Your employees are right at the heart of your business. Without them, it’s pretty likely that the entire thing would fall apart. Of course, you are the head, the leader showing them the way, but they are the ones who are able to turn your decisions into action. At the end of the day, your employees are the ones who turn your passion into a functioning business. This means that it really can’t be understated just how important it is that you take care of your employees. Employees who aren’t cared for and respected often find themselves becoming disenchanted with their roles and often come to dislike and resent the work that they are doing. Luckily, it’s not that difficult to look after your employees, here are just a few things that you can try.
Rearrange the office
No one wants to work in a stark, dreary, silent office. People work far better when they’re able to be active and have the opportunity to communicate. There are plenty of ways that you can achieve this. One option is to use a more open plan set up, allowing far more direct communication between staff members. You could also offer employees the option of an adjustable desktop stand. Standing desks have been shown to have a huge number of benefits, including burning calories and reducing problems with posture. Of course, not everyone will want one of these, but they will appreciate the fact that they have the option. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that it fits with your office and is most effective for meeting the needs of your staff.
Have an open door policy
Employees always put in their best work when they feel that their work is valued. If you shut yourself away and isolate yourself from them, employees are going to feel a genuine disconnect from you and, by extension, the business. Instead, make sure that they all know that you are open to listening to any suggestions and issues that they might have. Not only will this create an environment of trust but it could actually improve the business as a whole. You might be able to see the big picture, but your employees can get a much closer idea of what’s happening on the ground level. By listening to them, you’ll be able to get some valuable insight into the day to day functions of your business.
Tell them that they are valued
You should always value your employees; they are your most precious resource. But even more than that, they are people. Make sure that when recognition is due for an excellent job, you show them that. Even small gestures like letting them go a little early after they’ve worked through a difficult problem or offering bonuses and overtime. Little things like this can make a huge different to employee morale. If an employee feels valued then they are far more likely to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to make the business as successful as possible.
