Research Points to Productivity Benefits of Giving Up Control
A little employee empowerment can go a long way if you're the boss, new research suggests. Nearly one in three (29 per cent) chief financial officers (CFOs) in a Robert Half Management Resources survey admitted they would be more productive if they gave their employees greater autonomy at work. Only 21 per cent of executives feared their performance would decline if they gave workers more control.
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, the world's premier provider of senior-level finance, accounting and business systems professionals on a project and interim basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 270 CFOs at companies across Canada.
CFOs were asked, "If you gave your staff greater autonomy over how and when they do their jobs, such as flexible work hours, working remotely, or less direct supervision, what effect, if any, do you feel it would have on your productivity?" Their responses*:
Increase in productivity
29%
No change
44%
Decrease in productivity
21%
Don't know
6%
100%
"Executives at successful companies focus on the big-picture direction of the firm and trust their staff to achieve current goals," said David King, Canadian president of Robert Half Management Resources. "It can be difficult to let go of the day-to-day but executives who perform at their optimal levels maintain focus on strategic planning and analysis, and mission-critical initiatives."
King mentioned the additional returns leaders can expect by providing staff with greater autonomy. "An organization with empowered staff is in line to achieve the long-term benefits of increased innovation, better morale and improved retention."
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