It doesn’t matter if you are hiring freelancers, or you’ve managed to get into a small office. Maybe you’re expanding, and your employees are growing steadily. There comes the point where it is difficult to ensure that you get good quality face-to-face time with them all. So what can you do to make sure that your employees are productive and happy? It is important to say that while you can contribute to your employees feeling comfortable at work, and being productive, you are not responsible for their overall happiness.
Let’s take a look at a few simple things to you can implement.
Being a Good Person
It might be tempting just to say that you need to be a good employer, but being an overall good person will shine through when you come into contact with your employees. Facilitating healthy relationships within the work environment will start with you. Setting clear boundaries, working with your employees (freelance or otherwise) to ensure that they complete the responsibilities, meeting both your expectations and their own. You should take the time to create a manual, that outlines the ethos of your business, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Keep this a consistent point of reference for all employees joining your company or freelancers you will be working alongside. Communication is key.
Watered and Fed
Something that sets some employers apart is ensuring their employees are nutritionally taken care of. While it might seem like a big task to provide food for a whole office, you might like to get in touch with local catering companies and see if you can reach a great deal. Or, offer employees who take public transport or carpooling free lunches – in a bid to cut down carbon footprints. It goes without saying that you should have office water coolers, hydrated staff work much better. Fruits available in the mornings is a great way to start the day too.
Value The Work
It is easy to look at the big picture all the time. But, while you’re busy looking at the bigger picture you can miss out on the little details. In other words, take the time to recognise the contributions of each team member on a project. Work on a positive reinforcement basis. While it might be tempting to lash out or say something unkind if someone makes a mistake, all that is likely to do is leave negative feelings. Instead, keep a positive mindset and act accordingly.
Fun Things
Never underestimate the power of ‘outside of work’ events. Booking a meal every few months, celebrating birthdays, cakes days, and enjoying festive periods. Little things like this make a big difference in how people feel about a company. While many people do love to have a few drinks and relax with co-workers, it important to remember people with anxiety and the introverts.
Keeping your staff happy will ensure great work, excellent working relationships and a fantastic synergy that can’t be replicated without you leading the way.