A motivated workforce is the key to any successful small business. But how do you keep your employees motivated, especially when times are tough?
Here are a few quick, inexpensive, and potentially effective ways to boost morale and improve employee retention:
- Send weekly "Good News" emails. Too often, we focus on the negative aspects of our work. But it's important to take the time to celebrate our successes, no matter how small. A weekly email highlighting employee accomplishments is a great way to do this.
- Encourage mental breaks. Long hours and high stress levels can take a toll on employee morale. Make sure your employees take breaks throughout the day to clear their heads and recharge. This could mean going for a walk, taking a few minutes of meditation, or simply chatting with a coworker.
- Be visible. As a leader, it's important to be visible and approachable. Walk around the office, talk to your employees, and get to know them on a personal level. This will help you build trust and rapport, which are essential for motivation.
- Break the routine. Things can get stale if we do the same thing day in and day out. Shake things up by bringing in a guest speaker, hosting a team-building event, or even just changing the office décor. A little variety can go a long way in keeping employees engaged.
- Invite staff to client visits. This is a great way for employees to see the impact of their work and get a sense of the client's needs. It also gives them a chance to network and build relationships with clients.