Ladies, it’s hard work maintaining a workforce, and a happy one at that.
However, the happier people are at work, the better their performance. And although you might not yet be the CEO or president of your company, it’s important to know as a manager or team leader that creating the right kind of environment is now often deemed more important to an employee than the actual work they do.
At all levels of an organization, you can think critically about how you can engage the employees you manage to increase retention and morale. After all, having the greatest talent on your team won’t get you very far if this same team is miserable and not enjoying the experience.
I’ve created seven tips to help you lead your respective teams in a way that leads to the kind of culture everyone wants to be a part of.
1. Put People First
One of the best ways to assure employee loyalty is by prioritizing a team member’s personal needs. Whether it’s a death in the family, a child with the flu or another urgent situation, life happens and employees need flexibility, understanding and compassion.
It’s best to curate a constructive environment by caring about those around you. And this personal touch leads to more employee commitment when you put their needs first.
2. Embrace Positivity
As a leader, it’s important to clearly define your expectations for your team and the office space you share. Obscurity leads to problems. The first step is to clearly share what your company culture is to new members who join your team so everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect.
The key is to create an environment for your team that gets them genuinely excited to come to work. When your employees want to be there, they’re naturally going to produce better results.
3. Aide Transparency
Direct reports don’t always need to know all the nitty-gritty details, but they are entitled to transparency within the company. Employee engagement is increased when you create a transparent environment between employees and management. The more buy-in and involvement employees have, the more loyal and committed they’ll be. Keep your team updated on the latest happenings and ask for their input. Let them truly feel a part of the bigger team.
4. Make Time For Play
Every successful company has a team of dedicated, hardworking professionals. Behind this hard work is enough time allotted for fun, play and rest that will have your team operating at peak performance.
Think about hosting a team outing to relax and unwind; however that might appeal most to the majority. Time away from the job increases productivity and, in turn, creates good morale around the office, which can then transfer to other teams within the company and increase happiness in the workplace.
5. Know Who Works For You
It’s the little things that matter most. Learn your employee’s kid’s names. Find out what they like and dislike. Not only are these people dedicating a large amount of their time to you, but they’re giving their brainpower and creativity. Your team is full of human beings, and they seek more personal experiences and relationships.
6. Respect Everyone
It’s sometimes as simple as please and thank you. Recognize your team members for their hard work. Compliment them on a job well done. Don’t interrupt others when they’re speaking. Practice good listening skills. Create a no gossip zone. Focus on resolving conflicts peacefully. Keep a positive attitude as often as you can.
7. Create Growth Opportunities
Many employees on your team expect that by investing their time, they’ll grow within the company. You can dramatically help your company improve employee engagement when you help to set your employees up for success to grow within the company. Support and encourage your employees to improve their skillset through continuing education, mentoring and other programs; aiding them where you can with your department’s budget. It’s important to invest in your workforce.
Engage and connect with your staff to make them feel at home with the company. While leadership starts at the top of a company, it also comes from within the company. The next generation of workers value meaningful work and an environment that invests in their well-being. The great news about this is it’s action you can start taking right now: value your employees and they’ll want to stick around and help your organization grow.