New Zealand in the early 1970s was one of the five wealthiest OECD countries. Currently it is number 21. A key reason for this decline is low productivity.

“Economic growth comes about because we are more productive than before.  To get higher growth per head of population you can have more people working; or we can use more capital; or we can use our resources - both people and capital - in a smarter way,” says Chamber Co-ordinator Jeff Smith.

Wanganui Chamber through its association with t he Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Workplace Productivity reference group. The members of this group are from business, government and union backgrounds who are working together on this issue.

“Our national economy has to grow by 4% over each of the next fifteen years, if we're to return to that fabled place called "the top half of the OECD". Everyone stands to gain from considering this issue – productive workplaces are more successful and create wealth and opportunities that benefit all New Zealanders.” says Jeff.

Workplace Productivity Project manager Rose Ryan says the main focus of the reference group is to create an awareness for companies about how to improve workplace productivity.

“Workplace productivity involves exploring all the ways that your workplace could do things better and smarter. This means being open to new ideas and working out how new technologies, products, services and work practices can improve things,” says Rose.

“Productive workplaces are built on teamwork and a shared vision of where a business is heading. There's a willingness at all levels to keep learning and investing in skills. Everyone's role is valued and all staff are encouraged to contribute ideas. Everyone's contribution is needed to improve a workplace's contribution.”

Case studies of New Zealand businesses who have improved their workplace productivity have and are being developed by the project for business to business learning.

One firm case studied is The Good Time Food Company in Napier. By training its people, and using the ideas and knowledge of staff to improve the way work is organised, Good Time has boosted productivity, staff retention and profits. From a turnover of $38,000 in 1978, the company has built on its vision, “To Make Good Time a Good Place to Work” and expects to turn over $8 million this year.

There are a range of ways to improve your workplace productivity. Research currently underway in New Zealand has identified seven ‘drivers' that can improve the productivity of your business. They are:

• Building Leadership and Management.
• Creating Productive Workplace Cultures.
• Encouraging Innovation and the Use of Technology.
• Investing in People and Skills.
• Organising Work.
• Networking and Collaboration.
• Measuring What Matters.

Effective leadership is about having a clear vision of where your business is heading. It's about identifying new opportunities and inspiring your team to pursue those opportunities. Leadership is required from individuals and from teams.

Positive relationships between staff, teams and managers are a feature of productive workplaces. A positive work environment motivates people and helps them commit to the organisation. People feel encouraged to ‘go the extra mile'.

Innovation is a key part of raising workplace productivity. Productive workplaces are innovative in the way they use technology, and plan and organise themselves. They generally employ more highly-skilled and highly-paid workers and through innovation they increase their market share.

The more skills your staff have, the more innovative they can be. They will also be more capable with new technology. Skilled workers can also work more quickly with fewer mistakes. They generally require less supervision, accept more responsibility and are better communicators. Training leads to higher skills and wages and lower staff turnover.

Productive workplaces have structures and processes that enable them to adapt and grow as products, technology and markets change. A well-organised workplace is able to get the best out its staff and technology.

You can improve your workplace productivity by exchanging ideas and information with others in your industry. Collaborating with others can reduce the cost of doing business and give you access to new ideas and new technologies.

It is really important to assess the value of any investment you make in improving your workplace productivity. This helps you understand the things that make the biggest difference. For example, is it the size of your business operation, the skill levels of your staff, the size of your market or some other factor?

The Wanganui Chamber of Commerce sees this initiative as being important to its member's businesses and are pleased to bring the seminar to Wanganui in association with the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce. These seminars will be practical and focus on actions that can be taken to improve productivity,” says Charles Finny, CEO of the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the Workplace Productivity seminars contact the Wanganui Chamber or keep an eye out for upcoming briefs and advertisements.

Jeff Smith
Wanganui Chamber of Commerce
Enterprise House
187 Victoria Avenue
P O Box 88
Wanganui
t 3491863
f 348-8210
m 027 421 9700
e jeff@wanganuichamber.co.nz
w www.wanganuichamber.co.nz