Need for Speed: Why Pushing Employees to Work Faster is Dangerous

It is not uncommon for businesses to throw safety management to the wind. Which leads to their workers bearing the brunt.

Many companies seek to beat their competition, and increasing productivity is a major driver of competitive advantage. Such businesses are more likely to maintain a highly demanding, zero reward, no-tolerance policy environment. Profits usually increase in such an environment, but at the cost of increasing workplace accidents.

Companies that shun safety management in their operations lose efficient manpower more than companies that invest in proper safety training.

In this article, we’ll see why it may not be ideal to push employees to work faster.

Dangers of Pushing Employees to Work Faster

Pushing your employees to work faster will result in more injuries and accidents. Here are a few more dangers to be aware of:

Increased Health Expenditure

Workers that must perform in a hyper-demanding environment are more likely to get injured.

Health expenditures tend to skyrocket in these workplaces, putting more strain on operating finances.

Ensure your workers are at their best while maintaining a management style where you don’t push too hard. Consequently, when employee injuries stack up, there’s a higher chance of a significant dip in business’ productivity.

Lack of Loyalty

Employees will be more open to disengage with your operation, especially when your work environment is hyper-stressful.

Employees who are overworked and pushed past their limits are more likely to injure themselves or be dissatisfied with their job (leading them to quit). Overall, your productivity levels will be lowered, and your turnover rate will be higher.

Increased Chance of Burnout

Burnout is the end-product of accumulated stress and may lead to several other health issues.

Workers who operate in a ‘pushy’ or high-stress environment are at a higher risk of a sudden mental and physical breakdown.

Prioritize employee well-being to avoid burnout among your workers.

How Can Employers Improve Productivity of Employees Without Putting Them At Risk?

Adopting an Empathic Approach to Supervision

Some managers in demanding work environments take an aggressive and authoritative approach with their employees.

This approach to worker supervision might be productive in the beginning. However, worker engagement will take a hit, operations will stutter and significant losses will incur.

Employers must adopt an empathetic approach to management, especially when challenging tasks are involved. Workers are more likely to be productive when they are sure you understand their position.

Reducing the Toxic Nature of Hyper-demanding Working Environments

Demanding too much from your employees could create a toxic relationship between them and you or among staff.

Businesses must strive to develop a cordial working relationship to ensure better results and higher productivity.

Workers will be more inclined to give their best, spot issues in your operations, and boost productivity in friendly environments.

Vital Steps to Make Employees Work Harder without Burning Them Out

These steps help employers maximize productivity from employees without hurting their input:

• Lead your employees by example
• Recognize what employees achieve now (and reward them later)
• Encourage internal promotion before seeking workers externally
• Invest in your workers’ career development
• Organize events geared towards team building
• Provide vital tools and technology to ease staff duties
• Request for employee feedback
• Make your office approachable (allow workers access you)

It’s worth noting that these steps are not time-based and may not work in all situations.

Proper planning and assessment of your working environment is crucial to determining the right course of action.

Advanced Consulting & Training – Dimensions of Effective Leadership

Cut-throat organizations might be more open to overlook safety awareness for profit-making purposes. Therefore, downplaying the need for safety management in your workplace can be detrimental to operations in due course. Workplace accidents could bundle your whole operation, making that hyper-productive environment you seek become elusive.

Workers are more likely to maximize their input to your operations when they work in a positive environment. So, Employers must seek productive methods to ensure their workers give their best without losing their steam any time soon.

If you’re looking to improve your management and leadership skills to improve the environment of your workplace, Advanced Consulting & Training is here to help! Take our Dimensions of Effective Leadership training course. You’ll learn everything you need to know about effective leadership. Get in touch with our team today to learn more!