Creating A Better Working Environment For Your Team
Most entrepreneurs will be familiar with the old adage, ‘a happy team is a productive team.’ As an employer, it pays to make an effort to ensure that your team is firing on all cylinders. In this guide, we’ll discuss some steps you can take to create a better working environment for your employees.
Communication and engagement
One of the best places to start when striving to create a healthier, happier working environment is to champion communication and engagement. Speaking and listening are integral to building strong, cohesive teams, but it’s also crucial to understand the importance of opening up channels of communication between employers and employees. One of the primary benefits of employee engagement is gathering ideas and suggestions from your team and encouraging people to share opinions and raise concerns. If you have a culture that actively promotes and facilitates open communication and you urge people to get involved in discussions, you can work together to build on strengths and address weaknesses. Creating opportunities for everyone to speak will also help you to promote inclusivity and help those who might find it difficult to get their voice heard to increase their confidence. A great way to do this is by sending out a weekly virtual employee newsletter listing any recent developments or news within the company. This will provide both an easy way for employees to access information, but also a way to respond digitally too.
Health and wellbeing
Employee health and wellbeing is a subject of hot debate at the moment. Studies suggest that stress levels are rising, and many employees are either adjusting to working from home or getting used to the idea of going back to work. Employers should be aware of the potential challenges and obstacles their employees face, and they should take steps to protect health and enhance wellbeing. If you run a business, talk to your team about issues that could be impacting their physical or mental health and try to implement measures to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and lower risks related to stress and poor mental health. Manage workloads, encourage employees to work smarter to manage their time effectively, and make the working day more enjoyable. Working long hours without breaks can hamper productivity and impact morale. Allow your team to take short breaks to socialize, get some fresh air and stretch the legs and make time for fun. Going for lunch or a drink after work from time to time or having a dress-down day for charity or a party to celebrate a deadline or deal can lift the spirits, for example.
Development
The way we feel about our jobs can have a major bearing on productivity and satisfaction. As an employer, it’s hugely beneficial to motivate your employees and encourage them to fulfil their potential by providing opportunities to learn and develop. Studies suggest that opportunities to progress are more important than salary for many employees. If your employees feel like they are stuck in a rut, they’ve been at the same level for years, or there are no options but to move sideways, you may find that their productivity falls, they don’t enjoy their job and they’re reluctant to commit to the company. Look into training courses and options, support staff members who want to move up the ladder and take the time to talk to individuals about their ambitions and goals.
Rewards
Most of us would admit that we try harder if there is an incentive. From an early age, we respond to applause or a prize, and this drives us to perform better or behave in a certain way through our childhood and adult years. At work, it’s natural to put in more effort if there is a lot at stake, or there is a carrot dangling in front of you. If you run a business, it’s important to reward hard work and effort and to keep your team motivated. From financial bonuses to a congratulatory email, there are all kinds of ways you can reward your employees and ensure that they feel valued. If people feel like they never get a shout out, or it’s been years and they haven’t received a single bonus or gift, they might feel like working hard is not worth their while. Always ensure that your team feels appreciated. Even small, simple gestures can go a long way.
Every employee wants to feel comfortable, relaxed and happy when they go to work. There may be days that are tough or frustrating, but as an employer, it’s crucial to try to ensure that you create the best possible working environment for your team. If you’re on a mission to boost morale, champion wellbeing and increase productivity, communicate and engage with your employees, use feedback and ideas, prioritize mental and physical health and support those who are eager to progress.
