How to boost the productivity of your team

As the procurement and supply chain functions slowly adopt AI and automotive process into their day-to-day operations, there has been a focus on how to integrate these new technologies into existing teams. However, as top talent and the effective management of such new technologies is key to success, it is important to ensure that you continue to manage the people in your team properly. 

An efficient procurement and supply chain function will be determined through the performance of indicators that have been set through their service level agreements. This might be targeted spend levels, on time in full delivery, customer service rating or finished product quality rating. The supply chain operation will be judged on their ability to save money and deliver successfully to their customer.
As the need for more streamlined and effective processes to keep up with the demands and expectations of the market grows, how can you boost the productivity within your team?

Why isn’t your team productive?

A productive procurement and supply operation is one with a plan that is successfully executed. The adage ‘a goal without a plan is just a dream’ rings especially true within the sector, and can be implied for employees. If your employees do not have a structured plan for the day, month or year, they may become disillusioned to what they are striving to achieve in their role/career.
Quite often when candidates approach Michael Page, they feel as though they have hit a glass ceiling and are unsure where they are going within the business. 
Ultimately, staff productivity is directly related to the clarity of the instructions given against the task at hand. Ask yourself, have you:
  • Provided the team with a clear message of what ‘good’ looks like?
  • Delegated responsibility efficiently?
  • Incentivised in the right way?
  • Organised follow-up meetings? 
If you answered no to these, then there are clear opportunities for you to re-engage your staff and motivate them to boost productivity. 

Top tips for boosting productivity

1) Purpose
Millennials, in particular, are especially interested in working for a purpose. Make sure your employees have a clear reason and vision to motivate them. Beyond this, what are their next steps, and do they have a plan to achieve them? When hiring, aligning values is especially important here.
2) Understand motivations
Ensure that you understand your employees’ motivations. There are a number of reasons that professionals seek opportunities elsewhere. This often includes salary, progression, and even training and development opportunities. Regular one-to-one meetings between managers and their direct reports are important to ensure open and regular communication about their goals.
3) Value your employees
Recognition and reward for good performance are highly valued by professionals. It is important, however, to ensure that everyone feels valued regardless of their stature or title. Simple gestures such as a thank you or public praise for a job well done can make all the difference to an employee whose contribution may often go unnoticed. 
4) A positive working environment
Make the workplace an environment everyone wants to work in. Reduce negative energy. While flexible working is becoming increasingly sought after by employees, the culture within the office is vital. Working environments that support an inclusive culture are the most productive as employees are typically much happier in their roles.
5) Incentives
Incentivise appropriately. This might simply be afternoon snacks on a Friday afternoon, or dress down days. Small yet tangible actions which can boost morale can go a long way in increasing productivity. 

The role of AI

Looking forward, artificial intelligence will play a major part in the automation and modernisation of supply chains. From the reduction of manual tasks such as paperwork, changing discrepancies, and monotonous customer/supplier tasks, AI will automate and create efficiencies for such laborious processes. AI will be able to anticipate customer behaviour, monitor social media trends to influence business decisions, and even ensure clarity for customer deliveries. 
However, there are many key roles that AI will never be able to absorb in the procurement and supply chain functions. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you are managing your top talent effectively to maintain productivity and invest time into ensuring that you are offering clear guidance for success, and support where required. 
If you would like more information, to explore how we can help streamline your recruitment process, get in touch with your local office today.
Ameet Shah
Senior Manager, Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain
T: +442072692485