9 Surprising Factors Affecting Employee Performance

A recent study revealed that 58% of companies believe their performance management systems are ineffective. Despite the global emphasis on boosting employee performance, many organizations struggle because they do not address the root causes.

A deeper understanding of the factors influencing employee performance is essential to refining and successfully implementing performance enhancement strategies.

Organizational culture is the single most important element that has the biggest impact on employee performance.

According to a Great Place to Work report,

companies with great cultures have three times better stock market performance than those that do not.

Organizational culture has both a direct and indirect impact on employee performance. 

The kind of company culture you have can make or break the morale of your employees along with their performance. An organization with a positive work culture can see the following results:

• Increased employee engagement
• Decreased turnover
• Elevated productivity
• Strong brand identity

On the other hand, if the work culture is toxic and negative, it will soon result in:

• Employee burnout
• Poor communication
• High turnover
• Toxic workplace environment
• Decreased productivity

Company culture is the one of the most important aspects managers should focus on when it comes to increasing employee performance. Everything else could fall into place once this is sorted.

We all have a general idea of the common factors that influence employee performance. It includes employee recognition, reward programs, level of workload, proper communication among team members and so on. But there are other subtle yet surprising factors that affect employee performance.

#1 The Layout of the Office

The way the office is set up has a big effect on how well employees do their jobs. A well-thought-out office plan can help people work together, be creative, and get things done.

For example, an open-plan layout makes it easier for coworkers to talk to each other and share ideas, while private areas allow people to focus on their work. On the other hand, a badly planned structure with crowded or crowded areas can cause distractions and slow down work.

The general mood and usefulness of the workplace are affected by things like how the desks, meeting rooms, and shared areas are set up. Employers should think about what their staff need in terms of space and try to make a setting that helps them do their jobs and makes them feel better.

• Think about changing the way the office is set up to encourage people to work together and be creative. For example, set up open-plan work areas with soft seats and walls that can be written on to get team members to talk to each other on the spot.

#2 Crowded Work Tables 

Overcrowded desks might hinder productivity. Too many individuals at a desk might make them feel squeezed and unproductive. Busy work tables make it hard to focus, which can cause delays and distractions.

The lack of space makes it hard to move and collaborate. Employers should provide workers ample space to work efficiently. This might require modifying the plan or buying extra furnishings to satisfy workers.

• Find areas where equipment and documents are stacking up on workstations, that could make your staff irritable or less productive.

#3 The Office Temperature

Office temperature greatly impacts employee performance. Too much heat or cold can impair attention, motivation, and productivity. Researchers concluded that the ideal temperature depends on the individual and the weather.

However, maintaining a comfortable office temperature, generally between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, might improve productivity. Employers should monitor the thermostat and adjust it as required to maintain office temperature. It could make your staff more comfortable.

• To ensure employee comfort and productivity year-round, install adjustable thermostats. In winter, provide blankets and space heaters to keep employees warm. For summer, adjust air conditioning settings and encourage staff to wear appropriate clothing for the warmer temperatures. This approach helps maintain a comfortable working environment, allowing work to continue smoothly.

#4 Lack of Proper Lighting

Inadequate lighting can significantly impact employee productivity and well-being. Insufficient light causes eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, reducing cognitive function and work efficiency.

To mitigate these issues, employers should prioritize workplace lighting by positioning desks near windows and using light-reflective surfaces to enhance light distribution. Additionally, investing in high-quality artificial lighting solutions that allow adjustments in color temperature and brightness can create a more comfortable and visually appealing environment.

#5 Training and Development

Training and development are essential for enhancing employee skills, satisfaction, and career progression. Continuous training opportunities in areas such as new tools, industry trends, and essential job skills not only increase employee competence but also show a commitment to their professional growth.

This investment boosts job satisfaction and retention. Employers should consider integrating various educational formats like workshops, online courses, and mentorship programs to address diverse learning needs and support employee development, ultimately aiding in the success of both the employees and the organization.

#6 No Proper Equipment to Work

Having the right tools is crucial for employee productivity and satisfaction. Outdated or malfunctioning tools can hinder work efficiency and frustrate staff. It's important for employers to regularly assess and update the tools and technology—like computers, software, and machinery—that employees use.

Additionally, providing training and technical support ensures that employees can fully utilize these tools and address any issues that arise. By equipping employees with the necessary tools, companies enable them to perform their tasks effectively and achieve their professional goals.

#7 The Ergonomics of the Workplace

Workplace ergonomics significantly impact employee performance. Poorly designed workspaces can lead to musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, and discomfort, reducing productivity and morale.

Employers should ensure that workstations are ergonomically aligned to promote proper posture, minimize strain, and prevent injuries. This may involve providing ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and keyboard trays.

Additionally, offering ergonomic training, encouraging regular breaks, and promoting stretching exercises can help maintain employee health and enhance productivity.

#8 Noise Levels in the Office

Excessive noise in the office can disrupt concentration, while too much silence can feel isolating or monotonous. Companies should strive to achieve an acoustic balance that supports different work styles and preferences.

This could involve installing sound-dampening materials, creating designated quiet areas, and providing noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines. Encouraging respectful noise levels and clear communication guidelines can help maintain a focused and productive work environment.

#9 Work-Life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. Overburdened employees are more prone to stress and burnout, negatively impacting their happiness and efficiency.

Employers can support a better balance by offering flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. Encouraging regular breaks, vacations, and mental health days also promotes well-being.

Cultivating a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes work-life balance can enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention, fostering an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.

The Key To Enhanced Employee Performance

If you are really serious about taking your employee performance to the next level, analyzing the effectiveness of the methods deployed for the same is quite important. So, how do you do that?

By investing in an effective performance management platform like ThriveSparrow! Timely feedback helps managers measure the effectiveness of the methods deployed by them to enhance employee performance, and the intuitive 360 feedback reports provided by ThriveSparrow will help you interpret the data easily.