How to Improve Productivity with Six Sigma

If a company produces only a small amount of product, they are not likely to make any large sums of money.  To increase productivity and also the bottom line, business managers must look at some key aspects of their business.

Using Six Sigma methods, it is possible to narrow down some of the issues that may be holding down the production of the business. Through a clear and concise plan, Six Sigma professionals will do research into the company, analyzing all the aspects from the top of the list to the bottom.  Once the issues have been identified, it is time to lay down a solution, a plan that will help to increase productivity.

Several things can be affecting productivity in business.  One of the most significant factors is the employees.  Businesses must take into account all of physical and psychological effects that are felt by an employee.  The employee must be happy on the job or they will not produce high quality or high quantity work.  It is not so much about making the employees happy as it is making them satisfied with what they are doing.  A boring job will slow down productivity because the employees would rather be cruising the Internet or sleeping than doing their boring job.  On the other side of the coin, a job that is much too stressful for the individual doing it will also cause a decrease in productivity because the work the individual puts out may be confused, sloppy or just wrong.

Employers must take action to give their employees a reason to be there besides their paycheck. They must be given incentives that they can appreciate, such as an extra fifteen minute break or a day off.  It is difficult for many companies to give money incentives during the current economic struggles.  Incentives like the ones mentioned make it much easier for companies to encourage their employees to work.

Having good managers is another solution to employee dissatisfaction.  Supervisors and managers do not need to be best friends with the employees but they should have a good rapport with them, being able to get along with them on polite and friendly terms, even if they are not friends in the literal sense of the word.  Good managers know how to lead.  Employees can spot good leaders and will want to work for them.  They know that the work they do will be accurate because they have been taught by someone good and they trust their manager to tell them the right thing to do.

Having satisfied, if not downright happy, employees is a great way to improve productivity.  Using the Six Sigma methods, employers can discover new ways to increase productivity and the employee job satisfaction rate at the same time.