THE CATALYST: Productivity Hacks in the New Normal

By Felix C. Veroya

I was asked by a former colleague to share my thoughts on the things that employees in their organization need to know about productivity in the new normal. I accepted the invitation and shared with them five (5) tips on how to improve productivity despite the pandemic.

Before we go into the details of these five tips, let me define productivity first. Productivity is the ratio of the units of output produced against the units of input used. It is being measured using one factor, two factors, or even a combination of several factors ranging from material, labor, utility, and other related factors.

Now, let me share with you the five (5) tips on how to approach productivity in this new normal.

1. Review your existing workflow.

• People – Do you have people with the right skills in the right places? Do you have a project manager to keep the critical pathway visible and on track? Are objectives clearly defined, realistic, and safe?
• Processes – When was the last time you mapped your processes? Have you used value stream mapping to assess process improvement projects? Where are the pain points and bottlenecks?
• Equipment and technology – Is all your equipment in good repair? Is the technology you rely on optimal for your current needs? How easy is it to make changes in production?

2. Update processes and technology.

• Automation is a powerful tool for increasing efficiency and reducing error.
• New software solutions can help with scheduling, inventory, and monitoring workflow.
• Improvements in equipment can improve production speed and quality.

3. Commit to scheduled commitments.

• Train all operators in regular maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
• Schedule preventive maintenance at regular intervals.
• Identify the best time for maintenance by using information from the floor and your workflow processes.
• Don’t delay maintenance.

4. Train and educate employees.

• Schedule training sessions for all process users when changes are introduced.
• Keep accurate records of training and schedule refreshers if needed.
• Offer educational opportunities for employees who wish to advance or obtain new skills.

5. Organize the workspace.

• Reduce movement for optimal task efficiency.
• Create the optimal layout of tools and materials for the job or process.
• Remove unneeded or unused tools and materials from the workspace.
• Create organized storage to reduce the time to find materials, documents, and equipment.
• Layout the manufacturing floor to maximize efficiency.

I hope these tips can help individuals and organizations that are thriving in the things happening around us from the pandemic to the effects of the war and other unfortunate events. The need to be more productive nowadays is not a luxury but a necessity if an organization wants to survive.

Let’s continue to be #significantlybetter productivity practitioners, together!

Do you want to talk? Get in touch with me thru fcveroya@asklexph.com.