As a manager, it is important to keep the atmosphere in the workplace positive. Having a positive work environment can keep your employees happy and satisfied with work, as well as increase the productivity of your company. These tips along with some explanations, are simple and with the practice of applying these tips in the work environment, your employees can feel better about whom they work for.
RECOGNIZE THE POSITIVES NO MATTER HOW SMALL
Everyone likes to be recognized for their accomplishments by their superior. This global study provides a more in-depth look at recognition influencing better business and morale. A simple “thank you” or “good job” can go a long way. When you notice and acknowledge work accomplishments by an employee, it shows you care and are aware of how hard they are working. This can motivate the employee and others as well to work even harder. Even though “thank you” and “good job” are basic manners we are taught when we were growing up, people tend to forget or just don’t take the time to notice. Some things don’t even have to be work related. For example, if an employee had a birthday recently, you could wish them a happy birthday, or simply send an email to the staff letting them know it is his/her birthday. This can apply to someone who recently got marriage or someone just recently had a child as well. Basically, use something small to make someone’s day at work more enjoyable. In the end, it could make your job easier as well.
PROVIDE THE CHANCE FOR SOME DOWN TIME
Everyone knows work can be boring and stressful at times. To help make work more tolerable and pleasant, you could provide some reasonable down time. For example, on Fridays after a long work week, some companies let their employees leave a couple hours early. Others will occasionally have a small celebration after a long work week. Some companies provide snacks or have cafeterias or other benefits their employees can enjoy. While no company is the same in terms of hours, type of work, etc., use your best judgement to determine what you can do for your employees that is reasonable.
GET TO KNOW YOUR STAFF
As mentioned earlier, everyone likes to be recognized for their accomplishments, that being said, knowing about your staff can give them that sense of appreciation. This gives them an image of you that shows that you care about your employees. While it is important that you know them, it is equally important to try and remember those things about them. Remember, you want to show you care. Your employees will be just as amazed if you remember whatever fact they told you about themselves. Of course the more employees you have the harder this gets. Try your best with it and apologize when you make a mistake.
BE FIRM, YET EMPATHETIC
While it is good to apply the three tips mentioned earlier, try not to get complacent. Meaning, creating a positive image of yourself as a manager does not mean you should overlook the importance of work and the company. There will be times where you may have to make decisions where the company comes before the employee. This is where you have to be firm and clear about your decisions, but empathize with your employees about why the decision has to be made. Try not to just exclude your employee about your decision and leave them wondering “why”. The least you could do is to give them the best explanation you can or try and provide them some sort of compensation if possible.
LISTEN TO YOUR EMPLOYEES
Nobody knows everything and while there may be a certain way to do a job, there could be a more effective way that you have not discovered, but a fellow employee has. Take the time to listen to ideas your employees have. Allow them to embrace their creative side and it could possibly benefit the company and make your life easier as well. If their idea isn’t beneficial or more productive, let them know why. Just saying “no” and not providing any reason makes you seem like you don’t care about anything that employee has to say.
Key Takeaways:
Recognition is important no matter how small and can greatly affect employees
If possible, allow for some down time
Show you care by getting to know your staff
Be empathetic when you have to make tough decisions
Listen to your employees because it may be better for you and the company
