Carol McManus

A recent experience with a new client allowed me to recognize a phenomenon that is missing in most offices. It's called movement. I realized that the majority of offices I visit are made up of lethargic people who are tied to their desks, their computers, their blackberries, and their phones. I started to notice posture, facial expressions, and overall energy. The results are worth passing on to you!

In companies where people sit a good portion of the day (whether at their desk or in meetings) or stand in the same position (like clerks at a check-out counter), there is a marked difference in the energy level, focus on tasks, and overall attitude as the day progresses. Without exception, where people do not have the opportunity to move or change the scenery of their job environment at least once an hour, there is a slow and definitive decrease in their overall performance.

Here are some of the observations and things to look for as you walk around your environment during different times of the day.

1. Is the person in an erect posture appropriate for the work they are doing?

2. Is their tone of voice positive and energetic?

3. Are they smiling? If not, what is the facial expression?

4. What type of beverages or food do they have readily accessible?

5. What does their work space look like (Cluttered? Neat? Inviting or Repelling to others?)

6. How do they greet you when you or someone else approaches?

Do this over a period of a week of two and begin to take note of the patterns. I suggest your 'management by walking' around take place at three different times during the day so that you can compare the beginning of a work shift with the middle and end.

Notice people who show disinterest, apathy, sadness, tiredness, or poor posture at the beginning of the day. If, for whatever reason, their day starts out poorly, it is only going to get worse. As a manager, your concern should be to identify WHY this is happening and WHAT you can do to help.

For people in your employ who have a pattern of starting the day poorly, this may be an opportunity to coach or at least discuss what is going on in their lives. Maybe they aren't getting enough sleep. Maybe there is a crisis going on in their lives (pending divorce, illness in the family, etc.). Maybe they just hate their job and spend their commuting time building up the anxieties you are seeing. Whatever the reason, they are not giving you their best and they may be dragging others down.

But this is not going to be the case for most of your charges. Chances are the patterns you observe will be related more to the work environment, eating patterns, noise and interruptions, and lack of movement. Here are a few things you can do (very subtly) that can dramatically change the level of energy and ultimately the work productivity:

1. Start an afternoon (or last third of work shift) program where everyone takes a 5-minute breather to walk around the office, meet in the conference room for a non-business quick chat, or better yet, goes to the atrium for a quick stretch/aerobic group exercise break. Encourage physical break activities to get the juices flowing. It's not only effective; it's fun and will stimulate the culture of your organization.

2. Reassess the food and drinks you have available for your employees. Are they all sweets and heavy on carbs or are there healthy options? Change vendors and selections if necessary to provide healthy and stimulating options.

3. Pay attention to when meetings are held (especially those that require creative thought). Are they in the morning when people are fresh or late in the afternoon when mental capacity is usually lower? Encourage meeting planners to schedule meetings at the appropriate time to get best results.

4. Do you have music piped into your office/store? What atmosphere does it create? If you don't have music for the masses, do you allow individuals to listen to their own music? Music can be the best (or worst) subliminal catalyst for change. There are numerous resources online to help you choose the right music to create the atmosphere you want for your business.

5. Do you have live plants in your location? There is absolute proof that live greenery contributes to the oxygen levels in its surroundings which stimulates us. These are only a few suggestions to help you light a fire under your workforce. Productivity is directly related to how people feel. If you can support and stimulate a 'feel good' environment, then the morale and work will improve dramatically.

Final word: Don't be afraid to have fun with this. Often, people's lethargic attitudes are a reflection of a non-stimulating environment. And best of all, once you get the ball rolling, you're people will take over and begin to do wonderful things to help themselves and others.