Optimal Productivity At Your Lean Startup

Many people who build their own startups do so because they’re tired of the 9-5 of a stale, traditional business job.

In fact, nowadays it isn’t surprising to find old school “legacy” firms embracing tricks employed by startups, be it liberal telecommuting policies, fun off-site events, or casual dress.

But many principles of traditional business will nonetheless apply to your startup, particularly the idea of efficiency. The typical lean startup is precisely that because they squeeze out maximum productivity from workers.  And often times “productivity” is code word for “working more than 40 hours a week” (picture the over-worked coder buzzed on Red Bull at his workstation at 3 am.)

Of course, traditional businesses aim to maximize productivity from employees as well, so the inevitable question is: how can start-ups make this arrangement more attractive to workers such that they’ll leave another firm or remain loyal?

Well, there are tangible and intangible things you can do to differentiate yourself as a great place to work.

Tangible options include the ever-popular stock options, liberal telecommuting and PTO, competitive salaries, and career development plans. Intangibles include work culture and the excitement that comes with being part of something with the potential to be big.

You know why it’s cool to work at a startup. Don’t be shy about telling others.

Tags | employee satisfaction, lean startup, productivity