As a business leader in New Zealand, you're constantly juggling competing priorities.
You understand the pressures of today's market, the importance of a thriving team, and the ever-present need to boost productivity.
At the same time, you also recognise that the way we work has fundamentally changed. The shift towards hybrid models has presented both exciting opportunities and complex challenges.
You're likely asking yourself:
How do I navigate this new normal?
How do I support my team while maximising output and efficiency?
How do I ensure my business not only survives but thrives in this evolving landscape?
At Robert Half, we are talking to businesses everyday about how they are adapting to the new way of working. While every company is different, we have collated all our knowledge on the topic in this blog, which is designed to help you answer these questions and discover how to increase productivity in the workplace, specifically within the unique context of New Zealand business.
We see the complexities you face, and we're here to offer practical strategies and insights to help you build a more engaged, productive, and successful future for your team.
Defining productivity in the modern workplace
Megan Alexander is the managing director at Robert Half New Zealand. With two decades of recruitment experience, she has seen how productivity has changed over time.
“In the modern workplace, productivity is about cultivating an environment where individuals thrive and contribute meaningfully, not about clocking more hours.
At its core, it's a complex interplay of employee wellbeing, clear communication, effective technology, continuous skill development, and a positive work environment.
Nurturing these elements is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your team and discovering how to increase productivity in the workplace.”
Related: What are the benefits of a learning culture in the workplace?
The hybrid work revolution
The rise of hybrid work, accelerated by the pandemic, presents a unique set of considerations for NZ businesses looking at how to increase productivity in the workplace.
According to research conducted by Robert Half in November 2024, 70% of Kiwi workers believe hybrid work has a positive impact on their productivity levels*.
While offering undeniable benefits like increased employee engagement, access to a wider talent pool, and potential cost savings, it also brings challenges that require careful navigation.
Megan says “Many New Zealand employers now require full-time office attendance as business leaders recognise that the absence of in-person work hinders the collaborative culture that leads to increased productivity. It is very dependent on the roles staff hold and business perspective as to whether hybrid working is still offered.”
For organisations who still embrace hybrid working, the factors that are critical to address include:
maintaining seamless communication and collaboration between dispersed teams
preserving a strong company culture, adapting performance management strategies
ensuring equity and inclusion, and preventing burnout
Only this way can productivity when working hybrid can be achieved.
Related: Is flexibility in the workplace the key to employee satisfaction?
Strategic approaches to increase productivity in the workplace
So, how can leaders effectively boost productivity in this new era and learn how to increase productivity in the workplace?
It begins with establishing crystal-clear expectations and goals.
Define roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics with precision, regardless of where employees are working.
Leverage the power of SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – to provide direction and focus.
Investing strategically in communication and collaboration tools is non-negotiable for businesses wanting to know how to increase productivity in the workplace. Equip your teams with the technology that facilitates seamless interaction, like video conferencing for face-to-face connection, instant messaging for quick updates, robust project management software for streamlined workflows, or shared document platforms for collaborative creation.
Fostering a culture of trust and wellbeing
Cultivating a culture of trust and autonomy is essential for how to increase productivity in the workplace.
Empower your employees to manage their time and tasks effectively, understanding that flexibility and ownership contribute significantly to motivation and productivity. This requires a shift in mindset, moving away from measuring presenteeism towards valuing output and results.
As she manages the Robert Half office in New Zealand, Megan knows how important it is to foster a culture of trust and wellbeing to encourage productivity.
“You won’t find productivity in a hostile environment. Happy workers are the ones who will put their full energy into their job when they’re at work, so creating an environment that makes them comfortable and respected is essential. Offer comprehensive resources and support for mental health, physical wellness, and work-life balance. Even on a day-to-day basis, encourage regular breaks, promote reasonable working hours, and foster a culture that values personal time.”
Related: 5 Activities to Improve Workplace Culture this year
Communication, connection, and performance management
Open and consistent communication is the lifeblood of a productive team and a key element of how to increase productivity in the workplace.
Megan’s tips include:
Establish regular check-ins
Facilitate team meetings
Provide opportunities for feedback – both giving and receiving.
This ensures everyone is aligned, supported, and feels heard.
In a hybrid world, fostering social connection becomes even more important for those wondering how to increase productivity in the workplace. To facilitate this, create opportunities for team members to connect on a personal level, like through virtual coffee breaks, team-building activities, or social events. These connections build camaraderie and contribute to a more cohesive and collaborative work environment.
Traditional performance management approaches may need to be recalibrated for the hybrid and flexible work model when considering how to increase productivity in the workplace. Focus on outcomes and achievements rather than simply tracking hours spent at a desk. To do this, utilise performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and recognise and reward contributions.
Related: What are the future work skills you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond?
How to increase productivity in the workplace
As Megan has explained, continuous learning and development are vital for staying ahead and understanding how to increase productivity in the workplace.
“Remember that this is an ongoing process when thinking about how to increase productivity in the workplace. Regularly review your flexible work arrangements, solicit feedback from your employees, and be prepared to adapt and refine your strategies as needed.”
In the New Zealand context, with its strong emphasis on work-life balance and community, these principles resonate deeply. Navigating the new normal is an opportunity to build a more engaged, productive, and thriving future for New Zealand workplaces.
*The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some simple ways to be more productive at work?
Prioritise your top 3 tasks each day and tackle those first.
Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Minimise distractions by turning off notifications and focusing on one thing at a time.
Take short, regular breaks to avoid burnout.
Organise your workspace and plan your next day before you finish working
How can managers improve productivity in their team?
Managers can improve team productivity by setting clear goals and expectations, fostering open communication, providing necessary resources and support, and recognising achievements. Empowering team members, minimising unnecessary meetings, and promoting a positive and focused work environment are also key.
How does company culture affect productivity?
A positive company culture fosters trust, collaboration, and motivation, leading to increased productivity. When employees feel valued, supported, and aligned with the company's mission, they are more engaged and perform better. Conversely, a negative culture marked by poor communication, lack of recognition, or high stress can significantly hinder productivity.
How can flexible work arrangements impact productivity?
Flexible work arrangements can have a significant impact on productivity, often boosting it by allowing employees to work during their most productive hours and in environments where they focus best. Reduced commute times and increased job satisfaction can also contribute to higher output. However, it's crucial to have clear communication strategies, performance metrics, and a supportive company culture to mitigate potential challenges like blurred work-life boundaries and difficulties in team collaboration.
What causes a lack of productivity in the workplace?
A lack of productivity in the workplace can stem from several factors, including unclear goals and expectations, poor communication, distractions and interruptions, inadequate resources or training, low morale and motivation, excessive workload or burnout, and a negative or unsupportive work environment.
