If you want to get the best out of your employees, you need to treat them well. It’s all very well asking them to go above and beyond for the company, but in exchange for that, you need to make sure you are, within reason, doing the same. If it’s not a two-way street, it can cause all manner of issues and problems.
The last thing you want in your business is a disgruntled employee. It can create a snowball effect, and before you know it, you have a team of people who are unhappy, unmotivated, and not particularly loyal. Treat your staff the way you would expect to be treated, and you will reap the rewards in more ways than one.
Here are 4 ways to get the best out of your employees.
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Structured and regular training programs
Regular training ensures continuity throughout departments as well as ensuring that, where necessary, employees have the opportunity to ask questions. As time goes by, procedures can be deviated from, and before you know it, aren’t being adhered to at all, training can alleviate these issues. Ongoing training is especially important in industries where health and safety risks are high. Keeping your staff safe is of paramount importance.
It’s a good idea to have written training manuals put in place to back up the practical side of things and ensure that these are updated as and when necessary. Training also allows staff to progress in their careers. If they feel that you are allowing and pushing them to develop their skills and learn new things, it will make them feel far more eager to move up the ladder. It can also create a great deal of loyalty.
Pay expenses and wages on time
Whilst there are laws that you have to abide by in any case, you must pay your staff regularly and on time. This also goes for staff on temporary or short-term contracts. If payment is delayed, it could cause them, so it’s essential you stick to the agreed payment terms. If your staff is paid by the hour, timesheet applications will allow the process to be far more streamlined and quicker. At the touch of a button, you can approve wages and expenses. It will also make things far easier for your payroll department.
Carry out yearly appraisals
Whilst you should give and receive feedback throughout the year, an annual appraisal allows you to discuss and document an employee’s progress and performance formally. Whilst this is an opportunity to discuss any concerns, it should be used mainly to focus on the person’s strengths, contribute to the company, and give positive feedback.
You want your staff to leave an appraisal feeling motivated and eager to perform as well as they can. Many companies carry out appraisals around the same time as any pay increases so that the two can be combined.
Appraisals are a time for you to listen and ask staff to give honest feedback. Let them communicate any concerns or issues they may have and take what they say on board. Where warranted, advise them you will look into their concerns and re-address the matter at a later date. If an employee thinks they are being listened to they are more likely to stay motivated and work hard.
Teambuilding activities
Teambuilding does just what it says on the tin, it allows you and your staff to get to know each other on a more personal level. It creates a feeling of teamwork and builds on that using non-conventional methods. Events vary depending on what you want your team to get out of the experience.
From blindfolded car driving to working together to escape from a locked room, team activities can be great fun for everyone involved. They also make it far easier for staff to work together once back in the workplace. If you don’t want to go down the organized activities route then why not just take your staff out to dinner. Maybe even suggest that once a month you go to the local bar for a few post-work drinks.
If staff get on well outside work, they are more likely to be more helpful to each other, more accommodating, and have a great working relationship. A happy workforce can result in high levels of productivity, motivated staff, and a refreshing work environment. Keep your staff well looked after and they won’t let you down.
