Stress in the workplace is a primary cause of employee dissatisfaction – and a correlating decline in productivity. Can small businesses create a supportive, stress-free environment, where employees actually want to come to work?
Indeed they can.
When you run a small business, you make the rules – and you can define and adapt them to create a company culture that inspires the best work from your employees.
Need a few idea starters? Try some of the following to foster enthusiasm and sustain good morale at your office.
- Create an employee appreciation system. Have rewards on hand – perhaps $5 coffee gift cards – that coworkers give to each other when they notice another coworker doing something good.
- Devote a non-work space to your employees, a “relaxation room” that offers employees a respite from their work. When you allow your employees to take breaks, it boosts their productivity.
- Offer a discount to a nearby gym. Not only does exercise keep your employees healthy and happy, but also working out together builds a sense of camaraderie amongst coworkers.
- Volunteer together. Pick a cause that the office is passionate about, and get involved! A sense of purpose is a powerful stress-reducer, and again, will build team camaraderie. Take pictures of the “outing” and put them up in the office to remind coworkers of the fun experience they shared.
- Schedule fun activities. Whether it’s a day at a forest preserve or an afternoon of bowling, giving employees a break from work and providing them an opportunity to bond outside of work will ultimately be reflected in their overall work satisfaction and productivity.
Be cognizant of assigning workers tasks that they are not qualified to do or overqualified for. People work optimally when they feel that their skills are being put to use and challenged sufficiently. Also, make sure employees are able to give their opinion regarding workplace decisions so they feel valued by the company.
It is extremely important that your employees have the chance to earn promotions and progress within their career paths. Make sure you provide such opportunities to keep employees loyal and happy.
I’ve run a small business for nearly two decades, and have found these to be good words to live by. That said, I’d love to hear anyone else’s suggestions for fun employee outings or morale-boosting tips. Please comment and share!