Employees are the driving force behind any great business. As the owner, however, it is your responsibility to help them unlock their full potential. Creating the right culture can have a huge influence on productivity and general output. Here are 7 simple ways to improve the culture of your company and lead your team to success.
By Team Savant
Image: Antoine Gravier
Build Workspaces Aligned With Employee Needs
First and foremost, all employees deserve a workspace that actively allows them to deliver optimal output. Finding a suitable location for your chosen work premises is an ideal starting point, not least because it can help the company’s image.
When it comes to designing individual workspaces, a custom office can provide many benefits for workers. Aside from using the space in a more dynamic way, it encourages increased employee satisfaction. Even if workspaces aren’t fully customised, items like personal photos can brighten up the area. If they’re happier, they’ll work better.
Many workspaces, such as shop floors or factories, will be shared by multiple employees. In this instance, you must ensure that the space works for everyone. Accessibility is a particularly important feature. Without it, you’ll instantly restrict your team.
Keep All Workspaces Clean & Organised
Designing a great workspace feels like a triumph. However, true success comes from maintaining a positive work culture. So, taking great care of all working environments is another responsibility that you must instantly embrace.
A cluttered workspace will cause delays as employees search for items. An unclean one can increase staff illness while also harming their motivation. Commercial cleaners are perfectly positioned to keep all workspaces in good health. Better still, this allows employees to stay focused on their primary jobs.
Professional cleaning also delivers superior results. Not least when it extends to cleaning air con filters. It can also be scheduled at a time to cause minimal disruption to your teams. It’s also one less thing for you to worry about as a boss. Perfect.
Embrace Their Human Needs
Treating employees as people is an effective way to help them before better professionals. When they are physically healthy and mentally happy, workers have a strong foundation. The first thing you should do is pay them fairly as it reduces stress and helps them live better.
A host of staff perks, such as gym memberships of flexible schedules, may be used too. It shows that they are valued as people, which gives employees an extra incentive to work. Simple additions like a water cooler, coffee machine, or TV for the staff room can take things to an even greater level. After all, employees need moments to reset.
In addition to supporting them on a daily basis, you should focus on issues like mental health. It could mean using a chaplain or creating a feedback loop in which employees can reach out for help. Addressing problems quickly prevents escalation.
Invest In the Right Tech Features
Technology continues to play an increasingly important role in modern business landscapes. Therefore, you must learn to introduce and integrate the best features. With the right tools, workers are able to increase productivity and reduce the frequency of mistakes.
Cloud-based software is always a wise move, not least because it means you’ll always have the latest version. Meanwhile, using automated tools can improve everything from manufacturing to data-driven marketing campaigns. Admin tasks like customer care can benefit from chatbot tools too, thus reducing the demands on human agents. This lets them focus elsewhere.
Tech features can extend to advanced point-of-sale terminals. They can facilitate smoother transactions, using many payment types, and open the door to mobile payments. This allows sales teams to gain conversions away from the cash register.
Support Employees With Regular Training
You have already invested heavily in assembling a great team. Unfortunately, they will be unable to produce the best outcomes if they are not able to grow. Continued development is a vital ingredient in the recipe for building the strongest workforce. Do not forget it.
Some business owners worry that upskilling will encourage employees to leave. However, a worker who is able to progress and ultimately gain promotions internally is more likely to stay. A low staff turnover rate combined with improved productivity is a winning combo. Not least because it allows your company to stay ahead of the competition at all times.
Meanwhile, you should not forget that you have hired experts in their fields. They have a far better understanding of the latest developments in their fields. Listen to their advice or consider giving them an annual budget to invest in personal development.
Facilitate Better Collaboration
Supporting individual productivity is one thing, but supporting the collective output is another. Clear communication and smooth collaboration will take the company to a whole new level. Better still, it feeds into the process of building a positive workplace culture.
Again, technology can help thanks to the use of project management tools and team messaging Apps. Meanwhile, organising team away days and other forms of team building can work wonders. A mindset shift in which you allow colleagues to enjoy a little recreational talk will also strengthen their bonds. As long as it doesn’t become distracting, it’s ideal for collaboration.
When the team works together, there will be fewer mistakes and delays. When combined with the improved atmosphere enjoyed by every member of the team, it truly transforms the firm. Ensure smooth onboarding and integrations for new team members and you’ll never look back.
Remove The Distraction Of Safety Fears
Finally, there is nothing more distracting for an employee than not feeling safe at work. Outside threats from intruders or criminals can play on a worker’s mind. Investing in the right security features for the building, as well as cybersecurity features, should be a priority.
Health and safety fears can become an even bigger problem. All workspaces should be fitted with the appropriate safety alarms and additional features. This may include machinery that switches off automatically in a factory. Or fire doors, electrical safety rescue hooks, and extinguishers. All safety products should be tested and serviced regularly too.
Meanwhile, all employees should be taught about potential dangers. When supported by clear protocols and regular training, such as fire safety drills, they will feel safer. Better still, it can save lives and reduce damage to the business in emergency situations.