7 Tips to Increase Productivity in a Team (2025)

In the modern workplace, where deadlines are tight and expectations are high, increasing productivity in a team is no longer optional — it’s essential. Productive teams not only accomplish more in less time, but they also contribute to a more motivated and goal-oriented work culture.

Managers and team leads always look for practical ways to boost efficiency without burning their teams out. Fortunately, some strategies work — and many of them don’t require massive overhauls.

One such often-overlooked strategy is the use of recreational, team-oriented activities to encourage collaboration and engagement. For example, involving your team in fun and competitive events can significantly boost morale, improve communication, and strengthen team bonds. These benefits directly translate into increased productivity, as a connected and motivated team works smarter, not just harder.

Let’s explore seven practical tips you can use to increase team productivity—strategies rooted in real-world success and backed by experience.

7 Tips to Increase Team Productivity

Here are seven practical tips to increase team productivity in 2025!

Set Clear and Actionable Goals

The first step to building a productive team is clarity. When team members know exactly what is expected of them, it eliminates confusion, reduces wasted time, and ensures that everyone is moving in the same direction. Unclear goals lead to duplicated efforts, missed deadlines, and frustrated employees.

To avoid this, set specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Use goal-setting frameworks like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) or OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) to provide structure. Break larger objectives into smaller, actionable tasks with clear deadlines. For example, instead of saying “increase brand awareness,” say “grow Instagram followers by 20% in the next 30 days.”

Also, don’t just set goals and forget them. Hold regular team check-ins or progress meetings where everyone shares updates and roadblocks. This promotes accountability, encourages transparency, and helps the team stay aligned.

Related articles:

• Team Goal Setting: Step-by-Step Guide To Achieve Success

Improve Team Communication

Communication is the backbone of every productive team. Teams that communicate well are better at problem-solving, more creative, and more agile when unexpected challenges arise. On the other hand, poor communication leads to misunderstandings, delays, and a drop in team morale.

To improve communication, foster a culture where every team member feels safe to speak up, share feedback, and ask questions. Make it a point to practice active listening — that means not just hearing, but understanding, responding with empathy, and making the other person feel heard.

Leverage modern communication tools like Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and project management software like Asana or Trello. These platforms help keep conversations organized and tasks clearly assigned. But remember, tools are just part of the solution. Trust, openness, and consistency are the real keys to great communication.

Create a Positive and Supportive Work Culture

A healthy team culture is one where people feel respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. It’s easy to underestimate the impact of culture on productivity, but research consistently shows that happy employees are significantly more productive.

Start by recognizing and celebrating achievements — both big and small. A simple shout-out during a meeting or a message of appreciation can go a long way in making someone feel seen. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition as well, so that appreciation becomes a team habit, not just a manager’s duty.

Also, support employee well-being. Offer flexible work hours, encourage breaks, and create space for social interactions. When people enjoy where they work and feel like they’re part of a supportive environment, they bring their best selves to the table — and productivity naturally follows.

Teach and Promote Time Management

Time is every team’s most limited resource. How your team manages it can mean the difference between success and missed opportunities. Teach time management skills and provide the tools your team needs to stay focused and efficient.

Encourage techniques like:

• Time Blocking: Allocating specific chunks of time to different tasks.
  
• Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.
  
• Eisenhower Matrix: Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
  

Also, reduce distractions. Limit unnecessary meetings, discourage multitasking, and promote “deep work” sessions where team members can focus without interruptions. Provide access to time tracking tools like Toggl or Clockify to help team members understand where their time is going — and where it can be optimized.

Encourage Learning and Professional Growth

Teams that grow together succeed together. One of the best ways to keep your team productive is to continually invest in their growth. When employees feel like they’re learning and advancing in their careers, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to stay focused.

Offer access to learning platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy. Encourage employees to attend webinars, industry events, or even cross-train in different departments. You can also create internal knowledge-sharing sessions where team members present on topics they’ve mastered.

Don’t forget mentorship. Pair junior team members with more experienced colleagues to create a culture of growth and guidance. A team that’s always learning is a team that’s always improving.

Use Technology to Streamline Workflow

Technology can be a huge productivity booster — if used correctly. Equip your team with the tools they need to streamline repetitive tasks, communicate efficiently, and manage projects with clarity.

For example:

• Trello / Asana / Monday.com for project tracking
  
• Slack / Microsoft Teams for team chats
  
• Zapier / Make.com for automating repetitive workflows
  
• Google Workspace / Notion for collaboration and documentation
  

But don’t overdo it. Too many tools can lead to confusion and tool fatigue. Choose platforms that integrate well with each other, and provide training so your team knows how to use them effectively. A streamlined digital workflow can dramatically reduce errors and save hours every week.

Related articles:

• 16 Proven Techniques To Improve Team Productivity
• 16 Best Team Productivity Tools To Enhance Collaboration
• 18 Productivity Apps Statistics You Need to Know in 2025

Invest in Team Building Activities

Team building isn’t just about having fun — it’s about strengthening the bonds that help teams work better together. When team members trust each other, collaborate well, and feel emotionally connected, they’re more productive and committed.

Regular team-building activities, whether in-person or virtual, can improve communication, break down silos, and boost morale. Activities like escape rooms, trivia games, collaborative workshops, or strategy games are great for encouraging cooperation and friendly competition.

A great example is organizing a session at an indoor laser tag business. Laser tag is more than just a fun activity — it’s an exercise in communication, quick thinking, and teamwork. It helps team members engage with one another outside the typical work setting, encouraging relationships that carry over into the workplace and improve performance.

Conclusion

Productivity isn’t just about working more — it’s about working better, together. By setting clear goals, encouraging honest communication, supporting growth, and nurturing team connection, you lay the foundation for long-term success.

Whether it’s improving time management, using the right tools, or bringing your team together for a round of laser tag, every action counts. Small steps lead to big results, and with consistent effort, you can build a high-performing team that delivers with excellence.