Productivity on the Rise: Nearly 70% of Managers Report Increased Team Efficiency Over the Past Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Robert Half's new survey reveals 68% of hiring managers report increased employee productivity compared to last year. Key factors include improved management practices (33%), enhanced staff training (31%), and new technologies (29%). 36% of workers cite improved efficiency due to AI, while 54% say hybrid work options boost productivity.

However, 36% of workers are logging more hours than a year ago, raising concerns about burnout and turnover. To address this, experts suggest flexible staffing solutions, such as hiring contract professionals for busy periods, to optimize productivity and support employee well-being.

Positive

• 68% of hiring managers report increased employee productivity
• 36% of workers report improved efficiency due to AI and emerging technologies
• 54% of workers say hybrid work options boost engagement and productivity

Negative

• 36% of workers are logging more hours compared to the previous year, raising concerns about burnout and turnover

Insights

Business Analyst

The survey results reveal a double-edged sword for businesses. While increased productivity is generally positive, the concurrent rise in work hours raises red flags for employee well-being and potential burnout. This could lead to increased turnover and associated costs.

The adoption of AI and new technologies (29% contribution) presents both opportunities and challenges. While it enhances efficiency, it may also necessitate upskilling of the workforce. Companies should consider investing in training programs to maximize the benefits of these technologies.

The preference for flexible work arrangements (54% for hybrid options) suggests that companies not offering such flexibility may face talent retention issues. This could impact their competitiveness in the labor market and potentially affect long-term productivity gains.

HR Consultant

The survey highlights a critical need for work-life balance initiatives. With 36% of workers reporting increased hours, companies must address potential burnout to maintain productivity gains. Implementing robust mental health support and encouraging time off could be crucial.

The data on flexibility preferences provides valuable insights for talent attraction and retention strategies. Organizations should consider revising their policies to accommodate hybrid and windowed work options, which could significantly boost employee satisfaction and engagement.

The emphasis on improved management practices (33%) as a driver of productivity suggests a need for continued leadership development. Investing in management training could yield substantial returns in team performance and overall organizational efficiency.

Technology Analyst

The 36% of workers reporting improved efficiency due to AI and emerging technologies is a significant trend. This indicates a growing acceptance and integration of AI in the workplace, potentially leading to further productivity gains as these technologies evolve.

However, the digital divide within organizations needs attention. Companies must ensure equitable access to and training on these new technologies to maintain consistent productivity across teams. There's also a need to address potential job displacement concerns as AI capabilities expand.

The adoption of new technologies (29%) as a productivity driver suggests that companies lagging in digital transformation may face competitive disadvantages. Continued investment in cutting-edge tools and platforms could be important for maintaining market position.

• New survey highlights key trends impacting employee productivity

MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from talent solutions and business consulting firm Robert Half reveals a complex picture when it comes to worker productivity. While most managers report that their teams have become more productive, employees are logging more hours than they did a year ago. This trend raises potential concerns about employee burnout, morale and turnover.

The survey of more than 2,500 U.S. hiring managers and more than 2,500 U.S. workers highlights four key trends shaping employee output:

1. Worker productivity is up. Nearly 7 in 10 hiring managers (68%) report an increase in employee productivity compared to one year ago. They say improved management practices (33%), enhanced staff training (31%), and the adoption of new technologies (29%) are contributing to greater output from their teams.
2. AI plays a part.  More than one-third of workers (36%) report improved efficiency due to emerging technologies such as generative AI. These tools help with laborious tasks and free up time for other projects.
3. Flexibility fuels focus. When asked about incentives that would boost engagement and productivity, workers identified hybrid work options (54%), windowed work options (46%) and a compressed weekly work schedule (20%).
4. Workers are putting in more hours. More than one-third of workers (36%) said they are logging more hours compared to the previous year. View a breakdown by generation, city, and specialization.

"The correlation between increased productivity and longer work hours is a complex issue that requires careful attention," said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. "While advances in technology and enhanced processes have allowed for improved efficiencies, it's critical to monitor employee well-being and burnout. Flexibility goes beyond work schedules. Hiring contract professionals to help with projects during busy seasons offers a flexible staffing solution that can help optimize productivity, boost employee morale and support retention."

About the Research
The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm in June 2024. It includes responses from more than 2,500 workers aged 18 or older in the U.S. and more than 2,500 managers with hiring responsibilities in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources at companies with 20 or more employees in the U.S.

About Robert Half
Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, connecting highly skilled job seekers with rewarding opportunities at great companies. We offer contract talent and permanent placement solutions in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support, and we also provide executive search services. Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti^®, a global consulting firm that delivers internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions. In the past 12 months, Robert Half, including Protiviti, has been named one of the Fortune^® Most Admired Companies™ and 100 Best Companies to Work For and a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity. Explore talent solutions, research and insights at roberthalf.com.

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SOURCE Robert Half

FAQ

What percentage of managers report increased team productivity in the Robert Half survey?

According to the Robert Half survey, 68% of hiring managers report an increase in employee productivity compared to one year ago.

How has AI impacted worker efficiency according to the Robert Half study?

The study shows that 36% of workers report improved efficiency due to emerging technologies such as generative AI, which helps with laborious tasks and frees up time for other projects.

What are the top factors contributing to increased productivity according to the Robert Half survey?

The top factors contributing to increased productivity are improved management practices (33%), enhanced staff training (31%), and the adoption of new technologies (29%).

What percentage of workers are working longer hours according to the Robert Half research?

The Robert Half survey reveals that 36% of workers said they are logging more hours compared to the previous year.

What work arrangement do employees prefer for increased productivity according to the Robert Half study?

The study shows that 54% of workers identified hybrid work options as an incentive that would boost engagement and productivity.