Any good employer knows that keeping your workforce happy is essential to running a successful and productive business. One of the best ways to ensure this happens is to keep your employees motivated. Here are 5 ways to achieve it.
A happy and relaxed working environment
Most adults spend more time at work than they do anywhere else so, it makes sense to promote a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. An environment where employees are scared to talk or feel that they can’t be themselves is unlikely to motivate anyone.
Don’t micromanage, allow staff to have the odd bit of downtime, and get to know them on a more personal level. The happier and more relaxed they feel, the more likely they will be to go the extra mile for you.
Team building days
Team building days are a fabulous way to do something a little different with your staff. Many companies specialize in such events and offer a wide range of event ideas or can even put something bespoke together just for you.
Whether you want to organize a formal dinner with a leadership keynote speaker or fancy something low-key like go-karting, you should have no issues finding an activity to suit. Even taking your team out for a few drinks once in a while is a great way to build good working relationships and keep your employees focused.
Efficient systems and procedures
If you have ever worked in a business fuelled by chaos, you will know how much disruption it can create. When there are no clear procedures, frustrations can mount, or tempers may fray. That’s why you must iron out any issues as soon as they occur.
Where warranted, put together a policy and procedures manual for each department, and have every staff member familiarise themselves with it. The more efficient procedures are, the more streamlined and content your business and employees will be.
Reward hard work
If one of your staff has been working exceptionally hard or your entire workforce has bent over backward to help your company or department thrive, reward them. It could be in the form of extra days off, business-wide commendation, or even a monetary bonus. Being rewarded and recognized for your efforts can go a long way, so don’t forget to give credit where it’s due. It will drive staff to work even harder than they already do and acknowledge that their efforts are appreciated.
Balanced workloads
If some of your staff and overworked, and others appear to have nothing to do, it may, over time, result in feelings of animosity and resentment. Keep an eye on workloads and ensure that your employees know they can come to you if they have any issues or concerns. Where possible, redistribute work or hire additional staff – even if temporarily.
Being busy may help the time to pass more quickly, but if it’s physically impossible for your employees to cope with their daily workload, quality and efficiency may start to slip.
