Productivity and Business Collaboration

Productivity is one of the most common topics that comes up in our Oxygen8 team meetings. Across industries, business owners often say the same thing:
“We need to get more done – without hiring more people.”
New Zealand’s productivity rate is consistently low by OECD standards. But for small businesses, the problem often isn’t the size of the team – it’s duplication, inefficiency, and a lack of shared systems.

How to Improve Productivity Without More Labour Hours

Here are several ways you can increase output without increasing staff costs:

• Implement better software systems: Tools for accounting, scheduling, quoting, and job management save time and reduce double-handling.

   

• Use automation where possible: Capital investments like CNC machines, labellers, or auto-scheduling platforms help speed up work.

   

• Standardise processes: Streamline recurring tasks with SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) so they’re done consistently and efficiently.

   

• Cross-train and upskill staff: A more versatile team gives you better flexibility in times of demand or change.

   

• Collaborate with other businesses: Share services or referrals to reduce waste and gain scale – especially around back office and admin functions.

   

The Role of Collaboration in Small Business Success

New Zealand has a large number of small businesses doing similar things – but rarely working together.
Imagine if local businesses in the same region or industry shared access to:

• A common quoting system

   

• Admin support or HR resources

   

• Machinery or tools

   

• Marketing platforms or seasonal promotion planning

   

This level of cooperation can reduce duplication and increase access to resources that would be unaffordable for a single business on its own.

Remove the Obstacles to Better Productivity

We know that business owners are often juggling growth with tight cashflow and rising costs. But that’s exactly why efficiency is so important.
Instead of only looking at hiring or pricing, start by asking:

• Where are we repeating tasks?

   

• What slows us down?

   

• Could someone else be doing this better or faster?

   

• What software or process might solve this?

   

High interest rates, staffing shortages, and bank resistance to risk make productivity gains the best strategy for performance improvement today.

Final Thoughts

Productivity doesn’t always mean doing more – it means doing smarter.
With the right systems, tools, and partnerships, your business can thrive without burning out your team.

Book a free consultation with Oxygen8 today and explore practical ways to improve your business efficiency.

Meet Anna Gordon

Anna Gordon is a business consultant at Oxygen8 who works with business owners to improve profitability through better systems and getting the best out of people. Whether you’re preparing your business for sale or aiming to work fewer hours, Anna helps streamline your operations so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact Anna at anna@oxygen8.co.nz or call 021 448 867 to get started.