Three-quarters of business owners looking to increase productivity

Large companies are more willing to take steps to improve productivity

The percentage of business owners trying to increase their productivity is lower in small companies (just over 65%) than in medium-sized (over 78%) and large companies (almost 84%). Large companies are also more likely to report that they strive to improve productivity in more than one way. The steps they most frequently mention are investing in technology and automation, as well as process improvement. Training for employees is mentioned least often – just over 21%. Optimizing the work environment and infrastructure is the only measure that large companies mention less often than small and medium-sized companies.

Manufacturing companies will most likely take steps to increase productivity

The percentage of business owners taking steps to increase productivity varies by industry sector. Manufacturers are most likely to say they strive to improve productivity (just over 81%). The lowest share is in culture, sports and recreation – 54%. In the manufacturing sector, the most frequently mentioned investments are technology and automation. It is mentioned least often in the accommodation and catering services sector, where company owners focus mainly on optimizing the environment and work facilities. Employee training is most often mentioned in the car trade and repair industries, and least often in agriculture, forestry and fishing.