10 Proven Ways to Improve Performance At Work
In today’s fast-moving workplace, improving performance isn’t just about working harder. It’s about developing the right habits and skills that drive meaningful results while drawing on proven strategies used by leading high-performance experts and keynote speakers.
What Defines a High-Performing Workplace?
A high-performing workplace is one where people are supported, trusted and motivated to do their best work every day. It is defined by clear communication, strong leadership and a culture that encourages growth, accountability and collaboration. Employees feel connected to the organisation’s purpose and understand how their role contributes to meaningful outcomes. Research shows that high employee engagement, a key trait of high-performing teams, is closely linked to business success, with companies seeing 21% higher profitability when engagement is strong. When people thrive, performance follows, creating a workplace where both individuals and the business succeed together.
How Does Workplace Culture Influence Individual Performance Levels?
Workplace culture shapes how people feel when they come to work, and those feelings directly influence their ability to perform. When employees feel respected, supported and part of a positive team, their motivation and confidence increase, which often translates into stronger results. Research shows that when psychological safety and a genuine sense of belonging are present, discretionary effort can rise by as much as 57%. A strong culture also provides clarity around expectations and shared goals, helping individuals understand how they can contribute meaningfully. Many organisations bring in high-performance speakers to help reinforce positive cultural behaviours and inspire people to perform at their very best.
The Top 10 Proven Ways To Improve Performance at Work
1. Clarify Expectations and Objectives
Clarity around roles and objectives is one of the most effective ways to boost workplace performance. When employees know exactly what success looks like, what is expected of them and what goals they are working toward, they can focus their efforts more effectively and take true ownership of their work. Research shows that employees who have clear role definitions are 53% more efficient and 27% more effective than those facing ambiguity. Clear objectives also help teams stay aligned, reduce wasted effort and increase motivation, which together contribute to greater productivity and overall job satisfaction.
2. Develop Stronger Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are essential for improving performance at work because they ensure that information is shared clearly, feedback is understood, and collaboration runs smoothly. Effective workplace communication has been shown to increase morale, engagement, productivity and overall satisfaction, all of which contribute to stronger performance. When people communicate well, teams avoid misunderstandings, reduce errors and work more efficiently toward shared goals. Communication also involves active listening, empathy and adapting to different working styles, which strengthens trust and team relationships. By developing both verbal and written communication skills, individuals can contribute more effectively and perform at a higher level.
Source: BetterUp
3. Strengthen Focus & Eliminate Distractions
Strengthening focus is one of the most powerful ways to improve performance at work. When employees can concentrate without constant interruptions, they are able to complete tasks more efficiently and deliver higher-quality results. Research suggests that improved focus alone can increase productivity by as much as 40% and help reduce time spent on tasks by around a quarter. In addition, when people reach a deep flow state where attention is fully engaged, the performance boost can be transformative, with some studies indicating productivity can multiply by 500%. By minimising distractions and protecting focused work time, individuals can achieve far better outcomes.
4. Continuously Learn and Improve Skills
Continuous learning, meaning the ongoing development of skills and knowledge, is key to performance and long-term success. When employees consistently build their capabilities, they remain adaptable, confident and ready for new challenges. A continuous learning culture encourages curiosity, collaboration and resilience, helping organisations stay competitive as the workplace evolves. Research shows that workplaces that prioritise regular learning see higher engagement, improved performance and stronger overall results. By embracing learning as a habit rather than a one-off event, individuals and businesses benefit from deeper expertise, new ideas and sustainable growth.
Source: My Learning Cloud
5. Seek Regular Feedback & Act On It
When employees receive regular, meaningful feedback and act on it, their performance and engagement increase significantly. Research shows that 80% of employees who received helpful feedback in the past week report being fully engaged in their work. Frequent feedback helps individuals understand what they are doing well, where improvements can be made and how their efforts contribute to team and organisational goals. This clarity boosts confidence, reduces uncertainty and encourages a mindset focused on growth. By making feedback a consistent part of daily work rather than an occasional review, employees are better equipped to adjust, improve and deliver stronger results.
6. Use Tools and Technology That Streamline Work
Leveraging the right tools and technology can dramatically boost workplace performance by automating routine tasks, improving accuracy and speeding up workflows. Digital productivity tools such as project management apps, cloud collaboration platforms and automation software allow employees to concentrate on high-value work instead of repetitive busywork. Studies show that technology enables organisations to complete workflows faster, reduce errors and increase overall efficiency. By adopting smart tools, teams can streamline communication, coordinate more effectively and reduce time spent on manual tasks. This frees up mental bandwidth and energy for strategic thinking, creativity and delivering stronger results.
7. Enhance Personal Motivation and Self-Belief
Motivation and self-belief play a crucial role in driving performance at work. In the UK, up to 40% of workers report lacking motivation, highlighting that many struggle to stay engaged without the right support. When organisations recognise achievements and actively work to motivate their people, the impact can be powerful, with more than 80% of employees saying that recognition significantly improves their engagement. Encouraging a culture of recognition and empowerment helps individuals build confidence, stay motivated and bring their best selves to work. When people feel valued and believe in their abilities, they are far more likely to perform at a high level, take initiative and deliver stronger results.
8. Look After Health and Well-being
Health and well-being have a major influence on how people think, feel and perform at work. When employees are well-rested, hydrated and physically active, they have more energy, sharper focus and greater resilience throughout the day. Mental well-being is equally important, as high stress and burnout can limit performance, creativity and decision-making. Research shows that employees who feel their well-being is supported are far more engaged and productive, while also taking fewer sick days. Encouraging healthy routines, taking breaks and promoting work-life balance helps individuals bring their best to their work. When people feel good, they perform better — it is that simple.
9. Adopt a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the belief that skills and abilities can be developed through effort, learning and persistence. When employees adopt this mindset, they are more willing to take on challenges, receive feedback positively and keep improving even when the work feels difficult. This attitude encourages curiosity, innovation and problem solving which are essential ingredients for high performance. A workplace that supports growth helps individuals feel confident to experiment, learn from mistakes and stretch beyond their comfort zone. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, employees build resilience and continuously enhance their performance, benefiting both their own development and the success of the organisation.
10. Learning From High-Performance Keynote Speakers
High-performance keynote speakers can be a powerful catalyst for growth in the workplace. By sharing proven strategies, real-world experience and motivational stories, they help employees think differently, break out of old habits and unlock new levels of performance. Expert speakers introduce fresh perspectives and practical tools that teams can apply immediately to improve results. They also create a shared moment of inspiration that aligns people behind a common goal and boosts belief in what they can achieve. Whether focused on mindset, leadership, communication or wellbeing, keynote speakers bring the knowledge and energy needed to elevate performance across an organisation.
Who Are The Leading High-Performance Keynote Speakers?
1. Sir Dave Brailsford
2. Dr Rana AI-Falaki
3. Chris Horner
4. Sir Clive Woodward
5. Debra Searle
Hire a High-Performance Speaker Today!
Ready to unlock higher performance across your organisation? Our keynote speakers specialise in inspiring lasting behaviour change. Explore our exceptional roster of high performance experts and find the speaker who can elevate your next event.To book one of our thought leaders on high performance, contact one of our dedicated booking agents on 0203 0070 319 or complete our online contact form now!
- Tips and Tricks, Top 10 Lists
- 4 December, 2025
