The importance of workplace culture cannot be underestimated. When employees are comfortable, feel supported, and enjoy coming to work every day, they’re more productive and more likely to stay with your company longer. Jobseekers are finding that benefits like flex-time, autonomy, and the ability to work from home are becoming the norm and no longer a rare perk. If your company isn’t prioritizing employee happiness and engagement, you’re about to get left in the dust. Here are four simple ways to improve the workplace culture.
Communicate more
Let your employees know what your goals are, both for individual workers and for the company as a whole. When they see that their actions matter and have an impact on the company’s bottom line, they’re more likely to value their every task and action a little bit more. If you have the chance, have your employees meet some of your customers, so they can see who they’re producing for and why quality is so important. A lot of times, putting a face to a name helps your workers to feel more invested and engaged, knowing that their work benefits someone, not just an arbitrary customer.
Give employees more control
Manufacturing schedules can sometimes be rigid, but if you can grant some control to your employees, they’ll feel valued and will appreciate the power they have to make choices. Maybe you can let them choose their schedules, pick their days off, or even which tasks they’re responsible for at each shift. Though the procedures and responsibilities might seem tedious or mundane, adding a little variety or freedom for your employees is a nice perk.
Make employees feel valued
Let your employees know that their opinions and viewpoints matter. Validate their concerns and address them as best you can. Show your workers how each task and each role contributes to the wellbeing of the whole company. When they know that their work matters, they’re likely to take a little more care with it. If you have the means, invest in their career advancement. Offer to sponsor workshops or seminars or any other type of professional development for your employees. And when you can, treat them. Bring in breakfast or coffee, host a happy hour, or celebrate when you meet a team goal.
Be available and engaged
If you’re sitting around waiting for your employees to feel engaged, you need to show that you’re engaged—that your work matters as do the people around you. Aside from showing an interest in your employees, be approachable. Have an open door policy and listen to your employees concerns with respect. Offer them feedback and constructive criticism and listen to their questions. Remember that it’s your job to hold them accountable and to develop their skills in an effort to help them advance their careers.
For more tips on improving your workplace culture, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh