Creating a culture of productivity in a post-recession environment

Toronto, ON, May 31, 2010

Grant Thornton Productivity Improvement today announced the release of their latest white paper entitled “Managing cultural change to drive productivity and profit.” The key conclusion of the paper is that productivity cultures, the most important ingredient in creating lasting productivity gains, are the product of deliberate and meaningful changes to employee behaviour. Based on years of Productivity Improvement consulting success, the paper also outlines a proven Grant Thornton three-pronged process for achieving cultural change.

“The recent recession challenged many businesses—manufacturing and distribution companies in particular—to become more productive, and the rising Canadian dollar is only reinforcing this need,” noted Bill Surphlis, Managing Partner, Grant Thornton Productivity Improvement. “Our clients know that creating a culture of productivity is of paramount importance to achieving their goal of increased productivity and that it does not happen on its own. Where we add tremendous value is in helping clients change the fundamental behaviours necessary to create a culture of productivity.”

The paper finds that structured, goal-oriented and data-driven approaches to change can have a significant, positive effect on productivity. Moreover, businesses that effectively manage emotional responses to change are best positioned to achieve a productivity-focused culture.

Based on years of experience Grant Thornton Productivity Improvement implements a three-pronged approach to creating a productivity focused culture that improves behaviour, process and systems. According to Surphlis, “We measure behaviour in various categories, and fundamentally we are looking for a manager who is active in controlling, innovating and engaging their team. With process we want to see a company that is constantly searching for adherence to the old rule of best method. Systems refers to a culture that plans and measures using accurate and timely data. Clients who embrace these core beliefs with application of supporting tools including an ongoing audit process see significant productivity improvement gains.

“Resource planning and inventory management tools allowed us to manage inventory levels and to forecasted production levels. The project resulted in an ROI of 2.1:1 and exceeded targeted savings,” noted Grant Thornton client, Nima Fotovat, GM of Shandiz Natural Foods.

Fraser Edison, EVP of Rutter Inc. commented, “Our overall productivity has increased upwards of 28% and is best demonstrated at 44% improvement in various areas throughout our organization.”

To find out more about productivity and creating a productivity culture, or to view the white paper in its entirety, visit: http://www.grantthornton.ca/insights/white_papers. For more information on Grant Thornton Productivity Improvement, please visit http://www.grantthornton.ca/services/productivity_improvement.

Notes to editors:

About Grant Thornton LLP in Canada 
Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm providing tax, specialist advisory, audit and assurance services to private and public mid-sized organizations. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, Grant Thornton has more than 3,100 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd, whose member firms have over 585 offices worldwide and are represented in over 100 countries. Grant Thornton Productivity Improvement is a partnership in which Grant Thornton LLP has an interest.

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Further enquiries, please contact: 

Sandra Cusato, 
National Marketing Manager 
Grant Thornton LLP 
T (416) 369 7012 
E scusato@grantthornton.ca 

Issued on: May 31, 2010