It’s no secret that happy employees mean a happy and prosperous business. Companies that have employee-friendly policies provide a better work-life balance, create a less pressurized workplace have higher employee retention rate, and get more out of their workforce. On the other hand, businesses that don’t appreciate their employees have a tough time holding on to them.
Keeping employees happy is not only sound business practice but also motivates employees to be more loyal and hardworking. Here are five ways to get more out of your workforce:
1. Let’s Get Virtual.
Increasingly, across the globe, more companies are embracing the concept of telecommuting or allowing their employees to work from home. A growing number of organizations are taking this one step further and ditching the office altogether. By utilizing modern technology and virtual offices, such jobs offer greater flexibility to employees and enable them to sustain a healthy work-life balance. It also makes them feel that the employer trusts them, motivating them to work harder while avoiding the wasteful and stressful daily commute.
2. It Is Important To Communicate.
Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and an employee-employer dynamic is no exception. With WhatsApp groups, collaboration tools like Slack, Asana and Trello, official emails and in office chat boxes becoming standard practice at workplaces; face to face communication seems to have become minimal. Without the benefit of body language or tone of voice, essential messages might get lost or misinterpreted. To ensure that your employees are productive, and understand the requirements of your company, have a real conversation. Take some time out if each week to sit with your employees for a chat. Doing this will not only ensure better results but also help you build stronger bonds with your team. It will also show that you are an approachable rather than an aloof employer.
3. Give Feedback.
Every employee thrives on feedback; the lack thereof can lead to a feeling unappreciated and demotivated. It’s also crucial to understand that feedback should be meted out carefully. If an employee has successfully achieved their target, acknowledging their achievement publically can motivate them to work harder. Conversely, berating them in front of everyone due to their failure to meet objectives leads to feelings dejection and resentment. For more productive results, remember to give negative feedback in private.
4. Up To Date Training.
Instituting regular training programs for your employees to educate them regarding advanced skills or the latest developments in their field benefits everyone. Staff feel that their employer is invested in their professional development, while the company reaps the rewards of a better skilled, more effective workforce. Providing regular internal or external training not only boost the employees’ morale and makes them more productive but also improves the retention rate of a company.
5. Do Not Micromanage.
Although it is tempting to continually check on your employees to see if they are on-task or wasting time, discretion is almost the better part of valor. Micromanaging makes employees angry, frustrated and feel distrusted. Every employee has a different style of working; some are more organized than others. For better productivity, it is imperative to give everyone the freedom to exercise their unique style of work without fear of someone breathing down their neck. Inform your employees about the deadlines, objectives and performance criteria, and leave it to them to handle the project. Interfere only when they do not deliver.
Most employees spend at least eight hours a day at their workplace. Therefore, it is essential to create an environment that fosters intellectual development and growth, and not one that stifles creativity.
