Not so long ago, you were an employee rather than an employer. It’s all too easy to forget what it was like to be a staff member rather than the boss. It’s crucial that you can get into the mindset of your workforce to get the most out of them. You need your team to be cohesive, productive, and motivated to buy into your business vision. To facilitate this, you have to provide what your employees want. But what is this? Read on to find out.
Environment
Peeling paint, damp patches on the walls, beige carpet tiles, and dodgy heating does not make for a productive working environment. You may want your team to meet their daily targets but this is difficult if they are shivering at their desks trying to keep warm. You need to consider the environment that you provide for your employees. It’s time to whip out the white paint, buy in some evaporative condensers to get your air con units working properly and add some splashes of greenery into the office. Workplaces need to be inspirational and foster those water cooler moments of genius. There needs to be a positive and innovative buzz in your office. Make it open plan and a pleasant place to spend eight hours a day. This way, your team will look forward to their morning commute rather than dread it.
Upskill
Make sure that you invest in your employees. They want to feel valued and respected. By putting up some cold hard cash for their professional development, you demonstrate that you want them to excel. Upskilling means providing them with the means to undertake the qualification that they are desperate to get under their belt. Or perhaps, your team members want more responsibility. Or maybe, they want to hone specialist skills. Give them the opportunity without fear of them leaving. If you provide the sort of workplace where they can excel and utilize their newfound skills, your business can only benefit. Investing in your employees equals investing in your venture.
Communication
Treat your employees with respect and ensure that you communicate with your staff. Don’t be one of those bosses that lock themselves away for days on end never to be seen. You need an open door policy so that your team can talk about their worries and ideas with you. Ensure that you have a Monday morning briefing each week to allow your staff to voice ideas that you can act upon. Send out a Friday email that recognizes those workers who have exceeded expectations that week. This little bit of positive praise can be hugely motivating and give your employees that warm and fuzzy feeling. By being honest and transparent, you are showing your staff that you trust them with knowledge. Giving them this knowledge makes them feel more integral to your business and will help them to see the positive impact that they have.
Your employees are a vital part of the success of your venture. Facilitate their wants and needs to keep your business thriving.
