This is according to recent statistics indicating that South Africa's overall productivity has dropped 32.5% in the past 45 years, making us one of the least efficient developing countries in the world.
Exactly why the South African workforce has become so lax is unclear, but its effects are plain and far-reaching.
What we experience because of this lack of productivity is stifled company growth, low employee morale, high absenteeism rates, and high staff turnover. Sometimes these manifest themselves in more subtle ways, such as employees taking extended lunch breaks, arriving late and leaving early, or claiming overtime or vacation time without properly reporting it.
We see projects running well over budget and deadline, unhealthy conflict among our staff and a culture of "if I can get away without doing that, I will".
And while we may have become accustomed to this sort of working environment, I'd like to take this opportunity to assure you that it's not the norm.
But how do we go about reversing the past 45 years?
Often it's the small things that make a difference. Get one person to truly believe in a project and others will follow. Enthusiasm is catching.
The same goes for your company. If you create a culture where employees share the same vision as you, chances are they'll want to help you build it. If they can't see what you see, or don't share your vision, chances are they won't follow you at all.
Once everyone is aware of the direction you're heading, and what their role is in helping to get you there, you can start to find new and different ways to motivate them, such as investing in them through training.
What we find works best is a combination of:
Clear Communication
So that each employee knows what his or her function is and how this relates to the overall workings of the company
Skills Development
Employees who understand their role within the organisation, and are then given the skills to ensure that they can do the job to the best of their ability, tend to be the happiest and hardest working employees.
Regular Feedback
Be it good or bad, feedback is crucial if you wish to have a productive team. Regularly give constructive feedback to your employees and regularly seek feedback from them - keep the dialogue open and honest and ensure that your expectations are clear.
Is your workforce motivated and productive? Could they be more productive?
Contact Staff Training for more info on any of our +40 soft skills training courses, alternatively call (021) 839 3021 or visit our website.