Generally, everyone’s mood is a little bit flat at this time of year, but as a small business owner, how much time and effort do you invest in trying to keep your employees happy all year round?
Of course it is said that your employees are your most valuable asset, so the answer should be a great deal. After all, a happy workforce is more productive, and a dissatisfied workplace leaves employees less engaged, more likely to leave, and sales will fall as a result.
So engaging with your employees is key, their satisfaction with their working environment, their colleagues, and with you can have a direct impact on your bottom line.
The key is that it doesn’t have to be difficult to brighten up your employees’ day. Take your mind back to when you worked for someone, what was it that could make your day at work a good day, or one where you came home and poured a large glass of wine?
For some, it could be as simple as a little recognition, a ‘thank you’ for their hard work. And not just to them, but recognised in the whole company magnifies the effect of that ‘thank you’.
Take time to get to know a little bit more about each of your employees. A client I have, said that one of the biggest bits of advice she took from one of her first sales jobs is to always remember one fact about each of her customers, whether that’s the name of their pet, where they went on holiday, or the name of their children and when their birthday is. It’s just consideration and shows that you have respect for them as people as well as being staff that are there to do work for you.
Secondly, keep the lines of communication open. If you create an environment where people are encouraged to come forward with suggestions, feedback and grievances, then you will find that there will be less secrets, back biting and grumbles going on that you don’t know anything about.
So schedule time where you sit and listen to your employees, ask whether they have everything they need to do their job effectively, what can you do to make their lives easier?
And of course, rewards always go down well, perhaps you can even think of running a competition where the prize is some holiday vouchers, perfect for this time of year. Leave early Friday works well, even just some fish and chips or pizza one lunchtime could make all the difference.
Investment in team bonding activities is vital, of course, you want to get to know your employees, but you also want them to get along well with each other too, after all, they spend all day, every working day with each other. So arrange some outings, even consider allowing families along too, after all work life does encroach into personal lives too. So anything you can do to be flexible, particularly around working hours, allowances for childcare, doctors’ appointments etc, will go down well. Treat your staff like adults, trust that they will put the time in, and they generally will.
Ensure you share your vision, goals and objectives with your team, and allow them to get involved with the future of the company. Feeling more involved and being able to influence the direction the company goes in will ensure they stay motivated and increase loyalty. Think about offering a percentage share in your business to long-standing employees too.
It’s the small personal touches, understanding and trust which people remember and ensure you keep your staff morale high, which in turn increases loyalty, productivity, and performance. After all, if all are performing in sync, you all benefit as a result.
So make it your New Year’s resolution to look after your employees, and cheer up their January and make it pleasant for all of you!