Crafter’s Companion founder and Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies with some useful tips on keeping a happy workforce…
Your workforce is one of the single biggest assets to your business, so keeping employees happy and productive is a must if you want to drive success.
It’s a two-way street for an employer – for your staff, a healthy workplace means a flexible and pleasant atmosphere where their talents will be nurtured and valued, but for you it also means a lower staff turnover and reduced levels of stress, leading to fewer sickness absences – a win-win all round.
An approachable ethos and open-door policy will help to see your employees, and your business, thrive.
Clear communication is key to this, so that your employees will not only know what is required of them, but know what is expected of staff and management throughout the company.
An up-to-date employee handbook and provision of regular one-to-one meetings might seem unnecessary in a very small company with a less formal structure, but it’s best practices like these that will facilitate the flow of information and feedback that will prove so valuable over time.
Another way to ensure high levels of staff wellbeing and retention is to make them feel valued with plenty of positive reinforcement.
Personally showing your appreciation when projects are completed or targets are hit, whether that’s with a small bonus or just a simple thank you, will keep motivation levels high.
Similarly, celebrating wins with your workforce will help them to feel a part of the company’s successes and foster a spirit of teamwork.
Whether it’s a staff party, meals out or a token box of chocolates, your employees will value being included in the company’s achievements.
Encouraging a fun environment and ensuring you have the chance to work together on a shared goal outside of work, such as raising money for a chosen charity, will also help your employees to have a sense of belonging and to enjoy their working hours.
YOU are the key to a happy workforce, and you’ll find that your positivity and approach to teamwork will pay dividends.
Sara Davies MBE
Founder, Crafter’s Companion
And star of BBC Two’s Dragon’s Den