Improving productivity sometimes can just be a matter of a company getting out of its own way. As people strive to receive promotions, there is a natural tendency for new policies and practices to be established. Sometimes, these new policies and practices improve productivity and the bottom line; sometimes they are at odds with productivity and profits. A practice that improves productivity initially can detract from it later on as the business model and company undergo change.

Anything that gets in the way of workers' abilities to produce quality products and services efficiently must be carefully examined. The barriers to productivity are many. Examples include:

• Improper training,
• Out-of-date tools/equipment,
• Overemphasis on centralized decision making,
• Politics causing different parts of the organization to pull in different directions,
• Incentives that reward maintenance of the status quo or that reward unproductive employees as much as productive ones,
• Excessive risk aversion,
• Improper productivity measurement,
• Ignoring or not soliciting employee input.

Our productivity survey identifies barriers to productivity in place at an organization. Sometimes these productivity barriers are common throughout a company; sometimes different barriers are at work in different departments. In any case, we will give you the information and guidance you need to tactically target the barriers that are impeding your organization from being more productive.

Main Measurement Question
How would you rate the overall level of productivity at [THIS COMPANY]?
(Seven-point scale from very unproductive to very productive.)

Other Sample Questions

Format:
Disagree Strongly, Disagree Somewhat, Neutral, Agree Somewhat, Agree Strongly

• Employees are expected to meet all deadlines on time.
• Employees are rewarded for improving work processes.
• This company implements change quickly enough.
• I know how my productivity is measured.
• The managers here make it easy for employees to do their work well.
• Different departments cooperate with each other.
• Politics are kept to a minimum.
• This company makes decisions quickly enough.
• If I need additional training, it is easy to get it.
• I have the equipment I need to do my work well.