Keeping Small Business Employees Happy and Motivated

Getting somebody motivated using the tools at hand to get them to work harder at their job is a handy skill. If you’re successful, your business will quickly succeed.

Make sure they see the positive side of things. A simple way to motivate your staff is to make sure they feel recognized for their work. A simple pat on the back, a small gift, or a Employee Award (such as an Employee of the Month award) could make them happy, and proud of their work. These simple gestures can boost the employee’s self-esteem and make them feel better about their job. What do you get out of this? The employee works better, trying to do their best.

Rewards for team accomplishment are also a plus. Things such as certificates, a small bonus, or even a day off are small rewards that show them they are well recognized for their work.

It’s a proven fact that the happier an employee is, the better their work is. If you want to continue to motivate them, create a workspace that the staff enjoy working in.

Here are some simple solutions to keeping staff happy:

• Make the schedule flexible, and let the staff work various schedules instead of the old-fashioned 9-to-5 workload.
• Telecommuting can also be a large help.  A lot of jobs can be done by telecommuting staff for at least a few days in a week.
• Schedule regular performance checks and give positive feedback. Make sure to state your expectations, so that they can achieve them.
• Let the staff know it’s all right to switch things up every so often. This lets them know that if they get bored with one thing, that they can work on another.
• Allow the employees to customize their workspace. This makes things more lively, and keeps them happy.
• Make means to talk during lunchtime, or create after-work events.
• Make sure that the staff knows that with good work, they could receive a promotion.
• Make it well known that you’re always available to ask a question or make a recommendation.
• Make a donation to a charity in your company’s name. This will give a good view of the company, and make staff proud to work for you.
• Talking to your employees is vital. Make sure that you’re involved with them, but respect their privacy.

Make sure that every so often you sit with your staff and get feedback. Ask what they like about their job, what they don’t like, and what they want to see changed. Also make sure that you have anonymous satisfaction surveys. This allows staff to be completely honest, and not worry about losing their jobs, and it would allow them to raise complaints/suggestions. Make sure to ask what they want in the survey as well, as this could make them more relaxed.

Five reasons your employees could become unhappy are:

• They feel that you will not listen to their problems/complaints.
• They feel as if they will never get a promotion.
• They are bored with their routine job.
• They only hear of bad feedback, and never the good.