As a business owner, it’s important that you ensure your employees are happy when they are at work. After all, your business wouldn’t run very well without them. Their mood reflects your company on a day to day basis. If they are unhappy and down, it will be obvious for the public to tell and will paint a negative picture of your company. Whereas if your staff are feel appreciated it will increase their enthusiasm and productivity. Which can help your business on so many levels. If you’re not sure how to show your staff how much you appreciate them, here are three way that you should consider.
Ask them for their ideas and opinions
Nobody knows how your business runs better than your employees. So if you’re facing problems or want to improve your workplace, they are they people who can help you come up with suitable solutions. You could organize weekly staff meetings where you and your employees can share ideas and opinions. You could also do this on a one to one basis if you prefer. Encourage them to open up about issues they are concerned about too. They might have foreseen a problem occurring which you could avoid with the right planning. Or maybe they solve your access issues by suggesting having commercial platform lifts installed. Even if you don’t think every idea will work, listening to your employees suggestions will make them feel more valued. Plus it could make your office, shop or warehouse more efficient.
Give them more control
Another way to make your employees feel appreciated and more positive about work is by giving them more control. Look for areas of your business where your staff can manage their schedules, holidays and lunch breaks. You could do this by setting up a large calendar in the office or staff room. This can then be used to show when certain members of staff are on holiday. This shows that you are encouraging them to have a life outside of work and appreciate their other commitments. Also, consider allowing employees freedom to create a more efficient workspace for themselves. They may find it beneficial to implement a different filing system or get rid of equipment that they no longer need. This will make them much happier and make their desk or work space more suited to their needs.
Say Thank you
Something as simple as thanking your employees for their hard work is often the most effective. So if one of your members of staff have exceeded their target or had fantastic feedback, make time to thank them. This will drum up some competition amongst your workforce and encourage them to work harder for your approval. Alternatively, if your staff are always doing you proud, treat them by taking them out for food or bring chocolates to the office.
Now you have some ideas of how to show your staff appreciation, start doing it regularly. Not only will it help your business to improve and grow, but it will also make you feel good too. Remember that even the smallest of gestures can make a significant difference.
