John Luxton, RegenerationHQ

Right here, right now New Zealand SME owners are well-positioned to boost productivity within their own operations, even amidst broader societal or governmental challenges in addressing productivity issues.

This capacity for internal transformation is critical for driving business growth and setting a benchmark for productivity improvement.

Embracing digital transformation is a key strategy for SMEs. By integrating technology into daily operations, such as project management tools, CRM systems, and cloud-based accounting software, businesses can streamline processes, reduce manual tasks, and free up time for strategic development.

Additionally, leveraging digital marketing can significantly enhance visibility and customer engagement.

Investing in employee engagement and skill development is another avenue for boosting productivity. Cultivating a culture that values continuous learning and improvement, through training opportunities and mentorship programs, can increase team motivation and efficiency.

When employees feel valued and are equipped with necessary skills, their contribution to business success is amplified.

Process optimisation is essential for eliminating inefficiencies and reducing waste. Adopting continuous improvement principles to focus on maximising customer value while minimising non-essential activities can help SMEs stay competitive and agile.

Focusing on customer needs and maintaining a dialogue through feedback mechanisms can lead to improved service or product offerings and higher satisfaction rates.

This customer-centric approach can provide valuable insights for innovation and business development.

Lastly, fostering a culture of innovation encourages the exploration of new ideas, diversification of product lines, and sustainable business practices.

Being open to change and willing to take calculated risks can uncover new growth opportunities and productivity enhancements.

By leveraging technology, valuing their teams, optimising processes, focusing on customers, and embracing innovation, SME owners in New Zealand can significantly increase their businesses’ productivity, serving as exemplars of internal initiative in productivity improvement.

Waiting for the government to “do something” is called hope and hope is not a strategy.