There’s a simple secret to a productive workplace and a successful business – maintaining high morale amongst employees. So how can you ensure that your employees are happy and subsequently more effective at work? Here are a few tips and tricks to make everyone smile.
1. Remember your manners
As the saying goes: “Good manners cost nothing.” Yet, they are a great way to make your team feel valued. When you arrive at the office in the morning, come in with a smile and make sure to greet everyone personally. If possible, ask each employee about their weekend, hobby, or family. Your smile shows confidence, and asking questions shows you care; these actions will help employees feel respected and appreciated. Also, pay attention when people talk to you instead of looking at your smartphone or computer screen. When you thank employees, do it genuinely. Acknowledge them for reaching their goals or doing something special with verbal praise.
2. Create a comfortable environment
A dim and messy workplace filled with stacked boxes and piles of paper will only lower the mood. Think about brightening up the office with a new coat of paint, better lighting, or updated equipment. Another way to promote a positive atmosphere is by keeping the space clean and organized. Make sure the bathrooms are spotless and the kitchen doesn’t fill up with dirty dishes, as unclean facilities can quickly lower morale. Companies that have been in the same location for years often accumulate unnecessary paperwork, old technology, and unused furniture. Be sure to clear the clutter to keep the work environment pleasant for everyone. A shared space is a great way to create a friendly area for employees to relax and socialize. Adding a few comfortable chairs can greatly improve the atmosphere. If it fits your company’s style, consider including a foosball table, pool table, or dart board to encourage a fun setting where employees can unwind and enjoy themselves.
3. Embrace the special occasions
When you start providing things regularly for employees, they become expected – so it’s a good idea to keep treats spontaneous; that way they continue to be special occasions. Find good reasons to celebrate: successful wins, targets hit and big projects delivered. There are consequences for missing deadlines; why shouldn’t there be rewards for reaching them?
One idea is to have a “company birthday” when you can celebrate everything you’ve achieved in the last twelve months. Events don’t all have to be organised by you; create a social committee to coordinate, promote, and organize special occasions.
4. Make your employees feel valued
In the run up to the festive season there are many opportunities to make your employees feel valued. During Halloween, a fancy dress competition can be a fun way to shake things up. At Christmas time, consider writing cards to your employees, taking time to personalize each message. Include something you value about the employee or take the time to mention their family. Do people sometimes work late in your office? Surprise them by ordering in pizzas to keep up morale or offer assistance in other ways. Providing practical support is a great way to say thank you for going the extra mile. Another way to inspire good performance and make staff smile is through awarding a trophy for hard work. Some companies find that an employee award encourages celebration of hard workers and the value they bring to the company. This value can be based on revenue generation, customer feedback, or alternative metrics significant to your business.
In short, all of these tips revolve around one big idea – your employees are more likely to be productive and positive forces in the workplace if they are happy, and this happiness will be reflected in a smile. Don’t forget, there’s no way to cheat on this, people can spot a forced smile a mile off.
What tips do you have for keeping your staff’s spirits high? Have you tried any of the above ideas? What are your thoughts on making employees smile? Share your small biz diamonds in the comments section below.
This is guest post was provided by a leading human resource software provider Cezanne OnDemand – leaders in intergrated SaaS (Software as a Service)
Image credit to lululemon athletica from Flickr