Some silver lining as companies struggle to recover from the recession: Canadian businesses are more productive, thanks in large part to their staffs.
According to a recent survey conducted by David Aplin Recruiting, 45 percent of Canadian companies increased their competitiveness within their industry in 2009. Furthermore, 36 percent reported an increase in organizational output last year.
There were four leading reasons for the output uptick. A full 62 percent of respondents generated more revenue in 2009. Some 57 percent said they added more customers, while 46 percent topped up their roster of employees. And 37 percent reported more physical infrastructure.
According to the survey, the most productive employees at the top organizations share five traits: a strong work ethic, dedication, a focus on customer service, experience and loyalty.
And how, exactly are companies building these characteristics to increase the productivity of their staffs? According to the study, common themes are skills training, continuing education and coaching.
“This presents tremendous opportunity for professionals to take their skills to the next level if they are open to learning, receptive to change, and committed to putting in the extra effort to adapt as organizations are asking,” commented Jeff Aplin, executive vice-president of David Aplin Recruiting.
Aplin added that even while in survival mode, the 46 percent of companies that reported a decrease in organizational output still continued to invest in professional development and new technology.
David Aplin Recruiting polled more than 200 business managers across all provinces and territories between March 3 and 17 to generate the data.
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