According to recent studies, staff morale has suffered as business owners have implemented economy-based changes. In fact, in the last two years, more than 66 percent of U.S. employees have all but checked-out when it comes to workplace enthusiasm.
Part of the problem is the increased workload – a factor many employees face in absorbing duties from colleagues that were released during cost-reducing downsizing. While some owners envisioned the remaining employees would be happy just having jobs, research is showing that instead, fragmented groups of unenthusiastic workers result.
For small businesses, disengaged workers can lead to a stagnant work environment with lots of expensive turnover. Plus, productivity really takes a hit.
Some suggestions to overcome this challenge include:
• Provide Positive Reinforcement
Whether you implement a full-scale employee-recognition program or just take an employee out to lunch as a reward, find ways to acknowledge staff members for a job well done. As other employees see the positive reinforcement, it can help spur on a more engaged workforce.
• Rally around Your Vision
Business owners must take the lead on casting and communicating vision for their companies. When employees buy-in to the unique reason your salon exists (outside of turning a profit), they can become your greatest advocates. Your staff will unite when given a common purpose to rally around – so they’re all working toward the same goal.
• Include Employees in Your Processes
Nothing makes an employee feel more valued than to see his or her idea implemented on a company level. Rather than leaving your remaining employees in the dark – about the salon and weathering the economic challenges – engage them in the discussion. Brainstorm together about ways to increase business and momentum. Not only will they feel more invested, they might just come up with a killer idea to help turn the tide.
• Involve All Employees in the Discussion
Many times when a company is struggling, upper-level managers are briefed, while entry-level workers are ignored. You don’t have to divulge all your secrets, but make sure that meetings occur where employees of all levels receive direct communication of some sort. This allows supervisors to display their confidence, as well as revealing their care and concern for their charges. It’s especially helpful to share information that trouble-shoots questions those employees may be having.
Helping employees to engage isn’t rocket science – it starts with an intentional effort to notice and affirm them.
Related Articles:
Get to the Root Causes of Low Employee Morale
Maintaining Employee Morale: Reduced Hours, Layoffs, Pay Cuts
Source:
Entrepreneur: Wanted: Fully Engaged Employees
