11 July 2025

Discover how you can increase productivity in the workplace and get a more engaged workforce, with actionable insights and tips to help you get more done.

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How To Improve Productivity In The Workplace

Productivity in the workplace is good for everyone; employees are engaged and proactive which results in positive outcomes for employers. If you’re wondering how to improve productivity in the workplace in order to reap the rewards, here’s a list of ideas, from small things to big changes that can make a difference.

1. Flexible working

A happy workforce is a productive workforce and flexibility is up there with one of the best ways to keep employees happy. In fact, one report showed that 6% of employees left their job due to a lack of flexibility, and 40% of companies have seen an increase in requests for flexible working.

Offering flexible working has multiple benefits for both staff and employers, one of which is improved productivity from individuals who feel valued and respected and who, in turn, increase their output.

2. The right environment

Improving your office space can also help you to improve productivity in the workplace. A motivating and well-thought out office environment supports workers to get more done in a number of ways, such as:

• Better focus - Specific areas for quiet work reduce distractions so employees can maintain higher productivity levels
• Enhanced collaboration - Properly designed spaces encourage collaboration by providing areas where employees can brainstorm and share ideas
• Boosted morale - Thoughtful workspace design gives people more choice of how they work, leading to increased satisfaction

3. Training and development

Providing continuous learning opportunities shows that companies want to enhance the skills of their employees and demonstrates an investment in their growth. Regular training ensures that employees are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their tasks efficiently and to handle any challenges that may arise. This leads to a thriving work environment and contributes to long-term business success.

4. Goal setting

When employees have clear objectives, they also have direction and motivation and can prioritise tasks effectively. This sense of purpose is vital for increasing productivity in the workplace. Try to create SMART goals. This means goals that are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time bound

Align goals with company objectives to make sure everyone is working towards a common interest and regularly review and adjust goals to stay on track. As well as better productivity, goals can keep employees accountable and boost morale when achievements are met.

5. Make meetings matter

Streamlining meetings and using time wisely is essential for workplace productivity. To get the most from your meetings, you should:

1. Define the purpose - Begin with a clear agenda outlining the meeting's goals
2. Choose the right meeting room - Find a meeting room that has everything you need
3. Manage time - Allocate a specific time frame for each agenda item and stick to it
4. Utilise technology - Use AV equipment to maximum effect and to dial in any remote workers
5. Follow-up - Conclude meetings with clear action items and deadlines for tangible outcomes

By making meetings matter, businesses show that they value employee time, creating a workforce who actively want to engage in any meetings knowing they will be of value.

6. Workplace culture

Going for a team lunch isn’t just an excuse to socialise, it actually contributes to a more enthused workforce. One study identified that 65% of workers want to feel a strong sense of belonging at work. When they feel this sense of belonging, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and - you guessed it - be more productive.

Regular social events, such as team-building activities, and after work drinks promote camaraderie and can increase employee morale, while incentives like recognition programs, rewards, and bonuses acknowledge employee achievements. These types of initiatives contribute to a vibrant company culture, making employees feel valued and appreciated.

7. Optimised communication

Optimising communication is about using the time you have wisely and communicating in simple and clear ways. Productivity apps can allow teams to collaborate on a project without the need for multiple email chains and we all know the benefits of using Microsoft Teams or Zoom for remote working. These platforms streamline operations, enabling quick message exchanges, file sharing, and collaborative work.

By leveraging the right tools and systems, companies and employees can get more from their interactions, which ultimately leads to higher productivity in the workplace and improved employee wellbeing.

8. Utilise AI

AI is fast becoming an integral part of the work day and can be used in all sorts of ways to free up valuable time and allow workers to focus on more interesting and rewarding tasks. These tools help increase productivity in the workplace by reducing the monotony of daily routines. For example, you can create customised to-do lists that consider individual work habits and times you’re more productive, get help with simple ideation to get your creativity flowing or transcribe meeting notes. Embracing AI can reduce mundane tasks so workers can maintain high productivity levels in more useful areas.

9. Change of scenery

The monotony of the same home office can stifle creativity and impact people’s energy for their work. For remote workers, finding different places to work can reinvigorate the working day in a number of ways:

• Mental refresh - A new environment stimulates the brain, reduces fatigue, and can have a positive impact on mental health
• Increased focus - The same surroundings can put you on autopilot. A change of scenery disrupts this monotony, encouraging attentive deep work
• Enhanced engagement - Coworking spaces offer opportunities for networking and collaboration, which is great for morale
• Work-life balance - Choosing different atmospheres, or even different areas, such as quiet zones or breakout spaces helps you work in a way that suits you

Using coworking spaces and dedicated desks is an ideal way to get away from the dining table. At Colony, we have multiple locations in Manchester City Centre so you can switch up where you work depending on your mood or to do list, and meet new people to network with along the way.

Increase productivity with Colony

For the perfect mix of work and play, Colony gives you stunning flexible office space in some of Manchester’s most popular neighbourhoods. Enjoy the seclusion of a private office in Ancoats or the flexibility of a floating desk in Spring Gardens. As well as fully equipped offices, you’ll find zoned areas to match different ways of working, stocked kitchens and even a podcast studio. We host industry events where people can meet up and expand their knowledge in a range of interesting topics, and can support you with your own event, including on one of our two roof terraces.

Being able to choose your environment and work in beautiful surroundings is a simple but hugely effective way to increase productivity in the workplace and enjoy your work day. Talk to Colony or book a tour now to find out more.