Using the “Hawthorne Effect”

What Is the “Hawthorne Effect”?
The Hawthorne effect has been alive for many years, but it’s popularity tends to rise and fall. Not related to the famous classical author, as in Nathaniel, the term relates to the Hawthorne Works, a factory. From 1924 through 1932, a research group conducted a series of experiments with factory employees. Originally, the focus was to improve the lighting in the work area to learn what might happen to productivity.
Interestingly, two things happened. First, employees had measurable increased productivity. Second, after a while, productivity returned to former levels, for better or worse. The results caught the attention of a couple of Harvard University professors, who conducted a wider variety of experiments to measure productivity effects of changes in working environment.

Using a variety of work environment changes, these researchers discovered a most interesting result. Regardless of the workplace modification and environmental change, worker productivity improved in the short term. It didn’t matter what the change might be, including even modest modifications, like moving desks or workstations (without any obvious improvement in location) or increased frequency of cleaning the workplace, employee productivity temporarily improved. The key components are “improved productivity” and “temporarily.”

While there has been both widespread support and criticism of the benefits and veracity of the Hawthorne effect over many years, the statistics seem to show that it is real. Results seem to contradict the well-worn belief that workers dislike change, whether it is good or not so good change. The Hawthorne effect displays that, regardless of the welcome or initial rejection of change, employees tend to increase productivity.

How the “Hawthorne Effect” Can Improve Short-Term Performance
Companies always need and seek improved employee performance. Surprised? Probably not. The question, of course, is usually “How can we accomplish this?” The answer may be simpler than many executives believe. Using the principles of the Hawthorne effect may achieve, at least, part of this goal. Making changes, even decidedly minor ones, may improve performance and productivity, if only in the short term.

While this increased productivity may not provide long-term solutions, it may generate a rapid upward spike in performance. This may provide the necessary time, while your company enjoys improved operations, to design, test, and implement programs that are directed towards long term improved productivity. As simplistic as it may appear at first glance, the Hawthorne effect can provide that injection of heightened productivity you want without high cost or time delays.

Should you research the Hawthorne effect, you’ll probably find some opinions that question the validity of the research and the projected results. This is not unusual since most theories have believers and detractors. If you need a rapid productivity increase, the Hawthorne effect principles might be a successful option. It may not solve all your concerns, but it may provide a short term resolution to satisfy senior management and buy some time to create longer-term solutions.