The bounce in productivity after Covid may have come to an end, but there is an as yet largely unused tool available to revitalise output, and at the same time helps to retain and recruit the best talent.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics, show that productivity per hour and per employee grew 2.1 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively since the pandemic came to an end. However, the latest quarterly ONS Labour Force Survey figures have recorded an overall decrease of 0.1 per cent in output, signalling that in probability, the rise has now stalled.

In answer, there are well established techniques for lifting employee performance, but mostly they are either already in use by companies, or they are not applicable. However, there is an option that eclipses even the most tried and tested motivation and management tool used for driving up employee output. It is the application of Emotional Intelligence.

It is reasonable to ask what Emotional Intelligence is, and just as important, why it works so well. It sounds as though it could be another practice similar to the mindfulness trend, but in fact it is much more affirmative, and has much greater impact.

Emotional Intelligence comes from learning to understand emotions as they arise, and applying awareness to contextualised and manage them. The effect is to create calmer thinking and self-awareness. It also significantly improves the understanding of others leading to the building of more positive relationships at work, and at home. Learning to apply Emotional Intelligence also results in other benefits:

Fosters better collaboration

Improves decision making

Dissipates potential conflict

Allows individuals to better regulate sleep, exercise, drink and food habits

Eradicates or limits unnecessary fears

Creates recognition of self-interest

Develops greater understanding and care for others

Allows individuals to govern happiness

To help understand why Emotional Intelligence works, it is useful to recognise how the mind works when it takes on information. The majority of the time it runs on automatic, based on years of conditioning. The mortgage bill arrives, the parcel does not get delivered, a colleague does not meet and important deadline, someone breaks a favourite coffee mug – all of these things, and far more can be a catalyst for unwarranted stress and anxiety, and can occur constantly, seem endless, and are transferred from home to work, and back.

In the majority of people, this exposure leads to some degree of anxiety, stress and anger, or all three. Often becoming a permanent state. We know people who appear

to live on their nerve endings, or who seem constantly angry and complain. Even mild symptoms are harmful, and prevent clear thinking and decision making. There is no shortage of research that shows most individuals suffer continuous states of stress and anxiety, and the consequence is the compromise of the ability to work effectively, work with colleagues, and also third parties.

The good news is that it can be effectively remedied through Emotional Intelligence, the technique of becoming aware of the mental pitfalls associated with processing information. Practicing Emotional Intelligence enables individuals to become aware that they can be architects of their own anguish, and the associated tendency to blame others. Instead of having instant negative reactions, news can be analysed more objectively, and balanced conclusions drawn. In other words, emotion stops getting in the way of thinking.

Nurturing self-understanding also creates a much better understanding of other people. Jumping to conclusions about what others say or do is replaced by analysis of what they really mean, and the associated motivation for what they say and do. This markedly improves work relations, and creates greater openness and desire to cooperate with colleagues. In other words, not making automatic judgement leads to better, more stable relationships, happiness and improved communication. Other attributes include better self-regulation of sleep, food, exercise, alcohol, smoking, and in some cases, recreational drugs.

We always see Emotional Intelligence where it exists. It is in those individuals that inevitably seem to be calm and unflappable, have time for others, and seem to project an unflamboyant happiness. For those around them that are having a bad day, it can be frustratingly annoying, and that is due to their own private frustrations that in all likelihood, result from absence of Emotional Intelligence. However, everybody can learn it. Everyone can be a more balanced, clear thinking, happier, considerate person, and once learned, Emotional Intelligence quickly becomes a default position.

Employees that have Emotional Intelligence are naturally more productive, and good team players who bring about a more positive workplace environment. They help generate a reputation for companies being a good place to work. Emotional Intelligence also contributes another factor. It creates better leaders. Stress free uncluttered thinking, higher amounts of empathy, and an ability to communicate well all enhance leadership. It empowers those new to leadership to take to it far more effectively and quickly, and existing managers become much better at it.

Happier employees, good team environment and progressive leadership builds reputation that spreads across communities, and business industry sectors. It attracts the best recruits, and it retains them. There are few areas of business in which there is not one company that stands out as the best employer, and Emotional Intelligence can be fundamental in establishing that positioning.

The practice of Emotional Intelligence is not difficult to adopt. It can be learned through on and offline courses, podcasts, books as well as apps. Coaching is often very effective, but arranging group learning for employees can be logistically difficult, even using video links. The best option is usually found by providing employees with access to a modular learning format that allows them to learn and practice when it suits them. Therefore, podcasts and apps have been discovered to be very effective for companies when introducing Emotional Intelligence to staff. It has transformed the performance of a growing number of businesses, and will inevitably do the same for more.