Dealing with employees can be one of the most challenging aspects of small business ownership, but it can also be one of the most rewarding – HOW you ask?
Let’s start with a little history. Did you know that disengaged employees (estimated at 70% of the workforce) cost the US Economy around 370 Billion each year? That’s a lot of money and it’s coming out of YOUR pockets. Every time that revolving employee door turns it costs you money with onboarding costs, orientation time, and a host of other expenses depending on the type of business you have.
Your business doesn’t have to experience those extremes if you’re willing to implement a few changes in the workplace that will help keep your employees engaged and happy to work in YOUR business.
- CREATE A CULTURE OF EDUCATION: Humans have a natural tendency to want to improve and get better. Providing opportunities for growth within your organization can go a long way toward keeping your staff members engaged. When people feel as if they are growing, they tend to be more involved and usually deliver superior service.
- PROVIDE REGULAR & CONSISTENT FEEDBACK: As a society. we tend NOT to give each other consistent and honest feedback. However, statistics have shown that when a work environment provides regular and consistent feedback, the employees tend to be more engaged and more productive overall. Honest feedback eliminates the need to 'guess' about what someone thinks of your work performance. It gives you a sense of assurance that you are doing great work and it gives you the opportunity to improve in the areas that may need some attention. Lack of honest communication can cripple a working relationship.
- SET TIME ASIDE FOR REGULAR MEETINGS: Just the thought of 'another' meeting can make many people run for cover! But having regular weekly meetings with your team can ensure that you all stay connected and focused on the same desired end result. These weekly meetings should contain positive feedback on past performances, any news of changes in your industry, and a time for the team to share openly. Weekly meetings keep your team engaged, educated, and ready to take your service to the next level.
- HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE: Every member of a team has a job to do. When a member of a team does not carry their weight, it makes everyone else's job tougher. Holding people accountable strengthens the team and enables you to do a better job for your customers. When a business owner does not hold their team accountable, service levels dip, employees become restless and we can end up losing customers and staff members as a result.
- PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE GOOD WORK: People love to be recognized! Take the time to seek out examples of a job well done on your team. Consider an internal program where staff members tell on each other- it can be quite fun! When people feel like their efforts are recognized, they feel appreciated and they remain engaged.
- Last but certainly not least: Implement the DI.S.C program in your hiring and team building: This is a game-changer! When we consider which personalities are more suited to which positions in our business, and couple that with learning how to address each personality a little differently, the changes are nothing less than AMAZING! This will turn a group of individuals into a true TEAM.
Join us for a FREE webinar where we’ll discuss how to attract engage and retain great talent, and enhance communication skills within your organization – You don’t want to miss this one! Click HERE to register.
