Productivity is measured by comparing returns or outputs by the inputs into a system.
Many businesses are surprised when after a quick assessment they get to see how much more there systems could produce. Frequently we become slaves to the established system, and we unwittingly restrict our productivity by placing unnecessary constraints (of our own making) in the way.
Frequently there is an interesting relationship between productivity, Environment Health and Safety, employee wellbeing and Quality. The best tweaks in a system will have a positive impact on all the other indicators.
For the most part, improving productivity generally comes from identifying and reducing wastes in the system, as we say, working smarter, not harder.