Workplace Productivity
Information Tools Limited
Overview
Information Tools Limited has been developing software programmes and database services since 1990. The Auckland-based firm is now one of New Zealand's top 100 exporters and sells 88% of its product to more than 100 countries. The company is renowned for its innovation and was recognized in the United Kingdom in 2003 with an MRS Technology Effectiveness Award. It has 85 full-time based in two New Zealand offices, and eight smaller offices overseas.
The Productivity Challenge
The challenge for this highly successful company is to continue creating software programmes and database services that are unique in the world. To do so it must maintain a work environment where innovation can flourish and everyone feels able to contribute their ideas. The firm's success has been credited to three factors- a constant focus on innovation, valuing staff and their ideas and creating an environment where people want to work.
The Productivity Achievement
The focus on innovation has been the driving force behind the company's growth since it created its two flagship software programmes HARMONI and ESPRI. Both programmes help companies to analyse and get the most out of their marketing data by digging beneath top-line results to more detailed information. Both products were a road first.
The secret to maintaining such cutting-edge product design and development lies in hiring, training and development to bring new recruits up to speed, it is vital that the company does all it can to keep them.
The work environment is very inclusive and supportive. Staff are constantly encouraged to network and share knowledge. The result has been the establishment of very productive, high-performing and creative teams. Staff are given the opportunity to fulfill their own personal career and life goals so they don't regard the company as just as a stepping stone to better things. Flexibility has helped to foster a strong feeling of commitment to the company among staff.
The company has created a learning environment in its workplace where even casual exchanges between staff are seen as important opportunities for learning and advancing new ideas. Employees are always encouraged to always ask for help to fill in any gaps in their knowledge.
A staff incentive scheme also gives employees a strong sense of worth. Staff who have been at Information Tools for two years receive bonus payments based on the amount or revenue generated by their team. These rewards can be a substantial boost to people's base salaries. This win-win approach has proved to be a highly effective means of creating prosperity for clients, the company and employees.
Information Tools has also been heralded for its employment practices, are family-friendly and encourage gender and cultural diversity. Since it began, the company has experienced growth of between 20 and 30% a year.
Key Learnings
- Innovation requires workplace practices and structures that encourage the free exchange of ideas and knowledge between all staff.
- Any interaction in the workplace can be opportunity for learning and upskilling.
- Meeting the wider learning and development needs of staff keeps them interested, motivated and committed.
- Employment practices that are family-friendly and recognise the needs of different cultures are an important part of recruiting and retaining staff in a globally competitive labour market.
- Formal incentives for recognising and rewarding staff performance create a shared sense of vision and purpose.
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