It is an indisputable fact that not all small businesses are created equal, either in terms of their standing or the market that they operate in. So although many may have prospered in the wake of the recent economic recovery, this sudden and pronounced growth has created additional issues for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Intensified competition between brands provides a relevant case in point, as this often leaves companies competing fervently for a diminishing share of the market. Should you ever find your business in this position, it is important to note that small and seemingly insignificant details can have a huge impact on your future growth.
With this in mind, what are the small and practical steps that can enable you to boost workplace morale and productivity? Consider the following ideas: –
Move away from Traditional Rewards and Punishment
Historically, there have been numerous examples of businesses that have strived to reward and sanction employees through traditional methods. While offering inflated salaries and implementing a stringent code for workplace behaviour may benefit some, however, it is less effective in an age where employees are increasingly motivated by unique and diverse factors. So rather than attempting to reward and punish your staff according to their conduct, strive to create a culture of empowerment in the workplace and afford each employee the flexibility to manage their professional development.
Create a Comfortable Working Environment
Whether you employ one or one hundred members of staff, you will be required by law to create a compliant and comfortable workplace for your team. This often demands a significant investment, and it can be all too tempting to implement minimal changes that barely meet the necessary requirements. If you are to create a genuinely empowering workplace, however, you will need to go beyond your basic requirements and ensure that your staff members are as content and productive as possible at all times.
A good way of achieving this is to invest in a high quality air conditioning system, as employees can then remain cool during the summer and resist the debilitating impact of heat and humidity. Firms such as Pure Air Conditioning offer a number of effective and competitively priced systems, so this is a good place to start when entering the marketplace.
Create a Culture of Respect and Collaboration
We have already discussed the benefits of creating a culture of empowerment in the workplace, and this starts by fostering a genuine sense of trust, respect and collaboration between individuals and teams. If you have a workplace where each employee respects one another and their unique, individual goals, it is far more likely that people will collaborate and work together in the pursuit of success.
It is also important that each team member respects their colleagues as individuals, as this will build trust and ensure that your business benefits from interdependent relationships. Over time, a culture of respect and collaboration will optimise the performance of each individual and the business as a whole.