When you run your own business, or work as part of a smaller company, it can be difficult to allocate time wisely, especially when there are a number of tasks required in a small amount of time. By working out the best ways of delegating jobs, and spreading out your workload, you can help to take the pressure off of both yourself and your team. In addition to this, it can also allow for a bit more flexibility when it comes to last-minute or unexpected tasks.
Use Automation
While some aspects of your role, and that of others you work with, may have traditionally been done by somebody manually, this can take up a great deal of time. Instead, you could choose to use HR systems to help you automate simple processes, for example, which won’t make your HR team’s work redundant, but instead, it allows them to balance the workload more whilst supporting their daily tasks. HR will still keep an eye on the automation, to ensure everything is running smoothly, but for the most part, they can then undertake other, essential jobs.
Consider Additional Training
If lowering the workload is not feasible, due to pre-existing contracts or members of the team being unavailable, you may instead wish to consider the ways you can build on your team’s existing skill sets. At times, helping your employees to better understand their job roles, and feel more confident in carrying out working processes, can go a long way towards speeding up the work and allowing for more to get done in the same length of time. In addition to this, workplace training has been found to aid with employee morale, meaning, even when additional work is required or there are difficult periods, employees may feel more motivated to do their best and remain loyal to your company.
Take Note of Limits
Even though you may want to be able to make the most of the amount that you pay your employees, as well as the amount of time you spend at work each day, sometimes that may not be feasible. Each individual will have different limits regarding the amount of time they can spend on each task, and even the amount of overtime that they are willing, or able, to put in. Due to this, it may sometimes become necessary to take these limitations into account, even if it means turning down contracts or work. Alongside this, you might also need to consider recruiting more staff, rather than risking the ones you currently have. Employees who regularly reach, or exceed, their limit may be more inclined to find work elsewhere or need time off due to workplace stress, so it can be better to have a greater number of staff than you think you need.
Looking at your current workloads, as well as those predicted in the coming months, can help you to figure out what may need to be put into place to keep everything running as best as possible. Treating your team members as individuals, rather than simply a business cost, can also help to increase morale and, therefore, productivity.
