We know the saying goes “To err is human”, but human errors in business can be costly, disruptive and entirely avoidable. So how can you ensure your operations run as flawlessly as a Beyonce performance? Here are a few steps to help reduce or remove human error in your operations.
Photo by Francisco De Legarreta C. on Unsplash
Automation Is Your New Best Friend
Automation can be seen as the new reliable friend that always remembers your birthday and never spills coffee on your white couch. Automation has quickly made waves in business for good reason – its main function being to reduce human error in manual tasks like billing or customer support responses that were once performed manually by employees, like billing or responding to customer support enquiries manually. Automating these processes through automation software ensures accuracy and consistency without leaving room for human mistakes to creep in – move over Rover! Automation should now be your new BFF!
Reap the Benefits of Document Management System (DMS)
Document Management Systems (DMSs) can serve as your business’s magical, error-proof fairy godparent – without all of the expense or complications involved with pumpkin carriage rides! They make your business life simpler. Document Management Systems, or DMSs, are designed to store, manage and track electronic documents efficiently – from paper documents to emails – so your paperwork remains well organised like a librarian’s bookshelf and easily accessible as the frisbee of a dog with the aim of playing fetch with its toy. No more “Oops, I lost that document” moments! A Document Management System can offer version control, helping prevent “creative” edits from creating havoc and increasing errors. As a result, mistakes are reduced significantly, allowing you to spend more time running your business rather than searching for documents. Using a dms document management system, you can increase efficiency and accuracy while decreasing stress levels – truly an all-around win-win solution! So clear away those digital files, and let a DMS help turn your business into a smooth-running machine that is free from errors.
Training Is Not Just for Gym Rats
Don’t think training is only relevant to gym rats looking to break personal records on deadlifts or marathon runs – think again! Training, especially employee training programs, are essential in cutting human error in businesses. Doing this gives your employees a roadmap and compass when facing unfamiliar terrain, rather than leaving them to fend for themselves in the forest. Whenever a new software or procedure is introduced, avoid taking an “I-want-to-figure-it-out-myself” approach that could turn out as ineffective as an empty chocolate teapot. Instead, offer comprehensive training sessions where employees can learn how to properly utilise and understand its value in their workflow. Regular follow-up sessions can also be invaluable, providing regular refreshers on how to operate the office coffee machine without creating an espresso flood. A well-trained employee is less likely to make errors; invest in thorough training unless you enjoy managing workplace chaos like an unruly hamster running amok in a dollhouse!
Double Checking: Because Two is Better Than One
Experience has taught us that double checking is the key to perfection. Although it might seem tedious, reducing human error in business is key to its survival. Just think of it like wearing a seatbelt while driving: an extra step might save from a catastrophic disaster! Create a system of checks and balances within your business operations to provide additional safety nets if something goes awry – should anything slip by you, it will catch it quickly! Encourage your employees to check over their work carefully – be it a sales report, email to clients or making coffee for coworkers. Nothing could be more embarrassing than accidentally sending an email with “Kind retards” instead of “Kind regards”, due to an innocent typo that could have been caught through double checking. So embrace double checking, and bid farewell to any errors!
Give Feedback: The Sandwich Approach
In creating delicious sandwiches, balance is the key ingredient. No one wants to bite into one that’s all bread and no filling – that same principle should apply when providing feedback. Welcome to the world of the Sandwich Approach, an effective feedback technique proven to work like an espresso on an otherwise dull Monday morning. Here’s how it works: start off by offering positive feedback (the tasty bread), follow that up with constructive criticism (the filling), and end it all with additional positive reinforcement (another slice of bread). This approach ensures employees feel appreciated for their efforts (since compliments can go a long way), understand where improvements need to be made (no one’s perfect!), and remain motivated to continue doing well (since even small tokens of encouragement can go far). By taking this approach to feedback sessions, it may help transform them from blame-shifting sessions into opportunities for growth and improvement. So, go ahead and prepare that sandwich. Just be sure to include plenty of positivity as well as constructive criticism – your employees and business will thank you!
Conclusion: Error Is No Longer an Issue
Although we can never entirely eradicate human error (unless we all become robots; let’s be real here, nobody wants that!), there are steps we can all take to reduce it. Automation, training, double-checking and feedback all play key roles here – here’s to more “Oops!” moments for your business!
