Lack of productivity in Canadian business: Look to a government that’s coasting, not workers

Summary

The article discusses the issue of low productivity in Canadian businesses and attributes it to a lack of government support and a culture of coasting. It highlights the need for HR leaders to address this issue and suggests several key takeaways:

1. Low productivity in Canadian businesses: The article argues that Canadian businesses have a productivity problem, with output per hour worked falling behind other countries. This is seen as a significant issue that needs to be addressed.

2. Lack of government support: The author suggests that one of the main reasons for low productivity is a lack of government support. They argue that the current government is more focused on maintaining the status quo rather than implementing policies that promote productivity growth.

3. Culture of coasting: The article also highlights a culture of coasting in Canadian workplaces, where employees are not motivated to work hard or innovate. This is seen as a result of a lack of accountability and a sense of entitlement.

4. HR leaders’ role: The article emphasizes the role of HR leaders in addressing the productivity issue. They are encouraged to take a proactive approach in fostering a culture of high performance and accountability within their organizations.

5. Investing in training and development: HR leaders are advised to invest in training and development programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge. This can help improve productivity by equipping employees with the necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively.

6. Creating a culture of innovation: HR leaders should also focus on creating a culture of innovation within their organizations. This can be achieved by encouraging employees to think creatively, rewarding innovative ideas, and providing resources for experimentation.

7. Performance management: The article suggests that HR leaders should implement effective performance management systems to ensure that employees are held accountable for their work. This can help identify and address any performance issues and motivate employees to perform at their best.

8. Collaboration and communication: HR leaders should promote collaboration and effective communication within their organizations. This can help break down silos, improve teamwork, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Overall, the article highlights the need for HR leaders to address the issue of low productivity in Canadian businesses by taking proactive measures to create a culture of high performance, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.