Research Summary: Increased Worker Productivity is Possible

Arroyo Grande, CA, February 19, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Worker productivity in the U.S. must increase for companies to take advantage of a loosening economy. There is significant research available to help managers make decisions on how to boost output. Executive coach Jim Seybert has published a white paper summarizing a dozen such reports from industrial, government and academic sources. The common thread running through all of the studies is that worker productivity will increase if managers proactively look for ways to help employees do work that satisfies the worker’s natural talents and appetites.

The 12-page white paper, titled Measuring the Benefits of a Strengths-Based Workplace presents meta-data from 11 sources chosen to help managers make informed decisions on employee motivation and engagement strategies. Seybert cuts through the clutter and presents the essence of each report in a concise manner that makes the ideas easy to grasp. The purpose for the white paper is to “blow away the fog of confusion that often surrounds strengths-based workplaces,” says the author. Instead of relying on marketing spin from the various employee training organizations, Seybert says his clients were interested in empirical data that could justify the implementation of a strengths-based workplace. They liked what they heard but needed solid evidence that their efforts would prove fruitful. “There’s a lot more to it than everyone holding hands and singing Kum-By-Yah,” he says. And, based on the evidence included in the report, he’s correct.

The white paper summarizes a handful of case histories, including one from an auto parts plant that experienced per-person productivity jumps of between 6% and 9% just 6 months after implementing a strengths-focused approach. And another, where the profit margin for a chain of retail stores was 14% higher in those stores where the manager practiced strengths-focused techniques.

Employee retention is another factor affecting profits. “When experienced workers leave, they create vacuums of productivity while replacements are found and trained,” writes Seybert. Research reviewed for the white paper points to retention rates as much as 50% better among strengths-based companies. Cost estimates for replacing a valued key employee run as high as four times that worker’s salary. So, it makes sense that a strategy for keeping good people on the job would be a solid investment in a company’s profitability.

Seybert is a recognized expert in the field of strengths-focused workplaces. He holds multiple certifications from The Marcus Buckingham Company, a leading provider of employee, management and leadership training material. He has published two books on the topic. He coaches and leads workshops for organizations in the public and private sector, as well as personal development coaching.

Full copies of the white paper are available by request through The Jim Seybert Company at the email address of info@jimseybert.com.