Optimizing productivity by improving quality of life at work

Understanding the relationship between QWL and productivity

To understand how Quality of Working Life (QWL) affects productivity, let's first look at the two concepts individually. According to theInternational Labour Organization (ILO), QWL is based on six fundamental dimensions:

• Physical and mental health,
• Skills and fulfillment,
• Commitment,
• Participative leadership and management,
• The environment and
• Positive social relations.

By integrating these elements, it is possible to conceive of a virtuous circle: high QWL leading to higher productivity, and vice versa. This synergy promotes overall employee well-being, which has a direct impact on corporate growth and profitability.

What are the key QWL factors that positively influence productivity?

Several aspects of QWL have been linked to productivity. These include :

• Recognition. When employees receive fair recognition for their contribution, they are more likely to demonstrate a sense of belonging and motivation, which fuels their involvement and eagerness at work. Studies have shown that recognition increases employee productivity by 10%(Universum Global, 2019).
• Work-life balance. Ensuring a harmonious balance between family and professional obligations preserves employees' psychological health and reduces the risk of burnout. At the same time, flexible working hours offer the possibility of adjusting working hours to suit personal constraints, resulting in optimized productivity. According to a study conducted by Stanford University, teleworkers complete 13% more tasks than their fixed-position colleagues (Bloom, 2015).
• Work environment. Opting for ergonomic, bright, spacious premises adapted to different work styles maximizes employee comfort, reduces absences for health reasons and promotes collaboration. Numerous studies point to the significant impact of the office environment on concentration, creativity and overall productivity(Kim & de Dear, 2013; Sundstrom, 1986

Concrete examples demonstrating the impact of QWL on productivity

Here are some concrete examples to illustrate the positive influence of QWL on productivity:

• Google. The American giant has introduced a collective intelligence policy called " Objectives and Key Results " (OKR), which consists of setting ambitious objectives accompanied by quantifiable criteria against which performance can be measured. Combined with a flexible framework, this initiative has considerably boosted productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Microsoft Japan. As an experiment, Microsoft Japan tested a work week shortened to four days, i.e. 75% of the usual hours. As a result, productivity jumped by 40%, while operational costs fell (less paper, electricity and transport).
• BT Group. This British group has introduced training programs designed to raise managers' awareness of the importance of QWL. These initiatives have resulted in a 10% increase in production and a 15% rise in employee satisfaction, according to a study conducted by Investors in People(IIP UK Flexible Working Report, 2016).

Best practices

In view of the evidence presented, let's try to synthesize recommendations that can be used by executives and human resources managers:

1. Create a corporate culture that values recognition and gratitude.
2. Support the adoption of flexible working hours and encourage teleworking where appropriate.
3. Invest in a work environment that fosters collaboration and creativity.
4. Organize constructive feedback sessions between peers and hierarchies, to identify levers for continuous improvement in QWL and productivity.
5. Offer team-building activities and social events to boost interaction and strengthen internal ties.

A more productive future thanks to QWL.

There is a strong link between quality of working life and productivity, as attested by numerous studies and concrete examples from world-renowned companies. It's worth emphasizing that investing in QWL is a sound investment for employees and companies alike. In the end, it's a win-win situation: a satisfied and productive workforce, substantial gains in terms of loyalty and brand image, and a society that's a pleasure to live and work in.