Communication, setting goals and expectations, and training employees wisely can help promote small business growth
Employees are one of the most important business resources available. But like many other business resources, they saw a tough time during the recession, and are still struggling to return to baseline even though the economy has begun to recover.
Anxiety about job security, reduced benefits or salary freezes, and higher workloads left over from laid-off colleagues have all impacted employee satisfaction, productivity, motivation and morale, which is why small business owners should make recognizing and motivating employees a priority in the new year, wrote one human resources expert.
David Javitch, organizational psychologist and president of organizational consulting firm Javitch Associates, wrote in Entrepreneur magazine's Employee Management column that creating a healthy and motivational environment for employees does not have to require extensive investment - it is just a matter of setting goals and expectations, communicating frequently, and training employees wisely.
Setting goals and expectations does not apply just to employees, though it is important to tell workers what they are expected to do and how their work will be evaluated, Javitch wrote. Setting goals and expectations also applies to the small business owner, who needs to share his or her goals for the company with employees to create a cohesive and productive corporate culture.
It can also be helpful to walk around the office and have more in-depth conversations with employees, instead of just passing them in the hallway.
"One at a time, find out what they need, what they like, what they dislike, and what makes their job challenging and rewarding," Javitch wrote. "You will gain new insights about what it's like to work for your company."
Javitch also advised small business owners to use training as a way to bond with employees and to help them grow and develop, instead of using a "sink or swim" strategy. The right kind of training inspires confidence in employees, not fear of failing, he noted.
"When employees feel confident about their skills, they will easily be more productive, motivated, satisfied and successful," Javitch wrote. "And during [training], let them know that you are there to support them and are willing to back them up in times of difficulties."
Investing in employee morale and productivity is one of the keys to small business growth, the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agrees recently advised, telling Canadian small business owners to focus on improving internal communications.
