programmes
• Key Takeaways How to improve your influencing skills with internal stakeholders