Planning, strategizing, organizing, and implementing can seem overwhelming and time-consuming. Getting people together to work towards a project is a handful too. However, that is the job description of a manager at any level. Managing people is one of the toughest jobs, but excellent managers find ways to make it work.
Due to the challenges of the dynamic nature of human beings, experts in the HR department have researched long and hard ways to get the best from the staff without pushing them beyond their limits. OKRs were designed to meet the rising need for improvement in the workplace.
What are OKRs?
OKR is short for Objectives and Key Results. It is a project management tool that is precise in stating and achieving objectives. With this tool, you can define what you hope to achieve and the different results you could get.
How can OKRs Help?
At some point, everybody wants to pass off the heavy load of responsibilities without any significant dropoff in the quality of work and results. OKRs offer this opportunity on a platter – to put things in perspective and have it all figured out while you work towards your goals. With these amazing benefits, you’ll find your HR journey much easy.
- Lack of clear job descriptions
A major HR challenge is a lack of focus – knowing your goal without knowing how to get there.
OKRs puts the bigger picture ahead of you. Managing every target removes the pressure of constantly figuring out why every task is necessary. OKRs allow managers to track more than one objective, with an upper limit of seven.
Also, OKRs allow no more than five results per objective. This is essential because it helps employers and employees focus on specific tasks while seamlessly transitioning to the next objective. Maintaining these efficient systems keeps everyone motivated and ready for the next task.
- Employee retention
OKRs are very helpful because they create a direct link between employees and the company or business. Since objectives and desired results are clearly stated, employees can easily find their place in the implementation process.
In other words, everyone knows what they should be doing and why they are doing it. It creates a sense of belonging, which is essential for the company’s growth.
- Engaging the workforce
Getting people to be fully committed is another workload on its own. People are more likely to commit to something when a comprehensive plan is available and accessible. OKRs help companies get employees committed to the work process, ultimately fostering company growth. OKR software tracking tools such as BetterWorks simplify this process.
Companies can explore other innovative productivity monitoring tools, such as employees sharing their progress monthly, using hand slides or printing and pasting them on the office wall.
- Employee development and productivity
OKRs can help companies scale up in productivity and personnel development. OKRs help employees improve their productivity by maintaining a clear picture of the desired results and objectives.
OKRs simplify tasks, create efficient systems, and enhance production and output. Also, employees become more productive when they are committed to a company and its goals.
- Progress report
Another reason why OKRs are non-negotiable is the ability to track progress. With OKRs, managers can monitor employees’ involvement in goal-getting and assess results! OKRs are tracked through the metrics established during the formulation of objectives. Keeping track of progress helps keep everyone on their toes, especially when it occurs every week.
- Accountability and transparency
Another huge challenge in management is getting dedicated and accountable staff members. Using OKRs, the work process is simplified and transparent. This means that individuals in an establishment can be held accountable for unmet objectives following assessments. When employees know these tracking processes exist, they are motivated to put their best to get work done. On the plus side, it is easy to see which team contributed more to the success. Getting rewarded for excellent performances can be a source of motivation for greater productivity.
- Maximizing employees’ full potential
Another good thing about this project management tool is that it provides opportunities to dream big and reach for the stars. Sometimes, all it takes is reaching a little further – goals become achievable when there are clear paths to reaching them, and OKRs are structured to help out in that regard.
Conclusion
OKRs can measure and track progress toward your organizational and talent management goals. They also keep everyone aligned with the company’s core objectives. By setting achievable yet challenging goals, you can keep your team motivated and focused on what’s important. If you’re not using OKRs yet, now is the time to start. Implement them in your organization and see how they can help you achieve your desired results.
