The Right Attitude
We got all that information at school, but did we put it in to practice? Poor performance at work stems from a poor attitude towards work. If one person has a poor attitude to work, it can bring the whole team down. Keeping morale high and encouraging a positive vibe happens when we all focus on the good stuff and learn from the not so great work moments.
Recognise achievements regularly. Does it matter that someone didn’t make the tea for the team or turned up late again? Well yes it does matter, but getting on someone’s case about it won’t improve the situation. Understand why an individual doesn’t feel positive about their work and change that. Regularly ensure that good work is praised. A positive attitude ensures more good work will follow.
It all comes from the top ‘Boss Person’
In case you didn’t realise the productivity of a business rests on the shoulders of the boss. That’s why it’s a big responsibility. If people management isn’t your strong point, ensure that you delegate the management roll well. Your manager should be able to communicate your goals effectively when your priorities are elsewhere.
Directors can’t always be involved in day to day processes, specifically for larger businesses, but they can ensure they are well informed and make a point of checking in on groups, departments, or teams regularly.
Lead by example, work benefits should be available to increase loyalty. Different things drive different people. Keep promises, and praise teams for their work, loyalty, and commitment to each other and overall the company.
Good Health, an apple a day
Promote good health always, caring for physical and mental wellbeing provides an extra dimension to the work environment. Working well together and ensuring that people are encouraged to stay in good health keeps your team strong.
The costs of ill health are significant and fatigue leads to overall poor health. Put in place good working practices, regular breaks, health care options if possible. Encourage healthy eating and healthy options such as gym membership, free fruit, break out meetings, creative thinking every day.
Have a maximum number of hours per week and ensure people stick to it, doing long hours and weekends isn’t heroic, it’s self-defeating. Relax, recharge and do less, better focused work hours.
Tools for the job
Ensure that your team has the best possible equipment for the job, that they are trained to use the tools and that the tools are maintained. Show that you take your safety records seriously and that you care about the wellbeing of your team. Provide regular training to maintain and improve skills in the workplace.
Downsizing
Need to downsize or outsource projects to maintain tight budgets? Do so sensitively. Motivation and team morale is deflated when the team shrinks and more work must be completed by those who remain to brief external suppliers. Sell the positives, understand the mood of your team and work positively to ensure the right outcome.
Offering a four-day option may appeal to some members of staff more than a bonus? People may prove to be more effective in their role. Seeing the ‘day off’ as a reward. Find out what motivates your team and allow them to be part of the efficiency process.