If you run your own business, then you will be aware of how important it is to have a team of people working for you who are focused and productive. Not only does an optimistic and determined workforce create a better working environment, but it could also determine whether your business succeeds or fails. Â
One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that your employees are happy and motivated at work. If you aren’t sure how to accomplish this, then read on.Â
Provide adequate and ongoing training
Regardless of how busy you are, you must put provisions in place to ensure that every team member gets sufficient training to fulfill their role competently and accurately. Not only will this make them a lot happier, but it will also ensure that things are being dealt with correctly.Â
Although initial training is the most crucial, your business and your employees will typically benefit from ongoing training to ensure that they do not deviate from your current systems and procedures. Â
Try not to micro-manage
You obviously want your business to succeed, so you may need tabs on certain things from time to time, but you must try not to micro-manage your staff. You employed them for a reason, so you must trust that they are doing what you expect and require. You can, of course, check in on them and monitor things from a distance, but if you are in their face constantly, it’s likely to demotivate them and create a rather miserable atmosphere. If, for any reason, they are not doing things as you would expect, then by all means step in, but try where possible to give them the responsibility to do their job.Â
Office furniture
If your employees are sitting on chairs that are not fit for purpose, using make-shift desks, or working in a cramped, untidy space, they may not feel particularly motivated or happy. Ergonomic office chairs are designed with posture and comfort in mind and should make your staff far less prone to back pain and other office-related joint or muscle injury. For more info, take a look at this comparison of the best ergonomic office chairs. Â
Ensure that desks are the recommended height and provide each member of staff adequate space to work. The tidier the office is, the more likely they are to be productive, so be organized, purchase alternative furniture where necessary, and focus on creating a welcoming and comfortable working environment.  Â
Set Targets
Targets give your employees something to strive for and can do wonders to boost motivation.Â
Although targets shouldn’t be a walk in the park, you must ensure they are realistic and achievable, or they could work against you rather than in your favor. Where sales or monetary targets are not feasible due to an employee’s role, why not set and monitor KPIs instead?Â
Many people are driven by money, so offering a financial bonus when goals are achieved is a great idea and should keep your employees focused on the task at hand. Otherwise, alternative gestures such as a bottle of champagne, vouchers, or even a night out for your whole team will let them know that their hard work is appreciated. Â
Make sure workloads are evenly distributed
If some of your employees have very little to do while others are running around feeling there aren’t enough hours in the day, animosity can start to build, so you must keep an eye on this and find a balance. There may, of course, be nothing you can do about it as people will be carrying out different functions in your organization but if it’s a problem that has a resolution, find it as soon as you can. Â
Provide feedback
There is nothing nicer than being commended for your hard work, so if you don’t typically give feedback to your employees, it’s time you started. It’s a great way to boost confidence, and you may also notice an increase in productivity and drive. Although you should also provide feedback if something isn’t up to scratch, either do so separately or get it out of the way first and be sure to end the conversation on a positive note.  Â
Be sociable
Getting to know your employees on a personal level is a great way to motivate them and make them feel happier in the working environment. It shows them that they are more than just a number and that you are interested in them as a person. Â
If you don’t typically go out as a team, then why not arrange to take them out for dinner or a few drinks after work on occasion. You obviously can’t be intrusive and don’t want things to become too personal, but the odd night out once in a while won’t do any harm and is a great way to promote good teamwork.   Â
Ask for opinions
Involving your employees and asking for opinions and feedback is another great way to make them feel happy and motivated at work. They are likely to know their job way better than you, so they might have great ideas or thoughts on how things can be improved or adjusted. It will also help them feel involved and make them more eager to be proactive in the future. Â
Systems and procedures
We spend most of our time at work, so if there is no structure or things seem chaotic, it’s unlikely that anyone will be particularly motivated or enthusiastic about going to work each day. That’s why efficient and well-thought-out systems and procedures are so important. Â
If your existing systems and procedures are non-existent or have no structure, you must address this as soon as possible. Procedures manuals are a great way to ensure that everyone is working towards the same result and will provide continuity and increased efficiency to any business regardless of size. The better your systems and procedures are, the more likely your business will thrive. Â
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.Â
