logo
episode-header-image
May 2015
28 m

Productivity

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Why is UK productivity lower than in many other countries?

Evan Davis begins a new series of The Bottom Line by looking at the productivity problem. The programme asks what productivity really means and how different sectors go about measuring it.

Evan hears from three chief executives in three different sectors: manufacturing; advertising and health. How can productivity be measured and improved in these diverse sectors? How, for example, should the productivity of a doctor or nurse be measured?

Guests: Dame Julie Moore, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Birmingham Brian Holliday Managing Director, Managing Director for Siemens Digital Factory UK James Murphy, Founder and Chief Executive of Adam and Eve DDB Advertising

Producer: Jim Frank.

Up next
Jul 23
The Bottom Line Business Awards 2026
From breakthrough products and inspiring leadership to marketing disasters and strategic own goals, a panel of business leaders choose the winners and losers from the last 12 months in business. Evan Davis hosts The Bottom Line's unofficial annual awards, where the only prizes ar ... Show More
34m 24s
Jul 16
Twenty Years in Business
The Bottom Line has been on BBC Radio 4 for twenty years. The programme was first broadcast in 2006. Back then smartphones weren't on sale, Facebook had only just gone public and people still went to Blockbuster to rent videos and DVDs. Tony Blair was prime minister, a litre of f ... Show More
44m 25s
Jul 9
Imposter Syndrome
Success doesn't always bring confidence. In fact, some of the most accomplished people privately worry they're not as capable as everyone believes. They live with a nagging fear that one day, they'll be exposed as a fraud. It’s often called imposter syndrome, and can affect anyon ... Show More
33m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
The ups and downs of global productivity
Labor productivity over the past 25 years has been a success story for some, a tale of stagnation for others. Investments and digital transformation can boost productivity for all economies. On this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, McKinsey senior partners Chris Bradley and Olivi ... Show More
28m 9s
Nov 2022
It’s time to rethink your “productivity”
“Productivity” is the thing we’ve been chasing for years—more, better, faster. But is it really serving us? Or is it time for us to rethink how we measure what the increments of our success?Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a qu ... Show More
8m 31s
Feb 2024
The global quest to boost productivity
From tackling the long commute to sleeping on the job - we head to Lagos, New York, Tokyo, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) and Dublin to look at the diverse ways businesses are attempting to boost productivity and therefore also boost profits. We hear from businesses installing sl ... Show More
18m 25s
Mar 2022
Productivity
We’re always worried about being productive enough with our time, but where does this compulsion come from? In episode 48, Ellie and David examine productivity culture and the drive to produce. Although research says longer hours don’t equal more productivity, capitalism encourag ... Show More
49m 43s
Nov 2023
Who is productive, and who isn’t? Here’s how to tell.
<p>If productivity is down in your organization, it may be a sign that at least some employees are unmotivated and unhappy—and that other employees are feeding on that dissatisfaction, further eroding productivity and creating attrition. On this episode of <a href="https://www.mc ... Show More
25m 53s
Jul 2023
Does work have to be miserable?
How can employers in all sectors of the UK economy get the best out of their workers, retain experienced staff, improve productivity and increase profits at the same time? The principles of "Job Design" seem to promise all of these benefits. It's a process of work innovation whic ... Show More
28m 25s
May 2023
How to revive US productivity
<p>Once an engine of US power and prosperity, US labor productivity has grown at a sluggish 1.4 percent since 2005. Imminent challenges such as workforce shortages, debt, inflation, and the cost of energy could be ameliorated with higher productivity. On this episode of <em>The M ... Show More
24 m
Jan 2024
20. Zombie companies & freeports: why is Britain so unproductive?
What are 'zombie companies' and why are we seeing more of them? How would freeports help the economy? How can we reduce Britain’s skills gap? Join Steph and Robert in this deep dive into productivity as they answer all these questions and more. Email: restismoney@gmail.com X: @ ... Show More
28m 51s