In a world where uncertainties loom large, with people loosing security of the job, one among the many impact is on employee productivity and motivation. The need for employees to be available at times of need has become paramount in today’s world.  Motivation of employees need to be kept well above and this involves a consistent employee wellness program being adopted.

In organisations, the role of the human resources is of strategic importance. With their activities, the human resources can increase motivation, thus increasing the quality of work-life balance for the employees. The HR fraternity needs to understand that motivation as an HR intervention is possible only when HR manager is continuously engaging with employees both at a personal and a professional level.

The first step in this process is in creating an enabling working environment. For that purpose, HR Professional should first conduct a motivation survey in the organisation. This should be done with confidentiality and allowing employees to express their issues. Secondly identify a confident manager from HR who can engage with the select employee, somebody as like in a buddy system who can sense the problem and negotiate with HR. Employee engagement programs are the third option where employees are allowed to come to office with their families and there be a get together.

These are few of the examples sited but many organisations conduct employee engagement in many unique ways like group picnics, games etc. These initiatives will create healthy and pleasant working conditions and provide employees with a comforts which will destress them and make them productive.

HR managers should value employees who have proactive and successful attitudes. This can be done by providing complements gifts etc which will give positive feedback into their thinking and can go a long way in showing employees that positive attitudes never go unnoticed.

Using innovative methods human resources should always be open to adopting techniques that promote productivity. Flexi working, providing creches for babysitting for working women, flexibility to take leave during menstrual cycles, the list goes on. Such processes which adopts flexibility will result in productivity which can be even measured.

HR practices are not just hiring and firing, but in between there is a series of activities to be done for employee engagement. The world when it passes through turbulent times, compassion and gratitude should be the motto of the HR departments worldwide. It is a positive trend that some companies publish the contribution of employees or their employee engagement activities in social media. This is also one way of building confidence in prospective employees.

In sectors like IT, consulting, start-ups where we are now experiencing heavy turmoil it is time to come up with significant new strategic practices for enhancing employee productivity. Maritime sector too is not immune to this as the sector is getting more IT dependent as time goes in which can result in a cascading effect. Finally as it says better late than never.

Marex Media