6 Causes of Lost Productivity in the Workplace

Research shows the average worker is only productive for a little less than three hours each day. Unfortunately, low productivity levels can have a ripple effect on a business's performance. If a business's workers aren't productive, they won't be able to excel in their respective operations. So, what causes lost productivity in the workplace exactly?

#1) Meetings

Meetings are a common cause of lost productivity in the workplace. According to one report, half of all workers say meetings are a waste of time. Business owners and managers can still hold meetings, but to promote a productive working environment, they should only invite essential personnel to the meetings.

#2) Stress

Not surprisingly, stress is an underlying factor in many instances of low productivity. The American Institute of Stress (AIS), for instance, says 41% of all workers experience lower productivity levels when stressed. Psychological stress can manifest in the form of physical symptoms, including fatigue, that restrict workers' ability to perform their respective jobs.

#3) Illnesses

When a worker is sick, he or she may experience fatigue, exhaustion and other related symptoms that harm his or her productivity. It's estimated that the average adult catches about three infections of the common cold virus each year -- and that's just one of many infectious illnesses. And workers who are sick often experience low productivity levels.

#4) Lack of Peer Recognition

Lack of peer recognition may cause workers to perform their job more slowly and less efficiently. What is peer recognition exactly? Peer recognition is the act of a business owner, manager or other high-level "peer" recognizing the business's workers. When workers aren't recognized by their peers, they won't have the motivation to put forth their full effort.

#5) Inadequate Training

Business owners and managers can't expect an employee to remain productive unless the employee knows how to perform his or her job. Unfortunately, not all employees receive adequate training. If an employee doesn't receive a sufficient amount of training, he or she may experience low productivity. Inadequate training is just one more common cause of lost productivity in the workplace.

#6) Injuries

Finally, injuries can have a substantial impact on productivity in the workplace. If a worker is injured, he or she will likely work more slowly. Depending on the severity of the injury, the worker may be forced to take time off while he or she rests and recovers. Regardless, injuries can adversely affect workers' productivity.