How do you measure productivity?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 14, 2026
Productivity is measured by comparing the amount of goods and services produced with the inputs which were used in production. Labor productivity is the ratio of the output of goods and services to the labor hours devoted to the production of that output.
What are ways that productivity can be improved?
8 Ways to Increase Productivity in the Workplace
- Be Efficient.
- Delegate.
- Reduce Distractions.
- Have the Right Tools and Equipment.
- Improve workplace conditions.
- Offer Support and Set Realistic Goals.
- Practice Positive Reinforcement.
- Ensure Employees Are Happy.
How do you measure productivity at work?
Here’s how to use the Simple Productivity Formula:
- Choose the output you will measure.
- Find your input figure, which is the hours of labor put into production.
- Divide the output by the input.
- Assign a dollar value to the results, to measure your cost-benefit ratio.
How to measure your productivity in the workplace?
Measure their own productivity and involve employees in self-evaluation and goal setting. Make the impact of employees’ roles visible – people are more invested in the success of a task when its importance is clear. Assign tasks so that employees work to their strengths.
What can I do to improve productivity in my workplace?
To ensure peak workshop efficiency, you’ll want to take a hard look at the layout of your floor plan. Organizing equipment, tools, and materials properly will not only improve manufacturing productivity but will also help to keep the workplace a safe environment for employees to do their jobs.
How are units of output used to measure productivity?
In simple terms, the Harvard Business Review says: take the units of output, in other words the product, and divide that by the units of input, in other words things like capital, labour and materials. Again, though, it is usually a bit more complex than that.
Can you increase your productivity if you know what your benchmark is?
You can’t increase how well you’re doing unless you know what the benchmark is. The way to accomplish this depends on the size of your organization; in general, the goal is to align employees’ goals with company objectives but maintain a way of measuring performance on an individual level.