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The modern workplace poses unique challenges for both employees and business owners. Teams are dealing with the fatigue of constantly adapting to new tools. And in order to stay competitive, toxic cultures are taking root in many companies.
As a business owner or manager, it is your responsibility to foster a growth-driven and engaging environment. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done.
That said, there are some changes you can make to boost employee morale and productivity. Let’s take a closer look:
Foster a Positive and Inclusive Environment
Research supports that people working with positive cultures are more likely to be healthy, happy, and productive. Start by encouraging open communication. Hold weekly team meetings to share company updates and upcoming changes. This could be a Monday huddle or a Friday wrap-up meeting.
Remember, communication is a two-way street, so encourage employees to share their feedback and opinions.
Moreover, create an inclusive workplace where every employee feels seen, heard, and appreciated.
Recognize Employee Achievements
Speaking of appreciating employees, it goes beyond casual Fridays and free coffee. Timely, consistent, and impactful recognition goes a long way. Instead of a generic “good job,” highlight the employee’s specific achievement, such as retaining a client or presenting a proposal.
When an employee feels underappreciated, a plethora of negative emotions builds up. They might feel a general sense of dissatisfaction, which can impact the quality of their work.
Celebrate Special Occasions
Another impactful way to show employees appreciation is by celebrating special occasions. Birthdays, work anniversaries, and certification completions all qualify for a special something. Many companies give gifts around holidays, such as Christmas and the Fourth of July.
As a business owner or manager, you have a ton of options to choose from. Snack baskets, tech hampers, and wine gift baskets show care. You can also get a custom tote bag with sweet treats and other goodies.
Invest in their Professional Growth
Did you know that more than 63% of people leave their jobs because of a lack of career growth opportunities? This is an alarming statistic and demands attention from businesses that need high employee retention rates to thrive.
Start by interviewing employees and encourage them to share what they would like to learn and or have command over. Allocate a specific budget for professional growth and have your HR manager create strategic plans for ongoing training. Some career growth opportunities include:
- Mentorship programs pairing junior staff with experienced team members.
- Cross-training opportunities where employees learn about different roles and the mechanisms of different departments.
- Professional development courses and workshops to give employees command of in-demand skills.
- Latest learning opportunities, such as AI or machine learning.
This is especially true for remote business owners who constantly need to engage with employees and foster growth.
Support Work-Life Balance
Lastly, respect an employee’s work-life boundaries without making them feel guilty.
Send messages or emails only during work hours and set reasonable response time expectations for your teams. Many companies offer mental health days or floating holidays to help support employees’ well-being.