Happy Employees: 6 steps for a successful workforce
Times are changing. We are now living in an information-centered universe, but our management is still bound by rules set hundreds of years ago, since the industrial revolution. But this has to change, because how you measure the success of a business has a lot to do with its employees. You might not be ready to re-module your management yet with a Semler-inspired model; but at least be sure you have happy employees.
Happy employees are more productive and less money-oriented. They work with their hearts and the goodwill of the company. They are more creative and tend to be team-players. So how to get your employees to love Mondays and come to work with a smile on their faces? In this article, we’ll go through the 6 steps we take to have happy employees and a successful team.
Appreciate
As obvious as it may seem, you’d be surprised to see how many business owners miss this point. They tend to only highlight the mistakes an employee has done without giving any sort of praise for the good or the progress achieved. It’s amazing how much a simple tap on the back or a “Good Job” can motivate employees. Some management gurus talk about the 6 to 1 rule, which means giving 6 positive comments for every negative one. I’d say you don’t have to keep an excel sheet for that. Just be genuinely interested, and give authentic compliments. Be real!
Trust
We are living in a world where change is the only constant. Trusting your team to make key decisions is essential as no management can keep track of all the ever changing variables in the production. The more you make your employees feel trusted, the more confident they’ll become. Give them challenging tasks and the liberty to improve on their own.
Stay Flexible
Nobody likes stupid stiff rules. Give your employees freedom by responsibility, especially if you are working in creative environments. Lose the dress code, we are not in the 80s. Lose the time tracker on the doors, too.
Don’t be a Boss
We understand, all the responsibility falls on you, and you’ll have to take strict measures and actions every once in a while. The success of the business is directly influenced by you. This doesn’t mean things can’t be fun. Go out with your team for drinks after work, invite them to watch a movie at your place on a Saturday. Bottom line, don’t turn your authority into an ego game. Keep things real and light.
Keep Them Informed
Be transparent with your team and keep them in the loop of the overall development the company takes. They’re the most important asset for your business and you need to show them that. The more you stay in the dark, the less they’ll trust you and feel part of the company.
Give Long Weekends
At wezank, weekends start on Fridays, and we only work 28 hours a week (instead of 45). We found that our team is most creative and productive in a four-day week. This means more time during weekends to relax/charge, which in turn leads to outstanding work on weekdays.
As a business owner, you should always seek to have a strong team. Happy employees are productive employees. Always keep in mind that your employees are just as important as your clients, if not more. Curious to know how talented our team is? Contact us today for free consultation.