Working Smarter: Tactics to Increase Your Team’s Efficiency

Working Smarter: Tactics to Increase Your Team’s Efficiency
Is boosting productivity one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so, now’s the time to root out inefficient and outdated practices that no longer work. Use the following tips to help increase the quantity and quality of your team’s output in 2010:
Reevaluate routines. All too frequently, tasks and procedures are hastily stitched together when a need arises, and that approach then becomes the “way it’s done” regardless of how effective it is. Take the time to look under the hood and question the status quo, keeping a constant eye on working smarter. Be on the lookout for common inefficiencies such as duplication of work and unwarranted layers of approval. Whenever possible, streamline and consolidate functions, making sure your top performers are tackling high-priority duties that contribute to the bottom line.
Avoid meeting mania. Meetings are often needed to accomplish key goals. But they can also be huge time wasters if managed improperly. In a recent survey by Robert Half, senior executives said that almost a third of meetings they attend are unnecessary. Moreover, 45 percent of respondents felt employees would be more productive if their organization banned meetings one day a week. Before calling a meeting, carefully consider whether it’s absolutely essential. If you have no significant updates and everyone is facing heavy workloads, why have the weekly staff gathering? And remember that when calling a meeting it’s important to invite only those individuals who truly need to be in on the discussion. Also, stick closely to the agenda, watch the clock and quickly rein in tangential conversations.
Promote (and practice) good time management. If you’re operating with fewer staff members, it’s all the more critical that your employees use their time well. Impress upon all your accounting professionals the importance of looking at the big picture and prioritizing their assignments accordingly. Being focused and well organized yourself will help set the tone for your staff. Regularly review your to-do list, be willing to delegate, and budget time for those unexpected but inevitable interruptions.

Submitted by Robert Half Finance & Accounting. Robert Half Finance & Accounting, a division of Robert Half International, is the world's first and largest specialized financial recruitment service. The company has more than 360 offices worldwide and offers online job search services at www.roberthalffinance.com.